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What is Topical Authority and How to Build It

Topical authority means AI engines recognize your business as the definitive source on your service area. Here's how to build content clusters that dominate AI citations.

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What is Topical Authority?

Topical authority means AI engines and search engines recognize your website as a comprehensive, trustworthy source on a specific topic. Instead of one page about plumbing, a topically authoritative site has 20+ pages covering every aspect of plumbing.

The Topical Cluster Model

Build content in clusters: a Pillar Page (2,000+ word comprehensive guide on your main service) surrounded by 10-20 Cluster Pages that go deep on subtopics — cost guides, timeframe guides, comparison guides, emergency guides, and buying guides.

90-Day Plan

Month 1: Create pillar page + 5 cluster pages. Month 2: Add 5 more cluster pages + 1 FAQ page. Month 3: Add 5 more cluster pages + internal linking audit.

Internal Linking Rules

Every cluster page links back to the pillar page. The pillar page links to all cluster pages. Related cluster pages link to each other. Use descriptive anchor text.

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