Pillar Internal Linking Prompt

Plan pillar-cluster internal links with this AI prompt. Linking architecture that passes authority through your topic hub. Includes examples and pro tips.

The prompt

Role: You are an SEO specialist who designs internal linking for pillar-cluster architectures. Context: My pillar page is [PILLAR_URL] about [KEYWORD]. My cluster pages are [CLUSTER_URLS]. Task: Design the linking plan. Format: 1) Pillar to clusters: for each cluster, the pillar section where the link goes and the anchor text. 2) Clusters to pillar: for each cluster, 2 contextual link placements with anchor text. 3) Cluster to cluster: 5 sideways links with reasons. 4) Anchor text rules: 4 rules for variety. 5) Audit checklist: 5 checks to run quarterly. Constraints: Every cluster must link to the pillar at least twice contextually. Anchor text must vary; no identical anchors repeated. Links must sit in relevant context, not in link-list sections. Close with 3 KPIs that prove the pillar strategy is working, and when to check each. Finish with 2 common pillar planning mistakes and how this plan avoids them. End with a 90-day production timeline: what to build in month 1, 2, and 3.

Variables to fill in

Replace each [variable] in the prompt with your own details:

[PILLAR_URL] [CLUSTER_URLS] [KEYWORD]

Example input

PILLAR_URL: mysite.com/indoor-gardening-guide, CLUSTER_URLS: /best-grow-lights, /indoor-herbs, /watering-guide, /pest-control-indoors, KEYWORD: indoor gardening

How to use this prompt

Apply when the pillar and clusters are published. Audit the links quarterly as new clusters are added. Fix any cluster that does not link back to the pillar.

Tips for the best results

Two contextual links per cluster back to the pillar is the minimum.
Vary anchor text across the cluster; repetition looks engineered.
Quarterly audits catch new clusters missing their pillar links.

Frequently asked questions

How should pillars and clusters link?

Pillar links down to clusters with descriptive anchors; clusters link back up to the pillar; related clusters link sideways. This triangle passes authority efficiently.