A content silo refers to a method of organizing website content into distinct categories or groups based on a hierarchy that reflects a particular subject matter or thematic structure. This approach structures content to create a tightly-knit theme or topic area, similar to how grain is stored in separate silos on a farm.
Application:
In the context of SEO, content silos are implemented to establish relevancy signals for search engines, showcasing the depth and breadth of a site’s content on specific subjects. By thematically organizing content, websites can convey expertise, authority, and trustworthiness (E-A-T) on particular topics to both users and search engine algorithms.
Creation Process:
Creating a content silo involves grouping related content under a main category and subcategories. Each silo is typically anchored by a cornerstone content piece, which is a comprehensive page that broadly covers the main topic. Supplementary content in the form of articles, blog posts, or product pages that elaborate on subtopics is then internally linked back to the cornerstone content, forming a structured navigation hierarchy.
SEO Benefits:
1. Topical Relevance: Search engines can discern the central themes of your website, attributing relevancy to your content.
2. User Experience: Helps site visitors navigate the website and find the content they’re interested in more efficiently.
3. Internal Linking: Encourages a strategic internal linking strategy, distributing link equity throughout the site and supporting SEO.
4. Content Focus: Prevents content dilution by maintaining a clear focus on defined topics within each silo.
Implementation Tips:
- Plan your websites architecture with topics and subtopics defined clearly.
- Use keyword research to determine relevant themes and content groupings.
- Create a logical URL structure that mirrors the hierarchical organization of content silos.
- Make sure internal links use descriptive anchor text that ties back into the silos central theme.
- Monitor and update content within each silo to ensure information remains current and authoritative.