What Is a Pillar Web page?
A pillar web page is a webpage that provides an in depth overview of a broad subject.
It’s referred to as a “pillar” web page as a result of it supplies foundational information of the subject. Which different pages referred to as “cluster pages” will develop upon whereas masking related subtopics.
The pillar web page additionally hyperlinks to the cluster pages—and vice versa—to assist readers broaden their information of the general subject cluster.
Like so:
This fashion, readers can study extra about the primary subject as a complete. Regardless of whether or not they began by studying a pillar web page or a cluster web page.
Let’s have a look at three sorts of pillar pages you may create, together with a number of the greatest pillar web page examples.
Forms of Pillar Pages
There are three broad classes of pillar pages:
- “Information” pillar pages intention to supply an general information to a subject. They might reply normal questions like “What’s [topic],” “How does [topic] work,” “How are you going to get began with [topic],” and “What are suggestions for doing [topic].”
- “What-is” pillar pages concentrate on defining a subject and offering its background context. For instance, other than answering the query “What’s [topic],” a what-is pillar web page may clarify how the subject’s underlying ideas have been derived. Or, the historical past behind it.
- “How-to” pillar pages clarify the way to do one thing in relation to the subject. They usually embody step-by-step directions. How-to pillar pages may embody diagrams and movies to facilitate the dialogue.
There’s some overlap between every pillar web page kind.
For instance, information pillar pages usually embody explanations of “what’s” and “the way to.” Which “what-is” and “how-to” pillar pages respectively additionally cowl—although normally in additional element.
So, we suggest not getting hung up on forcing your content material into anyone pillar web page kind.
As a substitute, focus your efforts on discovering key phrases price creating pillar pages for—and constructing high-performing content material pillars round.
Easy methods to Discover Pillar Web page Key phrases
Semrush’s Key phrase Magic Software might help you discover broad key phrases for pillar pages.
Launch the instrument and kind a broad key phrase associated to your area of interest into it. Choose the nation from which you wish to see outcomes, then click on “Search.”
You’ll get an inventory of potential pillar web page key phrases.
On this instance, the Key phrase Magic Software suggests key phrases like:
- Meditation: Might be the key phrase for a information pillar web page on meditation
- Meditation music: Might be the key phrase for a information pillar web page on meditation music
- Easy methods to meditate: Might be the key phrase for a how-to pillar web page explaining the way to meditate
You may also refine the key phrase record utilizing the filters on the high of the instrument.
For instance, choose “Broad Match” to see key phrases which can be variations of your preliminary key phrase.
And click on the “Questions” tab to get key phrases within the type of questions. Like:
- Easy methods to meditate: Might be the key phrase for a how-to pillar web page explaining the way to meditate (as talked about earlier)
- What’s meditation: Might be the key phrase for a what-is pillar web page explaining what meditation is. And the way the follow happened.
- What’s transcendental meditation: Might be the key phrase for a what-is pillar web page explaining the idea of transcendental meditation
Discovering Pillar Web page Subtopics for Cluster Pages
After creating your pillar web page, construct cluster pages on related subtopics.
Doing so creates a subject cluster. Which helps your web site turn into the one-stop, go-to useful resource for data in your area of interest.
In flip, getting you extra eyeballs on and backlinks to your web site. And doubtlessly boosting your site visitors and rankings.
Get concepts for pillar web page subtopics by researching key phrase clusters in Semrush’s Key phrase Overview instrument.
Enter your pillar web page key phrase into the instrument and choose “US” because the database from which you wish to get outcomes. Then click on “Search.”
Scroll down the “Overview” web page and click on “View all clusters” to get key phrase clusters to your pillar web page key phrase.
The instrument will show the key phrase clusters in a brand new browser tab. Make a remark of those who seem like good pillar web page subtopics.
Semrush’s Matter Analysis instrument may enable you to generate an inventory of pillar web page subtopics.
Launch the instrument and kind your pillar web page key phrase into the search bar. Choose the nation from which you wish to see outcomes, then click on “Get content material concepts.”
You’ll see varied playing cards with associated subject concepts to your pillar web page key phrase. Together with the search quantity for his or her related key phrases.
Click on any card to study:
- The headlines of articles others have written about this associated subject
- The questions folks have been asking about this subject
- Associated searches for the subject
All of those can present inspiration for pillar web page subtopics.
9 High Pillar Web page Examples
Let’s have a look at 9 excellent examples of pillar pages—three from every pillar web page kind—price taking notes from as you create your personal.
Examples of Information Pillar Pages
1. “A First-Time Proprietor’s Information to Caring for a New Pet” by Petcube
This information pillar web page supplies important data that first-time homeowners ought to learn about getting a pet, like:
- How to decide on a pet
- Easy methods to puppy-proof their house
- Forms of pet provides they’ll want
- Primary pet coaching instructions
- Widespread new pet proprietor errors
Every web page part consists of hyperlinks to different articles with extra detailed data on associated subjects:
And on the backside of the web page are solutions to continuously requested questions (FAQs) on pet possession.
The web page additionally consists of images of cute puppies!
These images catch the reader’s eye. And entice them to proceed studying.
In any case, readers will know the web page will take them roughly 11 minutes to learn. As seen from the web page’s estimated learn time:
Which in flip provides them an thought of the web page’s comprehensiveness beforehand.
Foremost takeaways:
- Present solutions to FAQs in your pillar web page. These solutions may seem because the solutions to the “Individuals Additionally Ask” (PAA) questions on Google’s search engine outcomes pages (SERPs)—and get nice visibility there. Seventy-five % of PAA outcomes are discovered inside the high three outcomes on the SERPs, based on our 2020 PAA search engine optimisation examine.
- Embody photos to make your web page extra visually attention-grabbing. And maintain readers’ consideration for longer. (However since photos typically have bigger file sizes, compress them. So that they don’t take too lengthy to load.)
- Show your pillar web page’s estimated learn time to let readers understand how lengthy they might have to learn it in full. And assist them determine whether or not your web page supplies the extent of element they’re searching for.
2. “Information to Pottery Strategies: All the pieces You Must Know” by Gathered
Gathered collaborated with knowledgeable potter Katrina Pechal to provide this information pillar web page on pottery-making.
A desk of contents on the high of the web page tells readers what they will study from it:
And every desk of contents heading is a bounce hyperlink that leads guests to its respective content material part when clicked.
Sprinkled all through the web page are photos and video embeds that assist illustrate varied pottery strategies:
The web page additionally recommends locations the place budding potters can entry supplies and kilns. To start out making their very own ceramics.
Foremost takeaways:
- Embody insights from specialists in your pillar web page. To extend the worth the web page gives to readers. Particularly when you aren’t a specialist within the subject your self.
- Add bounce hyperlinks—also called anchor hyperlinks—to assist readers simply skip to the subjects on the web page they’re extra keen on
- Illustrate ideas utilizing photos and movies if these assist get the purpose throughout extra simply than textual content explanations
3. “Rock Climbing Fundamentals: Getting Began” by REI Professional Recommendation
REI’s information pillar web page on mountaineering fundamentals breaks down the method of getting began with the game in 5 steps.
The web page summarizes these steps within the introduction, with bounce hyperlinks to their respective discussions on the web page. And it features a hyperlink to a useful glossary for readers unfamiliar with mountaineering phrases.
The dialogue on mountaineering gear hyperlinks out to devoted gear guides for readers to study extra about every merchandise:
REI has additionally taken steps to enhance its web page’s credibility.
The web page hyperlinks to different authoritative web sites on mountaineering, just like the American Mountain Guides Affiliation and the Skilled Climbing Guides Institute.
And on the backside of the web page are the biographies of its writer and contributing knowledgeable. Which discuss their rock-climbing expertise.
Whereas on the high, you’ll see that the web page has gotten a whole lot of opinions—resulting in an general constructive evaluation of 4 out of 5 stars.
This acts as social proof that many others have discovered the information helpful. Suggesting that you’ll, too.
Foremost takeaways:
- Hyperlink to a glossary in case your pillar web page accommodates technical phrases readers could not perceive
- Sign your web page’s credibility by linking readers to different authoritative web sites on the subject. And highlighting the web page writer’s expertise, experience, authority, and trustworthiness (E-E-A-T). Lastly, incorporate parts of social proof, like person opinions and testimonials.
Examples of What-Is Pillar Pages
4. “Native search engine optimisation: What Is It & Easy methods to Do It” by Semrush
This what-is pillar web page defines native search engine optimisation on the outset to meet the search intent for its “what’s native search engine optimisation” goal key phrase immediately.With out making customers learn fluffy, filler introductions.
After explaining what native search engine optimisation is, the web page goes into associated subjects that folks keen on native search engine optimisation may wish to know. Like:
- Why native search engine optimisation is essential
- How native search engine optimisation works
- Easy methods to do native search engine optimisation
- Native search engine optimisation instruments
The web page places these subjects in a “sticky” desk of contents that stays in place even because the reader scrolls down. To assist the reader conveniently bounce to completely different sections from any a part of the web page.
The web page makes use of brief paragraphs to enhance readability.
And it consists of “Additional studying” hyperlinks on the finish of sure subject sections. So customers can study extra about these subjects.
The web page additionally demonstrates how readers can use Semrush’s instruments to enhance their native search engine optimisation.
Which drives consciousness of them. And encourages account sign-ups.
Foremost takeaways:
- Outline the topic of your what-is pillar web page at the beginning of it. Don’t bury this clarification additional down the web page or make it troublesome to search out.
- After defining the topic, present readers with associated data they might discover helpful. Each on the pillar web page and through the related sources you’ve linked to.
- If the web page options your services or products, present how these can clear up the reader’s ache factors. As a substitute of merely itemizing their options.
5. “What Is Engineering?” by Reside Science
This web page by Reside Science explains what engineering is. Ranging from a broad overview of engineering as an idea, adopted by breakdowns of various kinds of engineering.
The web page additionally hyperlinks to guides to every engineering kind for customers to learn extra about them.
Reside Science’s most important audience is laypeople keen on science. And a few folks on this viewers could also be aspiring engineers.
So, Reside Science’s what-is pillar web page supplies data on the {qualifications} they’ll have to turn into one. Plus, the work environments and salaries they will anticipate.
Reside Science rounds off its pillar web page with additional sources for learning engineering or working in that discipline. To assist potential future engineers with their profession targets.
Foremost takeaways:
- When explaining a subject spanning many subtopics, present a broad definition of it first—earlier than defining its varied subtopics
- Know your audience. So you may present related data catering to their needs and wishes
6. “What Is Quick Vogue and Why Is It So Unhealthy?” by Good on You
Good on You’s pillar web page provides readers an in-depth look into quick vogue. With the intention of furthering its objective to cease the follow.
The web page first explains what quick vogue is for readers new to the idea. It then supplies background data on quick vogue’s evolution over time for larger context.
And it shares suggestions for recognizing quick vogue manufacturers in record kind for straightforward studying.
Good on You additionally shows particularly compelling data on quick vogue as giant block quotes. So that they catch the reader’s consideration. And hold them hooked.
The group hyperlinks to different articles on its web site for readers to study extra in regards to the ideas it has mentioned.
And the web page ends by offering sources for readers who wish to understand how they might help cease the quick vogue pattern.
These sources embody:
- Different associated articles on sustainable vogue (which is the other of quick vogue)
- Suggestions of sustainable clothes manufacturers readers can store with
Foremost takeaways:
- Format your content material in a manner that helps maintain the reader’s curiosity. Like utilizing block quotes to emphasise quotes or key factors. And lists to current data in bite-sized chunks.
- Inform readers what they need to do after studying your web page. This could possibly be studying different sources you’ve linked to. Or trying out your services or products.
Examples of How-to Pillar Pages
7. “Easy methods to Begin a Enterprise in 15 Steps” by NerdWallet
NerdWallet’s pillar web page lists the 15 key steps for beginning a enterprise.
Every step consists of:
- A transparent, descriptive heading. Phrased as an motion readers have to take.
- A concise dialogue on the subject
- Hyperlinks to different pages. For readers to study extra about completely different features of the subject.
The web page orders the steps logically—they’re within the sequence readers might want to observe to get their enterprise off the bottom.
A desk of contents on the high helps readers bounce to sure steps. As a substitute of scrolling and studying the web page in full.
However itemizing all 15 steps could make the web page look too intimidating to learn. And crowd out the web page’s most important content material.
So, the desk of contents exhibits solely the primary 5 steps. Earlier than hiding the remainder with a “Present Extra” hyperlink.
Foremost takeaways:
- Phrase a few of your how-to pillar web page headings as actions. Like “Join an account” as a substitute of “Why you want an account.” So readers know what they should do to realize their goal.
- Current the steps in your how-to pillar web page sequentially. Ranging from the very starting. Then, constructing upon what readers have achieved in earlier steps.
8. “Easy methods to Document a Podcast (It’s Simpler Than You Assume!)” by The Podcast Host
The title of this how-to pillar web page on recording a podcast consists of the phrase “It’s Simpler Than You Assume!”
To reassure readers that recording a podcast isn’t troublesome. In case they’ve by no means achieved it earlier than and assume the method might be powerful.
The web page then covers three most important features of podcast recording—planning, tools, and software program.
Other than offering explanations in textual content kind, the web page features a YouTube video on the identical topic. To cater to visible learners.
All through the web page’s contents are hyperlinks to guides that cowl sure subjects in additional element.
After masking the primary subject of the way to report a podcast, the web page will get into associated subjects. Like:
- Easy methods to report a podcast in the identical room as your visitor
- Whether or not you may add music and sound results to your podcast recording
Foremost takeaways:
- Make your pillar web page title compelling and click-worthy. Use energy phrases and phrases that attraction to feelings, like “It’s Simpler Than You Assume!,” “Free,” and “Tried-and-Examined.”
- Reply questions associated to your how-to pillar web page’s most important subject. To deal with different considerations readers could have.
9. “Easy methods to Plan a Marriage ceremony” by Brides
Brides has put collectively an inventory of 44 bite-sized suggestions for {couples} desirous to plan their marriage ceremony.
Every tip is numbered “# of 44” to assist readers understand how far alongside they’ve gotten on the web page. Particularly because the record is lengthy.
The ideas embody hyperlinks to associated articles.
There’s additionally an infographic with Brides’ high 5 marriage ceremony planning tricks to summarize the important issues {couples} ought to learn about planning a marriage. In a visually interesting manner, too.
And spot how Brides states the date it up to date the web page:
This fashion, readers know when the web page was final up to date. Which may instill confidence in its freshness, relevance, and usefulness if it had been up to date lately.
Foremost takeaways:
- Give readers a way of their progress by means of the dialogue to inspire them to learn to the tip. Like how Brides has marked its suggestions as “# of 44.” Or including a progress bar to the highest of the web page.
- Use customized infographics and diagrams so as to add shade to your pillar web page. And clarify ideas extra visually.
- Present your pillar web page’s last-updated date. To sign to readers how present its dialogue is.
Begin Creating Your Personal Pillar Pages
Undertake one of the best practices from these pillar web page examples to make your personal pillar pages simply as useful.
Instruments like Key phrase Magic and Matter Analysis may enable you to discover the proper key phrases and subjects to your pillar pages and cluster pages.
Strive them without spending a dime by signing up for a Semrush account.