A topical map is the plan for every page your site needs to own a subject. This is the exact method I used to plan zahidawais.com's seven pillars.
This guide shows how to create a topical map step by step. It is part of my SEO content writing guide.
A topical map is a structured list of every topic and question your site should cover, grouped into pillars and clusters, with the page type, target keyword, internal links and priority for each. You build it by defining your central entity and source context, listing pillars, expanding each into subtopics and questions, mapping intent, and planning links to your service pages.
| Pillar | URL | Keyword | Intent | Links to | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Link building | /anchor-text-ratio-guide/ | anchor text ratio | Info | Pillar, calculator, service | P1 |
| Link building | /link-velocity/ | link velocity | Info | Pillar, new sites guide, service | P2 |
| On-page | /keyword-cannibalization/ | keyword cannibalization | Info | Checklist, redirects guide | P2 |
| AI search | /entity-seo/ | entity seo | Info | Pillar, schema guide, AEO service | P2 |
zahidawais.com is mapped into seven pillars: link building, on-page SEO, technical SEO, local SEO, e-commerce SEO, AI search and content SEO, with dozens of supporting articles and free tools. Each article links to its pillar and to the right service. See how it plays out in the link building guide and the AI search guide.
Publish one cluster at a time, starting with high-value, low-difficulty pages. Write each article from a content brief. Review Search Console every month to add new questions and update older pages.
I plan topics, write SEO articles from real experience and optimise them for Google and AI search, ready to publish.
A structured plan of all the topics and questions a site should cover, grouped into pillars and clusters with links and priorities.
Usually 4 to 8 for a business site, each matching a core service or product area.
A few hours to a few days, depending on the niche and depth.
No. The map is what to cover and how it connects; the calendar is when to publish it.
Yes. Add new questions from Search Console and new services as your business grows.
Facts checked against these official pages on 10 October 2026. Read my editorial policy.
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Good SEO content answers the search better than anything else on page one, shows real experience and leads the reader to a next step. This is my full process, from keyword to publish.
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