Topic cluster plan with a pillar page and supporting article map

Plan a complete topic cluster: a pillar page brief, 12-20 supporting articles mapped to search intent, a cannibalization check, internal linking rules and a publishing order. Designed for ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and Microsoft Copilot. It includes 6 customizable variables and you can copy it for free in one click.

Advanced · Text · Pending editorial review

Prompt

Act as a senior SEO content strategist who builds topic clusters around search intent, not around isolated keywords.

Context:
- Website and business: {{website}}
- Core topic for the cluster: {{topic}}
- Target audience: {{audience}}
- Market and language: {{market}}
- Content that already exists (URLs or titles): {{existing_content}}
- Publishing capacity: {{capacity}}

Deliverables:
1. Pillar page brief: working title, primary intent, the subtopics it must cover and a proposed H2 structure. Explain why this page deserves to be the pillar.
2. Cluster map: 12-20 supporting articles grouped into 3-5 subtopics. For each: working title, main query, intent (informational, commercial, transactional, navigational), funnel stage and the specific question it answers better than the pillar.
3. Cannibalization check: flag where existing content overlaps with the new pieces and recommend merge, redirect, refresh or keep.
4. Internal linking rules: pillar ↔ cluster, cluster ↔ cluster, plus anchor text themes (varied, descriptive, no exact-match stuffing).
5. Publishing order for {{capacity}}, starting with pieces that support the business and have a realistic chance to rank.
6. What to measure for the cluster after 3 and 6 months.

Constraints:
- Do not invent search volumes, difficulty scores or traffic. Where a number would help, write [FILL IN: volume from your keyword tool] and tell me which data to pull.
- Every article must target a distinct intent; if two ideas would compete for the same query, merge them.
- If the topic is too broad or too narrow for one cluster, say so and propose a better scope before continuing.
- Ask me for any missing key information before you start.

Format: a short summary, tables for the pillar and the cluster map, then bullet lists for links, order and metrics.

How to use it

Pick a core topic that is directly tied to what you sell. Paste the URLs you already have so overlaps get flagged. Then replace each [FILL IN] with real data from your keyword tool and adjust the publishing order.

Usage example

Website: specialty coffee online store · Topic: home espresso · Audience: beginners with their first machine · Market: United States · Capacity: 4 articles per month.

Sample output

Summary

"Home espresso" is well sized for one cluster: broad enough for about 15 pieces and tied directly to what you sell (beans, grinders, accessories).

Pillar page

FieldProposal
Working titleHome Espresso: The Complete Beginner's Guide
IntentInformational with a commercial path
Proposed H2sWhat you need · Choosing beans · Grind size · Basic recipe · Milk · Common problems · Maintenance

Cluster map (excerpt)

SubtopicArticleMain queryIntentFunnel
ExtractionHow to dial in grind size for espressoespresso grind sizeInformationalMid
ExtractionBitter or sour espresso: causes and fixessour espressoInformationalMid
GearDo you need a separate espresso grinder?best grinder for espressoCommercialBottom
MilkHow to steam milk at homehow to steam milkInformationalTop

Volume: [FILL IN: volume from your keyword tool]

Cannibalization check

  • /blog/how-to-clean-espresso-machine: keep, and link from the "Maintenance" H2; do not create a second cleaning piece.
  • /blog/best-coffee-beans: refresh with a dedicated espresso section…

Key facts

Category
Marketing & SEO · Keyword research
Output type
Text
Level
Advanced
Designed for
ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and Microsoft Copilot
Verified in
Pending editorial verification
Variables
Website and business, Core topic, Target audience, Market and language, Existing content and Publishing capacity
Language
English
Price
Free, no sign-up
Updated
Nov 7, 2026

Frequently asked questions

How many articles does a topic cluster need?

There is no magic number. What matters is covering the real questions of your audience without repeating intent. For a niche topic, 8 to 20 pieces is usually enough.

What should I do with old posts that cover the same thing?

The prompt reviews them in the cannibalization step: usually you merge them into the strongest piece and 301-redirect the other one.

Does this work without paid SEO tools?

Yes for the structure. To prioritize with numbers you can use Google Search Console, Google Ads Keyword Planner or search autosuggest.

What is this prompt for?

Plan a complete topic cluster: a pillar page brief, 12-20 supporting articles mapped to search intent, a cannibalization check, internal linking rules and a publishing order.

Which AI tools does it work with?

It is designed for ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and Microsoft Copilot. We have not verified it in these tools yet, so results may vary between them.

How do I customize the prompt?

Click “Customize” and fill in the variables (Website and business, Core topic, Target audience, Market and language, Existing content and Publishing capacity). The text updates instantly and you can then copy it in one click. Values are stored only in your browser.

Do I need experience to use it?

It is advanced: it is meant for people with experience in the topic who can evaluate and adjust the result.

Is this prompt free?

Yes. Every HomeCasa Prompts prompt is free, with no sign-up or subscription. You can also use them in professional projects.

Can I trust the AI output?

Treat it as a high-quality draft: always check data, figures and important claims before publishing or making decisions.

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