Pillar Page Blog Post Template
Pillar Page Blog Post Template
A pillar page is intended to be the authoritative resource for a given topic on the
internet. While some blogs are instructional how-to guides or lists of incredible
examples, a pillar page should be the ultimate guide that any reader would ever
need to know about a topic...ever.
You can support a pillar page with other related blog posts that link out to this pillar
page, known as “cluster” posts. (Quick note: if this pillar-cluster model is new to
you, learn all about what it is and how the HubSpot team rolled it out it on our blog
here.)
Your pillar pages should be the most in-depth writing you’ve ever compiled on a
subject on your blog to date. This is because you’ll have multiple places on the post
to work in your keyword and backlink from reputable sources, showing search
engines you’re the place to point to for a given topic.
If you think the pages will be longer than your usual posts, you’re right – one of
HubSpot’s pillar pages takes an estimated 45 minutes to read! However, that’s
definitely an outlier. Your pillar page length, pending on the depth of the subject
matter, can range anywhere from 2,000 - 5,000 words. Because of this length, it’s
recommended that you include at least one piece of interactive content in your
pillar page – such as an embedded video or social media post – to break up this
text-heavy post.
Here are a few examples of pillar pages we’re proud of here at HubSpot. You may
notice that we linked to all of the other blog posts we wrote in this topic cluster –
something you should do, too.
Introduction
Lead into the post with a short 100-200 word introduction. Be sure to highlight:
Keep in mind – the bank below contains suggested sections. If you believe your
pillar page needs a section that is not listed below, you should absolutely include it.
You’ll also notice a prompt at the end of each section to link to a supporting cluster
post. For example, if you’re writing The Ultimate Guide to Cooking and include a
section about cooking pizza, you may want to link to your blog post about Italian
food in that section to strengthen your on-page and website SEO. These pages
should be hyperlinked naturally at some point in the body of that section.
What is [Term] (and Why Does it Matter)?
Some readers might be new to what you’re writing about. Obviously, if what you’re
writing about is well-known, you can skip the definition and head straight to why it
matters.
Explaining why the term or concept matters is important for the reader to
understand how to do or use what it is you’re writing about. Talk about the personal
and/or business implications of understanding, employing, or using the topic you’re
writing about.
Terms to Know
List out and define a few of the key terms pertaining to your topic, especially if
they’re mentioned elsewhere in the post.
# Examples of [Term]
Proof points are immensely helpful for readers. Let’s say you’re covering the topic
of product placement. This section could include 5 - 10 videos of product placement
in film and television so readers can see the idea of it in action.
It’s important to be clear, concise, and accurate in the steps you provide your
reader. Any extra “fluff” to the article may confuse someone, resulting in some
readers not achieving the results they intended.
Analyzing [Term]
If your topic pertains to business or businesses, give an overview of how and why to
analyze your topic and how to differentiate between good and bad in the results of
that analysis.
Call-to-Action
Last but not least, place a call-to-action at the bottom of your blog post. This should
be to a lead-generating piece of content or to a sales-focused landing page for a
demo or consultation.