Pillar pages are literally the pillars of your website's content. They help you build a strong foundation of interconnected topic clusters that can amplify your SEO efforts.
A topic cluster is a set of related topics connected by a broader term. And pillar pages are in-depth knowledge resources on that broad term that link to the blogs from the topic cluster.
With pillar pages, you can implement a strategy for interlinking that is foolproof and helps readers find relevant, useful information about a certain topic.
Pillar pages make it easier for search engines like Google to understand your website content better. They are a search engine-friendly way of targeting all possible keywords in a meaningful and user-friendly manner.
In this subtopic blog on pillar pages, we will kickstart things with a quick recap of what makes a good pillar page and dive into five unique pillar page inspirations and what to learn from them.
Let’s begin.
Content pillar page best practices
Content pillars can be tricky.
You may find yourself stuck in the middle of a pillar page draft thinking, ‘Was this topic really pillar-worthy?’
Don’t worry. We have all been there.
There is no standard answer to ‘What is a good pillar page?’ But here are a few factors that will ensure the success of your pillar page.
Choose a broad, evergreen topic
When selecting a pillar page topic, a good idea is to start with topic clusters. Create a list of related topics and identify the one common broad topic that can connect all of them. That one is almost always a good pillar page topic.
The topic you choose for your pillar page must be broad enough to allow you to create and link to separate blogs or subtopics.
Make it easily skimmable
Users should be able to skim through your content and find a subtopic to take a deep dive into. Use simple formatting tools like bolding, italics, headings, and underlines to draw attention to important information.
If it's a quote, format it in italic, and use double quotes. If it's a list, use bullet points. The goal is to help users read a few lines and get the gist of the content in that section of the pillar page.
Focus on being user-friendly
A good user experience is a crucial aspect of creating successful pillar pages. Explore different UI/UX aspects to make the pillar page more user-friendly.
For example, adding a "quick access" table of contents is a common practice that makes pillar pages more user-friendly.
If you cannot do that, consider including a simple numbered bullet-point table of content with jump links at the start. It's a classic way to help users find what interests them most.
Concise yet comprehensive
Pillar pages have to walk a thin line. You must be comprehensive enough to give a basic understanding of the subheading but concise enough to leave them wanting more.
The goal is to nudge readers into visiting links to other blogs on your website by naturally introducing keyword-loaded anchor texts in your content.
Sprinkle internal links throughout
The most important thing about pillar pages is that they can link to other pages on your site. A good pillar page gives SEO professionals many opportunities to naturally place links to other blogs and web pages on the site.
Your pillar page should, therefore, be peppered with internal links. If there’s a need, you may also include external links to credible sources.
For more information, you can refer to this blog on pillar page best practices.
Now that you have a fair understanding of what a good pillar page is, let’s look at a few pillar page examples.
Content pillar page example 1: The keto diet for beginners by Diet Doctors
This evidence-based pillar page on the keto diet is an ideal example to start with. It covers a broad topic like the keto diet in great depth with a mix of text, images, and videos. From the definition of keto to detailed meal plans, the information on this pillar page is enough to convert anybody into a keto enthusiast.
What we like about the page
- A handy menu right below each heading
The first thing that stands out on this pillar page is the unique use of menus. From the H1, ‘A keto diet for beginners,’ to every other H2, they have created a menu for each section.
This approach enhances the accessibility of the exhaustive content on this pillar page.
- Key takeaways on the right-hand side
To help readers looking for actionable information quickly, they have included a ‘Key takeaways' section on the right. This is a good example of interlinking on pillar pages.
- Use of the catchphrase ‘Evidence Based’
Establishing trust is the most important aspect of pillar pages. Doctor Diet has done this beautifully by including the phrase ‘Evidence based’ along with the writer’s credentials.
One glance to the right of the screen, and you instantly know that the information on this pillar page is trustworthy.
- Easy-to-understand structuring
The keto diet blog follows a simple structure. It introduces the subtopic, explains it briefly, and provides a summary at the end of the section with relevant links.
The entire pillar page consists of small paragraphs, making it easy for visitors to read through.
- Great mix of text and images
Diet Doctors has generated a commendable mix of different types of content on this pillar page, including infographics, diagrams, videos, recipes, and meal plans. You will find engaging and interactive visual elements at regular intervals throughout.
For example,
- Videos
- Images/Infographics
- Visual guides
- Downloadable content
- Links out to every possible piece of information
Throughout the pillar page, Diet Doctors has not missed an opportunity to link to separate blog posts for more information on the topic.
What you can learn
- Accessibility is a crucial element of successful pillar pages.
- You must strive to create a mix of engaging visual elements wherever possible.
- Link to relevant blog posts at every opportunity.
Content pillar page example 2: Learn Japanese | A ridiculously detailed guide by TOFUGU
This pillar page is by far the most comprehensive guide to the Japanese language on the internet. The TOFUGU pillar page follows a linear structure. It includes the table of contents as a separate section right after the introduction.
What we like about the page
- Table of content at the start
Including a TOC at the top is a good way to enhance the content’s accessibility. It also acts as a good starting point for returning visitors as they can directly pick up their reading from where they left off the last time.
- Progress bar at the top
As learning a new language requires consistent effort, the progress bar at the top acts as a motivating factor for the reader. The bar keeps moving as you advance through the pillar page.
- Goes from 0 to intermediate-level Japanese
The guide is a helpful resource for everyone. Even if you already have basic knowledge from a previous learning stint, you can easily find an appropriate starting point on this pillar page.
- Has quotes in between to motivate continued learning
The TOFUGU guide motivates readers at regular intervals by using interesting quotes in the text.
These quotes not only act as motivation but also give the reader some breathing space.
- Comic-style infographics
Another thing to notice is the comic-style infographics they have used across the pillar page.
These images set the tone for the section while educating the reader.
- Gives necessary information at the start
The guide helps readers with the necessary information like estimated learning time for effective learning right at the start of the section.
By informing readers of the estimated learning time and the prerequisite knowledge required for effective learning, TOFUGU sets the right expectations.
Pillar pages that inform readers about things like reading time and suggested pre-reading create an honest impression on visitors.
What you can learn
- Whenever you select a topic for your pillar page, be sure that it can be covered in great detail.
- Set the right expectations for the reader right at the start by providing them necessary information (information that can help them make a decision).
- Interlink as much as possible to blog posts with useful and actionable information.
Content pillar page example 3: The anatomy of a SaaS marketing site by SaaS DNA Project
The SaaS DNA Project pillar page about SaaS marketing is an exhaustive research-based pillar page that provides findings from original research on more than 40 SaaS websites. It is a great example of how original research can empower your pillar pages.
What we like about the page
- Simple UI/UX
The UI/UX of this pillar is simple, clear, and easy to use. The page kickstarts things by giving a little background about the research and the researcher, along with a table of contents.
- Sticky header menu for quick navigation
As soon as you scroll past the introduction, you will notice a sticky header with the TOC of the pillar page. Quick-access menus like this make it easier for readers to navigate between sections of the pillar page.
- Guide download option
The ‘Download the Guide’ option is a great way to insert a lead form on your pillar page.
The option leads visitors to this short form, which they can fill out and get a copy of the pillar page for free.
- Details the research methodology
Educating readers about the research method is a great way to establish trust. The SaaS DNA Project has done a good job of explaining the research method behind this pillar page in a separate section or appendix.
- Easily shareable
The menu with social share tabs on the left of the pillar page is an ideal way to promote audience advocacy.
What you can learn
- Create pillar pages with a quick access menu for easy navigation.
- Give the option to download the ebook or other resource by filling out a short lead-generating form.
- Make your pillar page promotable by including a social media sharing options.
Content pillar page example 4: How to create a content style guide by iMPACT
The ‘How to Create a Content Style Guide’ from iMPACT is a great pillar page example. The page is in a DIY format, covering everything about creating a content style guide with relevant links to reading material and simple images.
What we like about the page
- Sets out clear expectations at the beginning
The content pillar starts by addressing a few basic questions like ‘What you’ll learn?’ and ‘Who is this guide for?’
Setting the right expectations for the reader is an ideal way to inform visitors of what kind of information they will get on the pillar page.
- Sticky menu at the top
The sticky menu at the top is a good way to enhance the accessibility of the different sections of the pillar page. iMPACT has taken this a step further and added a quick download form in the header.
Instead of a linear flow, this quick access menu at the top helps readers jump to different sections without scrolling a lot.
- Introduces the author in a separate section
While it is not a must-have, introducing the authors behind the pillar page humanizes the content for readers.
You are likely to think, “Liz Moorehead looks like a trustworthy person from the author description. Great, let’s give them a chance and read the pillar page.”
- Download a copy option
We like how iMPACT has included a download section on the page with a single-field form. This is also a great way of building an email list for upcoming newsletter campaigns.
- Chapter-wise delineation of content
Pillar pages are generally a learning resource for visitors. A chapter-wise format for the table of content gives the reader an interactive menu to decide where to start.
Depending on their level of knowledge, they can start from any chapter.
- Clear section breaks between chapters
The pillar page has proper section breaks with big blocks of titles at the start of every chapter. This helps in improving the readability of the content.
- Has a featured section for additional pillar page content
The pillar page includes suggested reading for more information with an attractive design and engaging subheadings at regular intervals.
In addition, the content pillar also has internal links within the text wherever possible. iMPACT has left no chance of linking in this pillar page.
- Simple images
One important aspect of this pillar page is the simple yet informative images. iMPACT has created very simple images to help readers better understand the concepts on the pillar page.
What you can learn
- Give visitors an easy way to navigate your pillar page.
- Pillar pages can help you build an email list by including a quick download form.
- Use headings as breaks between different sections.
- Introduce relevant blogs with a featured reading section.
- Simple images can also have a great impact on your content.
We hope these examples spark some creativity for your pillar page content.
For your reference, here is a useful Scalenut blog on the types of pillar pages you can create to boost traffic.
More content pillar page examples
The following are a few more content pillar page examples for your better understanding—
Example 1:
Imagine you are a marketing manager for a travel expense management software company. You want to create a pillar page on travel expense management. Here is what a travel expense management software pillar page would look like.
The goal is to create a pillar page that gives a detailed overview of the broad topic and links to supporting blogs on other subtopics.
Example 2:
Let’s take another example. This time you are trying to market an eCommerce clothing store development. You want to attract people interested in developing eCommerce store for their brand. A pillar page on the topic of eCommerce clothing stores would look something like this:
Again, the goal is to give a detailed overview of eCommerce clothing stores and link to supporting blogs about the subtopics of an eCommerce clothing store.
Feel like taking a deep dive into pillar pages? Check out this comprehensive Scalenut resource on what is pillar page and how they help with SEO ranking.
How Scalenut can help in creating pillar and topic clusters
Scalenut is a content marketing and SEO platform that helps SEO professionals create content pillar strategies and execute them with stellar content.
With tools such as a Topic Cluster Generator by Scalenut, you can find keyword clusters for your seed key term and target location. Based on those, you can come up with comprehensive topic and subtopic ideas that form the foundation of a successful content strategy.
When it comes to creating content, the Scalenut Cruise Mode (an AI Blog Writer) is the fastest way to create content on any given topic within minutes.
For more in-depth blogs on SEO best practices, you may refer to the exhaustive collection of Scalenut blogs.
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