Content Clusters

Content clusters are groups of thematically related posts or articles that support a main topic page, also known as pillar content.

A topic cluster model organizes content pages to create a more structured and targeted site architecture. This organizational strategy focuses on clustering related articles together around specific topics, rather than spreading loosely related or unrelated content across multiple pages of a site.

Google and other top search engines have changed their algorithms to favor content that is more topic-oriented.  This is because content clusters that are tightly woven around specific topics are easier for Google to locate and serve up in response to increasing  users’ queries, compared to content that is loosely organized. The result is easier search and indexing for Google, and better search results for users.

To fully understand what topic clusters are, it helps to understand what pillar content is, as the two are interrelated and dependent on one another.

Pillar vs. Cluster Content

A pillar page is a central page that covers a topic in depth and links to cluster content. It performs the following five essential functions:

1. Explaining the topic concerned in depth as well as covering a wide sweep.

2. Acting as a taxonomical anchor depending on the type of pillar strategy being used i.e. taxonomy tags vs. pages etc.

3. Aiding user navigation towards the most important themes of the overarching topic

4. Provide consistency and efficiency in your editorial efforts

5. Development of topical authority around the pillar topic by publishing a lot of related content.