Glossary · Content
Content cluster
Definition. A content cluster is a group of pages covering one topic completely: a pillar page defining the subject and spoke pages each handling a single sub-question, all interlinked. It is the structural unit of topical authority.
Clusters fail for one of two reasons: spokes that overlap, which causes cannibalization, or spokes that never link back, which leaves the pillar unsupported.
The planning question for each spoke is what unique question it answers that no sibling answers. If you cannot state it in a sentence, the spoke should not exist.
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Related terms
Topical authority
Topical authority is the degree to which a site is treated as a comprehensive source on a subject, built…
Internal linking
Internal linking is the practice of linking between pages on your own site. It distributes ranking…
Keyword cannibalization
Keyword cannibalization happens when several pages on the same site target the same query and intent, so…
Pillar page
A pillar page is the central page of a content cluster: a broad, definitive treatment of a topic that…
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Frequently asked questions
What does Content cluster mean?
A content cluster is a group of pages covering one topic completely: a pillar page defining the subject and spoke pages each handling a single sub-question, all interlinked. It is the structural unit of topical authority.
Why does Content cluster matter for AI SEO?
Clusters fail for one of two reasons: spokes that overlap, which causes cannibalization, or spokes that never link back, which leaves the pillar unsupported.
What is the most common mistake with content cluster?
The planning question for each spoke is what unique question it answers that no sibling answers. If you cannot state it in a sentence, the spoke should not exist.
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