Back to Glossary
Topical Authority
Definition
Topical Authority
Topical authority is the level of expertise and coverage a site demonstrates on a specific topic.
TL;DR
Key Definition
Topical authority means being recognized as an expert on a topic. It is built by comprehensively covering a topic with quality interconnected content.
Importance
Why It Matters
- AI favors authoritative sources
- Improves overall SEO ranking on the topic
- Increases chances of LLM citation
- Strengthens user trust
- Creates lasting competitive advantage
How It Works
Topical authority is built progressively by covering all aspects of a topic.
Content Cluster
Create a central pillar page and satellite articles covering subtopics, all linked together.
Comprehensive Coverage
Answer all questions a reader might have on the topic, from beginner to expert.
Continuous Updates
Keep your content up to date and add new articles to cover domain evolutions.
Metrics
How to Measure It
- Number of pages ranking on the topic
- Diversity of queries generating traffic
- Mentions and citations by industry sources
- Presence in AI responses on the topic
Pitfalls
Common Mistakes
- Covering too many topics superficially
- Lack of internal links between content
- Duplicate or too similar content
- Neglecting regular updates
Quick Checklist
Follow these steps to get started.
- Identify your main topic and subtopics
- Create a comprehensive pillar page
- Develop articles for each subtopic
- Link all content together
- Add comprehensive FAQs
- Update quarterly
Examples
GEO Cluster
Hikoo creates a complete cluster on GEO with a glossary, practical guides, comparisons, and use cases, establishing its authority.