TL;DR: Topic Cluster Model = pillar page on broad topic + cluster pages on sub-topics, interconnected. Builds topical authority. Works for HCU-era SEO.
Structure
One pillar page (broad) + 10-20 cluster pages (specific):
Pillar: SEO Complete Guide
├─ Cluster: Keyword Research
├─ Cluster: On-Page SEO
├─ Cluster: Technical SEO
├─ Cluster: Link Building
├─ Cluster: Content Marketing
└─ ...Pillar Page
- 3,000-5,000 words.
- Comprehensive overview.
- Links to all clusters (table of contents).
- Each section = summary of cluster.
Cluster Pages
- 1,500-3,000 words each.
- Deep dive on sub-topic.
- Links back to pillar.
- Links to related clusters.
Internal Linking
- Pillar → all clusters.
- Cluster → pillar.
- Cluster → related clusters (natural).
Benefits
- Topical authority.
- Better internal linking.
- User journey clearer.
- Discovery improves.
How to Build
- Pick broad topic.
- Keyword research. find sub-topics.
- Map 10-20 clusters.
- Write pillar first (or last).
- Write clusters gradually.
- Internal link aggressively.