Topical authority terms
Overview
Topical authority uses a set of related terms to describe how content is organized around subjects. Understanding these terms keeps strategy, writing, and WordPress implementation aligned.
Term Glossary
| Term | Meaning | WordPress/SEO Example |
|---|---|---|
| Topic | Broad subject area | Accounting category |
| Pillar page | Main hub for a focused topic | Balance Sheet Guide page |
| Keyword cluster | Group of related keywords | balance sheet formula, how to read balance sheet |
| Cluster page | Page targeting a specific subtopic | Blog post about balance sheet formula |
| Supporting content | Narrow supporting article, FAQ, or glossary | What is retained earnings? |
| Internal linking | Links connecting related pages | Cluster links to pillar |
| Topical map | Planned structure of topics and pages | Spreadsheet or content map |
| Content gap | Missing topic or intent coverage | No article for balance sheet ratios |
Practical Application
- Choose a topic.
- Define pillar pages inside that topic.
- Build keyword clusters under each pillar.
- Create cluster and supporting content.
- Connect everything with internal links.
- Track topical coverage and performance.
Common Mistakes
- Using topic, pillar, and cluster interchangeably.
- Building content without a topical map.
- Treating WordPress categories as a complete strategy.
- Creating clusters without internal links.