How To Build a Website Architecture (SEO Silo) for Your Content

What happens to your website content if they don't make any sense to your readers and search engines?

Your content never gets discovered by your selected audience. 

Outcome? Poor website rankings, zero visibility, and almost negligible site traffic. 

Getting your site structure on point can save your website. Brownie points to you if you had guessed the SEO silo structure.

Consider your website as a library, and the silo mapping refers to the shelves, each dedicated to a particular genre of books and novels. 

This streamlined approach helps users and search engines navigate your website content easily. 

A silo structure in SEO is more than just a technique. 

SEO silo enhances crawlability, keyword relevance, and overall content authority. Whether you're restructuring your blog or planning a new website, understanding SEO silo structures is essential for scaling organic traffic.

This means no random categories, quick adoption of orphan pages, and extermination of zombie pages (if any).

What is Silo Structure in SEO?

An SEO silo structure is an example of a website architecture. Isolated groups are created to organise your website content into thematic clusters around specific topics.

It is also known as silo mapping. 

The below-mentioned silo SEO structure example demonstrates the common pattern ideally followed by most websites:

The example shows that the pillar page (or target page) is right at the top, focusing on a broad topic. Each pillar page produces a new silo of supporting content (also known as cluster pages) diving into sub-topics. Each page links internally to others in the same silo.

Interlinking cluster pages with the main pillar page helps build a strong topical relationship.

Hard Silos Vs. Soft Silos - Which One to Choose?

Which silo structure is best for you - you need to choose that carefully!

You have two options to select - Hard Silos and Soft Silos.

Both organise content that influences your site's internal linking, optimisation, and overall SEO performance.

Here are a few differences to consider: 

Why Silo Structure Matters in Search Engine Optimisation

Enterprises, seeking a higher ranking for competitive keywords, shouldn't ignore silo mapping. 

It plays a pivotal role in search engine optimisation (SEO).

Here's how it helps:

• Boosts crawlability: Interlinked pages help search engines discover and index content faster.

• Builds topical authority: Clustering content around a theme tells Google your site is an expert.

• Improves internal linking: A structured internal linking strategy strengthens SEO signals and efficiently distributes page authority.

To understand a silo structure better, consider it as creating a content ecosystem instead of isolated blog posts.

Steps to Create a Silo Structure for SEO

Here’s a step-by-step process to build your own SEO silo structure:

1. Identify Your Core Topics (Pillar Pages)

Start by researching high-volume, business-relevant keywords. These form your pillar content.

Tools to try: SurferSEO, Ahrefs, Google Search Console

2. Map Out Supporting Topics

Use related keywords to generate supporting blog ideas. These will link to (and from) the pillar page.

Pro tip: Each supporting page should focus on a long-tail version of the primary keyword.

3. Plan Internal Link Structure

This structure builds internal backlinks that pass value and relevance.

Each page in a silo should include:

• A link to its parent (pillar) page

• A link to other relevant pages within the same silo

• Avoid linking across silos unless thematically justified.

4. Visualise It

Use tools like draw.io or Miro to map your silo visually. This helps content, SEO, and dev teams stay aligned.

Internal Linking Best Practices for SEO Silos

Building content silos is one thing. Executing them with precision is another.

Here are some internal linking best practices to follow:

• Use keyword-rich, natural anchor text

• Avoid broken internal links

• Don’t overuse the same link on one page

• Keep user intent in mind when linking

• Add contextual links above the fold for priority content

Tool Tip: Use Internal Link Juicer (WordPress) or Ahrefs Site Audit to monitor internal linking efficiency.

How to Optimise Content Within Silos

Once your structure is set, ensure each page is optimised for:

• Keyword usage (in title, headers, alt text, meta)

• Readability and semantic SEO

• Schema markup for enhanced indexing

• Mobile-first layout and fast loading speed

This reinforces site SEO optimisation holistically and improves user engagement across the funnel.

Silo Structure in a WordPress: A Quick Note

Most websites run on WordPress. 

Thankfully, WordPress has many plugins, some of which can be used to implement a sound internal linking strategy.

A few plugins to consider:

• Link Whisper: For automated internal link suggestions

• Yoast SEO: For content and link readability

• Rank Math: For managing content siloing via breadcrumbs and schema

Final Thoughts

A well-executed SEO silo structure is more than internal links—it’s a content framework that fuels growth, improves search engine visibility, and supports long-term SEO success. For companies, silo mapping brings clarity to content chaos and positions your website as an authority in your niche.