Glossary
What is a pillar page?
A pillar page is a broad page that covers a whole topic at a high level and links to detailed cluster pages for each subtopic. It targets the main, broad search for the topic and acts as the hub of a content cluster. Category and hub pages often play this role.
What it contains
- A clear overview of the topic and why it matters.
- A short section on each subtopic, linking to its full page.
- Original data or a summary table where possible.
- Navigation to related pillars.
Pillar vs cluster page
| Pillar | Cluster page | |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Whole topic | One subtopic |
| Depth | Overview | In depth |
| Target search | Broad | Specific |
| Links | To every cluster page | To pillar and siblings |
Example
Our directory category pages, such as the AI tool directories list, work as pillars: they summarise the category with numbers and link to each directory's full profile, which links back.
Common mistakes
- Making the pillar a thin list of links with no substance of its own.
- Repeating the full content of cluster pages, which causes cannibalisation.
- Forgetting to link new cluster pages from the pillar.
FAQ
How long should a pillar page be?
Long enough to cover every subtopic briefly; detail goes on cluster pages.
Can a pillar page be a list?
Yes. Category hubs and ranked lists often work well as pillars.
Should pillars be in the main navigation?
Usually yes; they're your most important topic pages.
Can a glossary hub be a pillar?
Yes. A glossary hub that links every term in a category acts as a pillar for that topic.