9 Pillar Web page Examples (And Learn how to Make Yours Simply as Nice)

What Is a Pillar Web page?

A pillar web page is a webpage that gives an in depth overview of a broad matter.

It’s referred to as a “pillar” web page as a result of it supplies foundational data of the subject. Which different pages referred to as “cluster pages” will develop upon whereas protecting related subtopics.

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

Like so:

This manner, readers can be taught extra about the principle matter 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 among the greatest pillar web page examples.

Forms of Pillar Pages

There are three broad classes of pillar pages:

1. “Information” pillar pages purpose to offer an total information to a subject. They could 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].”
2. “What-is” pillar pages give attention to defining a subject and offering its background context. For instance, aside from answering the query “What’s [topic],” a what-is pillar web page may additionally clarify how the subject’s underlying ideas have been derived. Or, the historical past behind it.
3. “How-to” pillar pages clarify how one can do one thing in relation to the subject. They usually embrace step-by-step directions. How-to pillar pages may additionally embrace diagrams and movies to facilitate the dialogue.

There’s some overlap between every pillar web page kind.

For instance, information pillar pages usually embrace explanations of “what’s” and “how one can.” 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 an alternative, focus your efforts on discovering key phrases value creating pillar pages for—and constructing high-performing content material pillars round.

Learn how to Discover Pillar Web page Key phrases

Semrush’s Key phrase Magic Instrument will help you discover broad key phrases for pillar pages.

Launch the device 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’ll get an inventory of potential pillar web page key phrases.

On this instance, the Key phrase Magic Instrument 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
• Learn how to meditate: Might be the key phrase for a how-to pillar web page explaining how one can meditate

You too can refine the key phrase record utilizing the filters on the high of the device.

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:

• Learn how to meditate: Might be the key phrase for a how-to pillar web page explaining how one can 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 observe 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 change 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 probably boosting your site visitors and rankings.

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

Enter your pillar web page key phrase into the device 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 device 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 Subject Analysis device may also assist you to generate an inventory of pillar web page subtopics.

Launch the device 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 matter 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 matter
• The questions folks have been asking about this matter
• Associated searches for the subject

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

9 Prime Pillar Web page Examples

Let’s have a look at 9 excellent examples of pillar pages—three from every pillar web page kind—value 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 house owners ought to learn about getting a pet, like:

• How to decide on a pet
• Learn how to puppy-proof their house
• Forms 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 continuously 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 provides them an thought of the web page’s comprehensiveness beforehand.

Predominant takeaways:

• Present solutions to FAQs in your pillar web page. These solutions may also seem because the solutions to the “Folks 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, in accordance with our 2020 PAA web optimization research.
• Embrace photographs to make your web page extra visually fascinating. And maintain readers’ consideration for longer. (However since photographs typically 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 might must learn it in full. And assist them determine whether or not your web page supplies the extent of element they’re in search of.

2. “Information to Pottery Methods: Every thing You Have to Know” by Gathered

Gathered collaborated with skilled 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 be taught from it:

And every desk of contents heading is a soar 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 strategies:

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

Predominant takeaways:

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

3. “Rock Climbing Fundamentals: Getting Began” 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 soar 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 writer and contributing skilled. Which discuss their rock-climbing expertise.

Whereas on the high, you’ll see that the web page has gotten lots of of opinions—resulting in an total constructive overview of 4 out of 5 stars.

This acts as social proof that many others have discovered the information helpful. Suggesting that you’ll, too.

Predominant takeaways:

• Hyperlink to a glossary in case your pillar web page comprises technical phrases readers might 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 consumer opinions and testimonials.

Examples of What-Is Pillar Pages

4. “Native web optimization: What Is It & Learn how to Do It” by Semrush

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

After explaining what native web optimization is, the web page goes into associated subjects that folks fascinated by native web optimization may additionally need to know. Like:

• Why native web optimization is necessary
• How native web optimization works
• Learn how to do native web optimization
• Native web optimization 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 soar 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 matter 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 web optimization.

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

Predominant takeaways:

• Outline the topic of your what-is pillar web page in the beginning of it. Don’t bury this clarification additional down the web page or make it tough to search out.
• After defining the topic, present readers with associated data they might discover helpful. Each on the pillar web page and by way of 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 an alternative 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 primary audience is laypeople fascinated by 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 must change into one. Plus, the work environments and salaries they will anticipate.

Reside Science rounds off its pillar web page with further sources for finding out engineering or working in that area. To assist potential future engineers with their profession objectives.

Predominant takeaways:

• When explaining a subject spanning many subtopics, present a broad definition of it first—earlier than defining its numerous subtopics
• Know your audience. So you may present related data catering to their needs and wishes

6. “What Is Quick Style 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 purpose of furthering its objective to cease the observe.

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 higher 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. In order that they catch the reader’s consideration. And hold them hooked.

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

And the web page ends by offering sources for readers who need to know the way they will help cease the quick vogue development.

These sources embrace:

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

Predominant takeaways:

• Format your content material in a method 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 may very well be studying different sources you’ve linked to. Or testing your services or products.

Examples of How-to Pillar Pages

7. “Learn how 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 must take.
• A concise dialogue on the subject
• Hyperlinks to different pages. For readers to be taught extra about totally different features 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 high helps readers soar to sure steps. As an alternative 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 primary content material.

So, the desk of contents exhibits solely the primary 5 steps. Earlier than hiding the remaining with a “Present Extra” hyperlink.

Predominant takeaways:

• Phrase a few of your how-to pillar web page headings as actions. Like “Join an account” as an alternative 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. “Learn how to Document a Podcast (It’s Simpler Than You Suppose!)” 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 tough. In case they’ve by no means accomplished it earlier than and assume the method will likely be robust.

The web page then covers three primary features of podcast recording—planning, gear, 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 protecting the principle matter of how one can file a podcast, the web page will get into associated subjects. Like:

• Learn how to file a podcast in the identical room as your visitor
• Whether or not you may add music and sound results to your podcast recording

Predominant takeaways:

• Make your pillar web page title compelling and click-worthy. Use energy phrases and phrases that enchantment 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 primary matter. To handle different issues readers might have.

9. “Learn how to Plan a Wedding ceremony” by Brides

Brides has put collectively an inventory of 44 bite-sized suggestions for {couples} eager to plan their marriage 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 ideas embrace 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 method, 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 not too long ago.

Predominant 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 one of the best practices from these pillar web page examples to make your personal pillar pages simply as helpful.

Instruments like Key phrase Magic and Subject Analysis may also assist you to discover the correct key phrases and subjects on your pillar pages and cluster pages.

Strive them at no cost by signing up for a Semrush account.