# Pillar Page > Creates comprehensive pillar pages (3,000+ words) that serve as content hubs linking to related cluster content. Use when building an SEO topic cluster strategy with a cornerstone page. - Skill: `reaperinvest/pillar-page` (Agent Skill) - Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add reaperinvest/pillar-page` - Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/reaperinvest/pillar-page/raw - Safety review: pending - Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex - Category: Marketing & Growth - Author: reaperinvest (https://skillmd.com/u/reaperinvest) - Updated: 2026-09-22 - Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/reaperinvest/pillar-page --- # Pillar Page ## When to Use This Skill Use this skill when you need to: - Write a comprehensive pillar page (3,000-5,000 words) that covers a broad topic - Build a content hub that links to related cluster blog posts - Create a cornerstone piece designed to rank for a competitive, high-volume keyword - Establish topical authority through a single, definitive resource **DO NOT** use this skill for regular blog posts (use blog-post skill), landing pages, or short-form content. This is for long-form, hub-style pillar pages. --- ## Core Principle A PILLAR PAGE ANSWERS EVERY MAJOR QUESTION ABOUT A TOPIC IN ONE PLACE — IT IS THE PAGE YOU WOULD BOOKMARK IF YOU COULD ONLY SAVE ONE RESOURCE. --- ## Phase 1: Brief ### Required Inputs | Input | What to Ask | Default | |-------|------------|---------| | **Pillar topic** | "What broad topic should this page comprehensively cover?" | No default — must be provided | | **Target keyword** | "What primary keyword should this page rank for?" | No default — must be provided | | **Cluster content** | "List existing or planned blog posts that should link from this pillar page." | None — will suggest cluster topics | | **Audience** | "Who is this resource for?" | Solopreneurs and business owners | | **Word count** | "Target length?" | 3,500-5,000 words | | **Competitor pillar pages** | "Any competitor pages you want to outrank?" | None — will research | **GATE: Confirm brief before outlining.** --- ## Phase 2: Outline ### Pillar Page Architecture ``` **H1:** [Comprehensive title with target keyword] **Table of Contents** (linked to each H2) **Intro** (~200 words) — What this guide covers and who it is for **H2: [Foundational concept]** (~500 words) - [Key points] - [CLUSTER LINK: related blog post] **H2: [Core sub-topic 1]** (~600 words) - [Key points] - [CLUSTER LINK: related blog post] **H2: [Core sub-topic 2]** (~600 words) ... **H2: [Advanced topic]** (~500 words) **H2: [Common mistakes / FAQ]** (~400 words) **H2: [Next steps / CTA]** (~200 words) **Total estimated:** [word count] **Cluster links planned:** [number] ``` ### Cluster Content Map ``` ## Topic Cluster Map **Pillar page:** [Topic] — targets "[primary keyword]" **Cluster posts (existing):** 1. [Post title] — targets "[long-tail keyword]" — links from H2 Section [N] 2. [Post title] — targets "[long-tail keyword]" — links from H2 Section [N] **Cluster posts (to create):** 1. [Suggested title] — targets "[long-tail keyword]" 2. [Suggested title] — targets "[long-tail keyword]" 3. [Suggested title] — targets "[long-tail keyword]" ``` **GATE: Approve outline and cluster map before writing.** --- ## Phase 3: Write ### Writing Rules | Rule | Detail | |------|--------| | **Breadth over depth** | Cover each sub-topic thoroughly but link to cluster posts for deep dives | | **Table of contents** | Include a clickable TOC at the top — essential for long-form pages | | **Cluster links** | Naturally link to cluster posts using descriptive anchor text | | **Self-contained sections** | Each H2 section should make sense if read independently | | **Scannable format** | Bold key phrases, use bullet lists, add summary boxes at the end of major sections | | **Keyword placement** | Target keyword in H1, first 100 words, 2-3 H2s, and meta description | | **Visual markers** | Note where infographics, diagrams, or summary tables should appear | ### Section Template Each major H2 section follows this pattern: 1. **Opening statement** — what this section covers and why it matters 2. **Core content** — explanation with examples, data, or steps 3. **Key takeaway** — one-sentence summary in bold 4. **Cluster link** — natural transition to a related blog post for deeper coverage ### Internal Linking Strategy ``` ## Internal Linking Plan **From pillar to cluster posts:** - Section 2 → [Cluster post title] (anchor: "[descriptive text]") - Section 3 → [Cluster post title] (anchor: "[descriptive text]") ... **From cluster posts back to pillar:** - Each cluster post should link back to this pillar page with anchor text: "[target keyword] guide" ``` --- ## Phase 4: Polish ### 1. Pillar Page Checklist ``` ## Pre-Publish Checklist - [ ] Word count is 3,000+ words - [ ] Table of contents is included with anchor links - [ ] Target keyword appears in H1, first 100 words, and 2+ H2s - [ ] Each H2 section is self-contained and scannable - [ ] Cluster post links are placed naturally with descriptive anchor text - [ ] At least 5 cluster links are included (existing or planned) - [ ] Visual element suggestions are noted (infographic, table, diagram) - [ ] Meta description is written (150-160 characters) - [ ] Summary boxes or key takeaways are included for major sections - [ ] CTA appears at the end with a clear next step - [ ] Page is comprehensive enough to be the definitive resource on this topic ``` ### 2. Cluster Content Roadmap List 5-10 cluster posts to create, prioritized by search volume and relevance. ### 3. Update Schedule Recommend quarterly reviews to keep the pillar page current with new data, links, and cluster content. --- ## Example: Pillar Page on "Email Marketing for Small Business" ``` H1: The Complete Guide to Email Marketing for Small Business Target keyword: email marketing for small business Word count: 4,500 Sections: - What Is Email Marketing (And Why It Matters for Small Business) - Choosing an Email Marketing Platform - Building Your Email List from Scratch - Writing Emails That Get Opened and Clicked - Email Automation for Beginners - Measuring Email Marketing Success - Common Email Marketing Mistakes - Your Email Marketing Action Plan Cluster links: - "Best Email Marketing Platforms for Solopreneurs" → from Section 2 - "How to Write Email Subject Lines That Get 40%+ Open Rates" → from Section 4 - "5 Email Automations Every Small Business Needs" → from Section 5 ``` --- ## Anti-Patterns - **Too narrow** — a pillar page on "email subject line formulas" is too specific. That is a cluster post. Pillars cover broad topics. - **No cluster links** — a pillar page without links to deeper content is just a long blog post. The linking structure is what makes it a pillar. - **Wall of text** — 5,000 words without formatting is unreadable. Use the TOC, headers, lists, and summary boxes. - **Keyword stuffing** — long content tempts keyword overuse. Keep density under 1.5%. - **Never updating** — pillar pages require quarterly reviews to maintain rankings. Schedule updates. --- ## Recovery - **No existing cluster content:** Write the pillar page first, then use the cluster roadmap to plan supporting posts over the next 90 days. - **Topic is too broad:** Narrow to a specific audience angle. "Marketing" is too broad; "Email Marketing for Small Business" is pillar-sized. - **Word count falling short:** Add a FAQ section, a common mistakes section, or an additional sub-topic to reach 3,000+ words. - **User wants it shorter:** Explain that pillar pages must be comprehensive to rank. Offer a "quick guide" version as a separate, shorter post. - **Cluster posts overlap:** Merge overlapping cluster ideas or differentiate by audience segment or use case.