Content Architecture & On-Page Optimization
Translate research into a semantic, navigable content system that satisfies search intent quickly, signals topical authority, and converts—without touching code.
Key Terms & Acronyms
Quick reference for terminology used throughout this guide
Core Skills & Outcomes
What you'll learn and what you'll deliver
Core Skills
Semantic Cluster Architecture
Design hub-spoke structures where hubs are definitive guides and spokes cover sub-tasks, comparisons, tools, and FAQs—all interlinked to signal comprehensive coverage.
Content Briefs at Scale
Create repeatable brief templates with SERP analysis, outlines, proof requirements, internal links, and differentiation angles—so every piece starts strong.
On-Page Copy & UX
Master titles, intros, scannability, CTAs (Call To Action), and visual hierarchy—all editorial skills that improve rankings and conversions without touching code.
E-E-A-T Implementation
Display author credentials, cite reputable sources, maintain trust pages (About, Editorial Guidelines, Privacy), and showcase third-party proof to build credibility.
Internal Linking Strategy
Wire editorial internal links with descriptive anchors—spokes link to hubs, siblings link to each other—to distribute authority and guide user journeys.
Content Refresh & Pruning
Detect decay (traffic drops), intent drift (SERP format changes), and staleness. Refresh, consolidate, or prune to maintain quality and relevance.
Key Deliverables
Topical Map
Visual cluster map showing hubs, spokes, adjacent entities (brands, features, locations), ownership assignments, and coverage definition (when a cluster is "done").
Briefs at Scale
Repeatable template with goal, audience, primary keyword, SERP read, outline, proof requirements, differentiation, internal links, CTA plan, snippet targets, and maintenance triggers.
On-Page Standards
Title/meta/H1 rules (≤60 chars for title, ≤155 for meta), intro pattern (job → outcome → proof), section kits (subheads, bullets, examples), and CTA placement guidelines.
Internal Linking Plan
Required links per page template (spoke → hub, 2-4 sibling links), anchor text guardrails (descriptive, not keyword-stuffed), and cannibalization fixes.
Refresh Calendar
Triggers (traffic decay, intent drift, outdated info), review cadence (quarterly for strategic clusters), and consolidation rules (merge overlaps into strongest URL).
6-Step Content Architecture Workflow
From strategic planning to ongoing optimization
Design the Architecture
Map hubs, spokes, page types by intent, coverage definitions
Create Content Briefs
SERP analysis, outlines, proof requirements, internal links
Draft & Optimize On-Page Elements
Titles, metas, intros, structure, CTAs, visuals, E-E-A-T signals
Wire Internal Links
Spoke → hub, sibling links, hub → curated spokes
Publish & Measure
Monitor impressions, CTR, engagement, conversions
Refresh or Prune
Detect decay, update content, consolidate overlaps, retire low-value pages