Glossary
Pillar Page
A comprehensive page that covers a broad topic and links to related cluster content.
Definition
A pillar page is a long-form piece of content that broadly covers a core topic and links to multiple related 'cluster' pages that go deep on specific subtopics. Together, a pillar page and its cluster content form a 'topic cluster' — an architecture strategy that signals topical authority to search engines.
Why It Matters
Topic clusters and pillar pages help establish topical authority. When a site comprehensively covers a topic through a pillar page linking to multiple cluster articles, Google recognizes it as a credible, authoritative source.
Examples
Pillar page'The Complete Guide to SEO Writing' (broad topic, ~4,000 words)
Cluster page'How to Write the Perfect Meta Description' (deep dive on one subtopic)
Cluster page'Keyword Density: What It Is and Why It Matters'
Common Mistakes
Creating a pillar page without building the surrounding cluster content.
Failing to interlink cluster pages back to the pillar page.
Writing pillar pages that are too thin.
Choosing a topic that is too narrow for a pillar page.