9 Pillar Page Examples (And How to Make Yours Just as Great)

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 gives foundational data of the subject. Which different pages referred to as “cluster pages” will broaden upon whereas overlaying related subtopics.

The pillar web page additionally hyperlinks to the cluster pages—and vice versa—to assist readers broaden their data of the general subject cluster.

Like so:

This manner, readers can be taught extra about the primary subject as an entire. Regardless of whether or not they began by studying a pillar web page or a cluster web page.

Let’s take a look at three sorts of pillar pages you possibly can create, together with a number of the finest pillar web page examples.

Varieties of Pillar Pages

There are three broad classes of pillar pages:

1. “Information” pillar pages purpose to offer an general information to a subject. They might reply basic 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].”
2. “What-is” pillar pages deal with defining a subject and offering its background context. For instance, aside from answering the query “What’s [topic],” a what-is pillar web page can also clarify how the subject’s underlying ideas have been derived. Or, the historical past behind it.
3. “How-to” pillar pages clarify tips on how to do one thing in relation to the subject. They typically embody step-by-step directions. How-to pillar pages can also embody diagrams and movies to facilitate the dialogue.

There may be some overlap between every pillar web page kind.

For instance, information pillar pages typically embody explanations of “what’s” and “tips on how 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 building high-performing content pillars round.

How one can Discover Pillar Web page Key phrases

Semrush’s Keyword Magic Tool may help you discover broad key phrases for pillar pages.

Launch the software and sort a broad key phrase associated to your area of interest into it. Choose the nation from which you need to see outcomes, then click on “Search.”

You’re going to get a listing of potential pillar web page key phrases.

On this instance, the Key phrase Magic Software suggests key phrases like:

• Meditation: Could possibly be the key phrase for a information pillar web page on meditation
• Meditation music: Could possibly be the key phrase for a information pillar web page on meditation music
• How one can meditate: Could possibly be the key phrase for a how-to pillar web page explaining tips on how to meditate

You can too refine the key phrase record utilizing the filters on the prime of the software.

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:

• How one can meditate: Could possibly be the key phrase for a how-to pillar web page explaining tips on how to meditate (as talked about earlier)
• What’s meditation: Could possibly be the key phrase for a what-is pillar web page explaining what meditation is. And the way the apply happened.
• What’s transcendental meditation: Could possibly 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 out to be 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 probably boosting your visitors and rankings.

Get concepts for pillar web page subtopics by researching key phrase clusters in Semrush’s Keyword Overview software.

Enter your pillar web page key phrase into the software and choose “US” because the database from which you need to get outcomes. Then click on “Search.”

Scroll down the “Overview” web page and click on “View all clusters” to get key phrase clusters on your pillar web page key phrase.

The software will show the key phrase clusters in a brand new browser tab. Make an observation of people who appear like good pillar web page subtopics.

Semrush’s Topic Research software can even aid you generate a listing of pillar web page subtopics.

Launch the software and sort your pillar web page key phrase into the search bar. Choose the nation from which you need to see outcomes, then click on “Get content material concepts.”

You’ll see numerous playing cards with associated subject concepts on your pillar web page key phrase. Together with the search quantity for his or her related key phrases.

Click on any card to be taught:

• The headlines of articles others have written about this associated subject
• The questions individuals have been asking about this subject
• Associated searches for the subject

All of those can present inspiration for pillar web page subtopics.

9 Prime Pillar Web page Examples

Let’s take 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 Owner’s Guide to Caring for a New Puppy” by Petcube

This information pillar web page gives important data that first-time homeowners ought to find out about getting a pet, like:

• How to decide on a pet
• How one can puppy-proof their house
• Varieties of pet provides they’ll want
• Fundamental pet coaching instructions
• Frequent 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 ceaselessly requested questions (FAQs) on pet possession.

The web page additionally consists of pictures of cute puppies!

These pictures 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 offers them an thought of the web page’s comprehensiveness beforehand.

Foremost takeaways:

• Present solutions to FAQs in your pillar web page. These solutions can even seem because the solutions to the “Folks Additionally Ask” (PAA) questions on Google’s search engine results pages (SERPs)—and get nice visibility there. Seventy-five p.c of PAA outcomes are discovered throughout the prime three outcomes on the SERPs, according to our 2020 PAA SEO study.
• Embrace photographs to make your web page extra visually attention-grabbing. And maintain readers’ consideration for longer. (However since photographs usually have bigger file sizes, compress them. In order that they don’t take too lengthy to load.)
• Show your pillar web page’s estimated learn time to let readers know the way lengthy they could have to learn it in full. And assist them determine whether or not your web page gives the extent of element they’re searching for.

2. “Guide to Pottery Techniques: Everything You Need to Know” by Gathered

Gathered collaborated with skilled potter Katrina Pechal to supply this information pillar web page on pottery-making.

A desk of contents on the prime of the web page tells readers what they will be taught from it:

And every desk of contents heading is a leap hyperlink that leads guests to its respective content material part when clicked.

Sprinkled all through the web page are photographs and video embeds that assist illustrate numerous pottery methods:

The web page additionally recommends locations the place budding potters can entry supplies and kilns. To begin making their very own ceramics.

Foremost takeaways:

• Embrace insights from specialists in your pillar web page. To extend the worth the web page presents to readers. Particularly for those who aren’t a specialist within the subject your self.
• Add leap hyperlinks—often known as anchor links—to assist readers simply skip to the subjects on the web page they’re extra fascinated about
• Illustrate ideas utilizing photographs and movies if these assist get the purpose throughout extra simply than textual content explanations

3. “Rock Climbing Basics: Getting Started” by REI Knowledgeable Recommendation

REI’s information pillar web page on mountain climbing fundamentals breaks down the method of getting began with the game in 5 steps.

The web page summarizes these steps within the introduction, with leap hyperlinks to their respective discussions on the web page. And it features a hyperlink to a helpful glossary for readers unfamiliar with mountain climbing phrases.

The dialogue on mountain climbing gear hyperlinks out to devoted gear guides for readers to be taught 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 mountain climbing, 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 creator and contributing skilled. Which speak about their rock-climbing expertise.

Whereas on the prime, you’ll see that the web page has gotten a whole bunch of evaluations—resulting in an general optimistic 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 incorporates 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 creator’s expertise, experience, authority, and trustworthiness (E-E-A-T). Lastly, incorporate components of social proof, like person evaluations and testimonials.

Examples of What-Is Pillar Pages

4. “Local SEO: What Is It & How to Do It” by Semrush

This what-is pillar web page defines native search engine marketing on the outset to satisfy the search intent for its “what’s native search engine marketing” goal key phrase instantly.With out making customers learn fluffy, filler introductions.

After explaining what native search engine marketing is, the web page goes into associated subjects that individuals fascinated about native search engine marketing can also need to know. Like:

• Why native search engine marketing is essential
• How native search engine marketing works
• How one can do native search engine marketing
• Native search engine marketing 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 leap to totally 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 be taught extra about these subjects.

The web page additionally demonstrates how readers can use Semrush’s instruments to enhance their native search engine marketing.

Which drives consciousness of them. And encourages account sign-ups.

Foremost takeaways:

• Outline the topic of your what-is pillar web page firstly 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 could discover helpful. Each on the pillar web page and through the related assets you’ve linked to.
• If the web page options your services or products, present how these can remedy 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 predominant target market is laypeople fascinated about science. And a few individuals on this viewers could also be aspiring engineers.

So, Reside Science’s what-is pillar web page gives data on the {qualifications} they’ll have to turn out to be one. Plus, the work environments and salaries they will anticipate.

Reside Science rounds off its pillar web page with additional assets 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 numerous subtopics
• Know your target market. So you possibly can present related data catering to their needs and desires

6. “What Is Fast Fashion and Why Is It So Bad?” by Good on You

Good on You’s pillar web page offers readers an in-depth look into quick vogue. With the purpose of furthering its purpose to cease the apply.

The web page first explains what quick vogue is for readers new to the idea. It then gives background data on quick vogue’s evolution over time for higher context.

And it shares suggestions for recognizing quick vogue manufacturers in record type for straightforward studying.

Good on You additionally shows particularly compelling data on quick vogue as giant block quotes. In order that they catch the reader’s consideration. And maintain them hooked.

The group hyperlinks to different articles on its web site for readers to be taught extra in regards to the ideas it has mentioned.

And the web page ends by offering assets for readers who need to know the way they may help cease the quick vogue pattern.

These assets embody:

• Different associated articles on sustainable vogue (which is the alternative of quick vogue)
• Suggestions of sustainable clothes manufacturers readers can store with

Foremost takeaways:

• Format your content material in a means 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 assets you’ve linked to. Or trying out your services or products.

Examples of How-to Pillar Pages

7. “How to Start a Business 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 be taught extra about totally different elements of the subject.

The web page orders the steps logically—they’re within the sequence readers might want to comply with to get their enterprise off the bottom.

A desk of contents on the prime helps readers leap 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 predominant content material.

So, the desk of contents reveals solely the primary 5 steps. Earlier than hiding the remaining 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 attain their goal.
• Current the steps in your how-to pillar web page sequentially. Ranging from the very starting. Then, constructing upon what readers have accomplished in earlier steps.

8. “How to Record a Podcast (It’s Easier Than You Think!)” 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 Suppose!”

To reassure readers that recording a podcast isn’t troublesome. In case they’ve by no means accomplished it earlier than and assume the method will likely be powerful.

The web page then covers three predominant elements of podcast recording—planning, gear, and software program.

Other than offering explanations in textual content type, 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 overlaying the primary subject of tips on how to document a podcast, the web page will get into associated subjects. Like:

• How one can document a podcast in the identical room as your visitor
• Whether or not you possibly can add music and sound results to your podcast recording

Foremost takeaways:

• Make your pillar web page title compelling and click-worthy. Use power words and phrases that attraction to feelings, like “It’s Simpler Than You Suppose!,” “Free,” and “Tried-and-Examined.”
• Reply questions associated to your how-to pillar web page’s predominant subject. To deal with different issues readers could have.

9. “How to Plan a Wedding” by Brides

Brides has put collectively a listing of 44 bite-sized suggestions for {couples} desirous to plan their wedding ceremony.

Every tip is numbered “# of 44” to assist readers know the way far alongside they’ve gotten on the web page. Particularly because the record is lengthy.

The information embody hyperlinks to associated articles.

There’s additionally an infographic with Brides’ prime 5 wedding ceremony planning tricks to summarize the important issues {couples} ought to find out about planning a marriage. In a visually interesting means, too.

And spot how Brides states the date it up to date the web page:

This manner, 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 just lately.

Foremost takeaways:

• Give readers a way of their progress by way of the dialogue to encourage 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 colour 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 the most effective practices from these pillar web page examples to make your personal pillar pages simply as beneficial.

Instruments like Keyword Magic and Topic Research can even aid you discover the suitable key phrases and subjects on your pillar pages and cluster pages.

Strive them without cost by signing up for a Semrush account.