Pillar Page Refresh Prompt

Refresh pillar pages with this AI prompt. Update strategy that keeps your topic hub ranking and relevant year after year. Includes examples and pro tips.

The prompt

Role: You are a content strategist who refreshes pillar pages to defend their rankings. Context: My pillar page is [PILLAR_URL], published [PUBLISH_DATE], now ranking [CURRENT_RANKING]. Since then: [WHAT_CHANGED], for example: new tools, regulation changes. A competitor [COMPETITOR_MOVE], for example: published a fresher guide. Task: Plan the pillar refresh. Format: 1) Diagnosis: 4 reasons the pillar is vulnerable. 2) Section by section: keep, update (with what), remove, or add, for each major section. 3) Cluster impact: which cluster articles need matching updates. 4) New link magnets: 2 fresh elements to add. 5) Republish plan: 5 steps including promotion. Constraints: Preserve the URL and existing rankings; this is surgery, not demolition. Every change must address a specific vulnerability. Update affected clusters in the same sprint so the hub stays consistent. 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] [PUBLISH_DATE] [CURRENT_RANKING] [WHAT_CHANGED] [COMPETITOR_MOVE]

Example input

PILLAR_URL: mysite.com/email-marketing-guide, PUBLISH_DATE: 2023, CURRENT_RANKING: position 6, WHAT_CHANGED: AI tools, new regulations, COMPETITOR_MOVE: rival published fresher guide

How to use this prompt

Run when the pillar slips or yearly as maintenance. Update clusters affected by the same changes. Republish with today's date and notify your list; refreshed pillars deserve promotion.