A pillar page is a comprehensive, long-form resource that covers a broad topic in depth and serves as the central hub of a topic cluster. It links to and from multiple related blog posts (cluster pages), signalling topical expertise to search engines and AI answer engines. Topic clusters built around pillar pages drive 30–43% more organic traffic than unconnected content, according to HubSpot research. In 2026, pillar pages are also critical for AI search visibility — clustered content receives 3.2× more AI citations than standalone posts.
If you've spent any time reading about SEO strategy, you've probably encountered the term "pillar page." The concept was formalised by HubSpot back in 2016–2017, and it's remained one of the most effective content architecture strategies available to B2B marketers.
But pillar pages in 2026 look different from pillar pages in 2018. Google now officially uses "topic authority" as a ranking factor. AI search engines like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews are reshaping how content gets discovered. And Google's December 2025 core update reinforced depth over breadth, with sites using mass-produced AI content seeing 85–95% traffic losses.
This guide explains what pillar pages are, the three types you can build, a step-by-step process for creating one, and — crucially — how to adapt pillar page strategy for AI search. We use examples from our own website throughout, because we believe the best way to teach content architecture is to show what we actually do.
What Is a Pillar Page? The Core Concept
A pillar page is a long-form, comprehensive resource — typically 3,000–5,000 words — that covers a broad topic from multiple angles. It sits at the centre of a "topic cluster," linking to and from related blog posts (called "cluster pages") that dive deeper into specific subtopics.
Think of it as the table of contents for a book. The pillar page gives readers the full picture at a useful level of detail, then points them to individual chapters (cluster pages) for deeper exploration. Every cluster page links back to the pillar, creating a web of interconnected content that search engines interpret as topical authority.
Pillar page vs blog post: what's the difference?
| Attribute | Pillar Page | Blog Post |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Broad topic, comprehensive (2,000–5,000 words) | Specific aspect (800–1,500 words) |
| Keyword target | Broad, high-volume (e.g., "SEO services") | Specific, long-tail (e.g., "SEO package prices UK") |
| Linking role | Links to multiple cluster pages | Links back to the pillar page |
| Maintenance | Regularly updated — "living document" | May remain static after publication |
| Site architecture | Top-level hierarchy | Organised by date or category |
| Value type | Evergreen reference resource | May capture trends or timely topics |
| Word count sweet spot | 3,000–4,000 words | 1,000–1,500 words |
The critical distinction is architectural, not just about length. A pillar page is designed to be the hub that other content connects to. A 3,000-word blog post without cluster connections isn't a pillar page — it's just a long blog post.
Are Pillar Pages Still Effective in 2026?
Yes — and the evidence has only grown stronger. Multiple studies from 2024–2026 confirm that topic clusters built around pillar pages consistently outperform unconnected content across every meaningful metric.
Three developments make pillar pages more important in 2026 than they were in 2020:
1. Google officially recognises topic authority. Since May 2023, Google has used "topic authority" as a ranking factor — evaluating expertise across entire topics, not individual keywords. A well-connected cluster of content sends exactly this signal. Sites with demonstrated topic authority saw a 23% organic visibility gain after Google's December 2025 core update.
2. AI search engines reward structured, interconnected content. 37% of consumers now start searches with AI tools as of January 2026 (First Page Sage). AI systems extract content in chunks and evaluate topical breadth as a trust signal. Brands with 15–40 interconnected pages on a topic receive 5–7× more AI citations than standalone articles.
3. Zero-click searches make comprehensive content essential. 58–60% of Google searches now end without a click (SparkToro/Datos). When users do click, they increasingly choose the most comprehensive result — the one that answers their question completely. Pillar pages, by design, aim to be that result.
29% of marketers consider topic clusters one of the most effective SEO tactics, according to HubSpot's 2024 State of Marketing Report (1,400+ global marketers surveyed). The tactic remains underused relative to its effectiveness — which is an opportunity for businesses willing to invest the effort.
The Three Types of Pillar Pages
Not every pillar page looks the same. The format you choose should match your topic, audience, and business goal. Here are the three main types, with examples of when each works best.
Type 1: The 10x Content Pillar
A comprehensive "ultimate guide" that covers everything about a topic. Typically 3,000–5,000+ words with original analysis, data, visuals, and expert insight.
Best for: Establishing thought leadership. Targeting competitive head terms. Awareness-stage B2B audiences.
Example: Whitehat's HubSpot CRM UK Guide — comprehensive resource with UK pricing in GBP, competitor comparisons, Breeze AI coverage, and GDPR compliance.
Type 2: The Resource Hub
A curated collection of links and resources organised by category. Light on original text (500–2,000 words) but excellent as a linkable index to your content library.
Best for: Organising an extensive content library. Topics with many distinct sub-areas. Audiences needing tools and resources in one place.
Example: Moz's "Beginner's Guide to SEO" — a multi-chapter resource hub that has become the industry-standard reference.
Type 3: The "What Is" Pillar
An educational page that defines a concept, explains why it matters, and covers key components. Opens with a clear definition (first 40–60 words) — ideal for AI extraction.
Best for: Topics where searchers are in the awareness stage. B2B industries with complex concepts. Foundational buyer education.
Example: This article is a "What Is" pillar. Whitehat's Answer Engine Optimisation page is another.
Many effective pillar pages blend elements from multiple types. Our SEO Services pillar combines educational content (Type 1) with service information, using a 14-section clickable table of contents that connects to 20+ cluster pages.
The Topic Cluster Model Explained
The topic cluster model — formalised by HubSpot in 2016–2017 — organises website content around three components that work together to build search authority.
Three components of a topic cluster
1. Pillar content — the central comprehensive page. HubSpot's Leslie Ye describes the test: "Would this page answer every question a reader searching this topic had, AND is it broad enough to be an umbrella for 20–30 posts?"
2. Cluster content — individual blog posts diving into specific subtopics, each targeting a distinct long-tail keyword. For example, our SEO services pillar connects to cluster posts on SEO pricing, SEO campaigns, local SEO, and PPC integration.
3. Hyperlinks — bidirectional internal links connecting every cluster page back to the pillar, and the pillar to every cluster page. This bidirectional linking is non-negotiable. One-directional linking is the most common mistake teams make, and it significantly reduces the strategy's effectiveness.
How HubSpot proved the model: When HubSpot restructured its own 12,000+ blog posts into topic clusters, they saw domain authority grow from 49 to 60, and clicks for target keywords increased by more than 500%. One HubSpot client grew from 500 to 190,000 organic blog visitors — a 37,900% increase.
How many cluster pages does a pillar need?
Aim for 8–15 supporting cluster pages per pillar. Fewer than 8 means insufficient topical depth for search engines to recognise authority. More than 15 may indicate your topic is too broad and should be split into multiple pillars. Start with 3–4 core pillar pages maximum per website, expanding as you build out cluster content.
Internal linking best practices for clusters
The linking architecture is what makes a topic cluster work. These aren't just convenience links — they're the mechanism through which search engines and AI systems understand topical relationships.
- Bidirectional linking is mandatory: every cluster page links back to the pillar; the pillar links to every cluster page
- Cross-link related cluster pages: include 2–3 cross-links between cluster pages covering adjacent subtopics
- Use descriptive anchor text: aim for 5–12 unique anchor text variations per key page (never "click here")
- Place links in the body content: links within the main text carry more weight than sidebar or footer links
- Place important links early: links higher on the page receive more user clicks and pass more page priority
- Keep critical pages within 3 clicks of the homepage
SearchPilot's A/B tests found that expanding internal linking achieved a 5% uplift in organic traffic. Strategic internal links can lift rankings by 20–40% without any new backlinks, according to Emplibot case studies.
How to Build a Pillar Page: Step-by-Step
Building an effective pillar page is a structured process, not an exercise in simply writing a long article. Here are the seven steps we follow at Whitehat SEO when building pillar content for our clients and ourselves.
Choose the right topic
Your pillar topic needs to pass four tests: (a) broad enough to support 8–15+ cluster pages, (b) has substantial search volume — aim for 1,200–6,400 monthly searches, (c) aligns with your core expertise and services, and (d) is evergreen enough to remain relevant for years.
The keyword should be 2–3 words maximum. If it contains "how to" or only needs a few hundred words to cover, it's a cluster topic, not a pillar.
Map your cluster keywords before writing
Research and assign long-tail keywords to individual cluster pages before you start writing the pillar. Each cluster page must target a distinct keyword with a unique search intent. Map keywords to URLs in a spreadsheet to prevent cannibalisation.
Plan your content structure
Create an outline with 8–15 major H2 sections, each mapping to a cluster page topic. Include a clickable table of contents and clean URL structure. In 2026, question-based H2s perform particularly well because they match both People Also Ask boxes and AI query patterns.
Write for humans, structure for machines
Cover each subtopic at a useful level of detail on the pillar, then link to cluster pages for deeper exploration. Include unique data, expert insights, and original examples that create "information gain" over what already exists in the SERP.
Important: pillar pages must be ungated. If content is behind a form, search engines can't crawl it. Offer an optional PDF download instead — IMPACT reports 15–20% conversion rates from optional lead forms on ungated pillar pages.
Aim for 3,000–4,000 words
Content exceeding 3,000 words generates 3× more traffic, earns 4× more social shares, and attracts 3.5× more backlinks compared to typical 1,400-word posts (Backlinko, OkDork/Moz). But length without substance doesn't work — a 2,000-word pillar with original data will outperform a padded 5,000-word page every time.
Implement on-page SEO and schema markup
Include your primary keyword in the meta title (under 60 characters), meta description, H1, and URL. For schema, prioritise Article + FAQPage markup in JSON-LD. Pages with FAQPage markup are 3.2× more likely to appear in Google AI Overviews (Frase.io). Only 12.4% of websites currently implement structured data — a significant early-adopter advantage.
Promote and maintain
After publishing, feature the pillar in email newsletters, share across social channels, and link to it from high-traffic existing pages. Then schedule reviews every 6–12 months — update statistics, fix broken links, add new cluster page links. With regular maintenance, a pillar page can hold rankings for 10+ years.
How Whitehat Uses Pillar Pages: Three Real UK Examples
Rather than pointing to the same US examples you'll find in every other article about pillar pages, here's how we use the strategy on our own website. We're sharing specifics because we believe transparency builds more trust than theory.
Example 1: SEO Services Pillar
URL: whitehat-seo.co.uk/seo-services
Type: 10x Content + Service hybrid | Sections: 14 | Internal links: 20+
This pillar uses a clickable table of contents spanning everything from "What Effective SEO Includes" through Technical Foundation, Content Strategy, Authority Building, our four-phase process, seven service types, AEO integration, results, and pricing. It's educational first — teaching readers what good SEO looks like before explaining how we deliver it. Cluster pages include our SEO pricing guide, SEO campaign guide, and vertical-specific content like SEO for solicitors.
Example 2: Answer Engine Optimisation Pillar
URL: whitehat-seo.co.uk/answer-engine-optimisation
Type: "What Is" + Service hybrid | Structure: Problem → Definition → Process → Pricing
This pillar opens with zero-click search statistics (58.5% US, 59.7% EU) to establish the problem, then defines AEO with a clear SEO vs AEO comparison table. It uses a three-step process framework (Audit → Content → Authority), includes transparent pricing in GBP, and connects to cluster content including our AI search optimisation guide and AI consultancy service page.
Example 3: HubSpot CRM UK Guide Pillar
URL: whitehat-seo.co.uk/hubspot-crm
Type: 10x Content Pillar | Distinguishing feature: UK-specific pricing in GBP
Our most content-rich pillar. Includes full UK pricing with VAT notes, Gartner and G2 citations, honest competitor comparisons (Salesforce, Zoho, Pipedrive), a Breeze AI section, UK GDPR/PECR compliance detail, UK-specific integrations (Xero, Sage, Companies House), and ROI evidence with source criticism. Links to cluster content including our HubSpot CRM guide, HubSpot vs Salesforce comparison, and HubSpot onboarding.
What these examples have in common
- Answer-first structure: each section opens with the key information, not a preamble
- Bidirectional linking: every cluster page links back; every pillar links out
- Original UK-specific data: pricing in GBP, UK regulations, UK case studies
- FAQ sections: structured for both featured snippets and AI extraction
- Regular updates: all three updated within the last 90 days
- Transparent methodology: we cite sources, acknowledge limitations, and disclose our own position
Pillar Page Performance: Case Studies With Real Numbers
The theoretical case for pillar pages is strong, but decision-makers want evidence. Here are documented results from companies that implemented topic cluster strategies.
| Company | Key Results | Timeframe | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HubSpot | 25% YoY traffic increase; DA from 49→60; 500%+ click increases | 2017 onwards | HubSpot |
| Campaign Creators | 744% organic traffic increase (1,091→9,214 sessions) | 12 months | Campaign Creators |
| Cloud Elements | 53% organic traffic increase | 3 weeks | SmartAcre |
| Townsend Security | 55% organic traffic increase; 80% lead increase | 3 months | Townsend Security |
| Weidert Group | 74% organic traffic increase; conversion rate 5× normal | Ongoing | Weidert Group |
| Terakeet | Page 1–2 for 81 keywords; 50% readers stay 10+ minutes | Ongoing | Databox |
| SignHouse | Zero to 60,000 monthly visitors | 6 months | Embarque |
| UK finance site | 114.25% organic traffic increase | 12 months | Diggity Marketing |
The pattern across these case studies is consistent: traffic increases range from 25% to 744%, with most falling in the 50–200% range within 3–12 months. The compound effect is key — each new cluster page strengthens the entire cluster.
Pillar Pages and AI Search: Why This Matters Now
Here's what most guides about pillar pages miss entirely: the strategy needs adapting for AI search engines. With 37% of consumers now starting searches with AI tools (First Page Sage, January 2026), and Google AI Overviews appearing in 44.4% of all search queries (BrightEdge), optimising pillar pages for AI citation isn't optional — it's the next competitive frontier.
The good news: pillar pages are natural assets for AI search visibility. The bad news: traditional long-form writing on its own isn't enough. Content must be structured for how AI systems extract and evaluate information.
How AI engines use pillar page content
AI answer engines (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google AI Overviews, Claude) don't read content the way humans do. They "chunk" it — extracting individual passages and evaluating each chunk independently. This means every section of your pillar page must be understandable in isolation.
Six structural changes that boost AI citations
1. Lead with direct answers. The first 40–60 words of each section should contain the core answer. AI systems extract opening sentences with high priority. Don't bury the answer after three paragraphs of context.
2. Write "atomic" paragraphs. Each paragraph should contain one idea that makes sense on its own. At Whitehat, we call this the "Taco Bell Test" — can someone understand this paragraph without reading what came before? Sections of 120–180 words between headings receive 70% more ChatGPT citations (SE Ranking, November 2025).
3. Use question-based H2 headings. Match how people phrase questions to AI. Instead of "Benefits Overview," write "How do pillar pages improve SEO?" This maps directly to AI query patterns and People Also Ask boxes.
4. Include data with sources. Princeton University's GEO research (KDD 2024, 10,000 queries) found that adding citations improved AI visibility by 115.1% for rank #5 sites. Adding statistics improved visibility by 22%. Keyword stuffing had a negative impact.
5. Implement FAQ schema markup. Pages with FAQPage structured data are 3.2× more likely to appear in Google AI Overviews (Frase.io). FAQ format maps directly to question-answer pairs that AI systems preferentially extract.
6. Update regularly. 85% of AI Overview citations were published in the last two years; 44% from 2025 alone (Seer Interactive). Recently updated content appears 4.3× more often in AI answers.
The pillar-AEO connection: The topic cluster model mirrors how large language models process information. AI engines use "query fan-out" — breaking complex questions into sub-queries. A pillar page with cluster content pre-answers these sub-queries. And because 93.67% of AI Overview citations come from top-10 organic results, traditional SEO remains foundational for AI visibility. You don't choose between SEO and AEO — you build both with the same architecture. Learn more about AEO.
The 10 Most Common Pillar Page Mistakes
Pillar pages are one of the most effective content strategies available — but they're also one of the most commonly botched. Here are the mistakes we see most often, along with how to avoid them.
1. Topic too broad or too narrow
If your keyword can generate 8–15 distinct subtopics, it's a pillar. If it needs "how to" or only requires a few hundred words, it's a cluster page. If it would require 50+ cluster pages, split it.
2. One-directional linking
The most common mistake. Linking FROM the pillar TO clusters — but not FROM clusters BACK to the pillar. Bidirectional linking is the mechanism that builds cluster authority.
3. Keyword cannibalisation
When the pillar and a cluster page target the same keyword, Google divides ranking signals and both underperform. Prevention: assign unique keywords and intents to every page.
4. Never updating the pillar
Pillar pages must be "living documents." Review every 6–12 months minimum; quarterly for fast-moving topics. A well-maintained pillar can hold rankings for 10+ years.
5. Gating the content
If the pillar page is behind a form, search engines can't crawl it and it will never rank — it's an ebook, not a pillar page. Offer an optional PDF download instead.
6. Ignoring search intent
If someone searches "best project management software" (commercial) and lands on "what is project management" (informational), they'll bounce. Each page must serve a distinct intent.
7. Thin cluster pages
Thin cluster pages are worse than no cluster pages. If a cluster page doesn't cover its subtopic more comprehensively than the pillar section on the same topic, it creates cannibalisation.
8. Generic anchor text
Using "click here" or "read more" wastes anchor text opportunities. Use descriptive, keyword-rich anchors. Aim for 5–12 unique anchor text variations per key page.
9. Keyword stuffing
Chasing too many keywords on a single pillar produces "diluted rankings." Focus on one primary keyword and 2–3 secondaries. Princeton's GEO research confirmed keyword stuffing has a negative impact on AI visibility.
10. Over-planning, never publishing
"SEO rewards what's live, not what's in draft." Topic cluster authority compounds over 6–12 months — the sooner you publish, the sooner compounding begins.
How to Measure Pillar Page Performance
A pillar page isn't a "publish and forget" asset. You need to track the right metrics to know whether your cluster strategy is working — and when it's time to intervene.
| Metric | What to Track | Healthy Benchmark | Revision Trigger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Organic traffic | Sessions to pillar + all cluster pages | Month-over-month growth for first 6–12 months | Declining 3+ consecutive months |
| Keyword rankings | Primary keyword position + total keywords | Page 1–2 within 3–6 months | Primary keyword drops below page 3 |
| Bounce rate | Pillar page bounce rate | Below 65% for informational content | Above 90% with session <30 seconds |
| Dwell time | Average time on page | 3+ minutes for 3,000+ word pillars | Under 60 seconds consistently |
| Internal link clicks | Click-through from pillar to clusters | 15–25% of visitors click to a cluster page | Under 5% click-through |
| Conversions | CTA clicks, form submissions from the cluster | Varies by industry; track as cluster total | Zero conversions after 3+ months |
| Backlinks | External domains linking to pillar | Pillar attracts more backlinks than any cluster page | Cluster page attracting more links |
| Cannibalisation | Same keyword ranking for multiple URLs | Each URL targets a unique primary keyword | Two+ URLs competing for same keyword |
Don't measure too early. Topic cluster authority compounds over time — expect limited results in the first 60–90 days. HubSpot, Campaign Creators, and others report the most dramatic results at 6–12 months. If you're evaluating after 4 weeks, you're measuring noise, not signal.
Using HubSpot's Topic Cluster Tool
If your website runs on HubSpot (Marketing Hub Professional/Enterprise or Content Hub Professional/Enterprise), you have a built-in tool for managing topic clusters.
- Navigate to Content → SEO → Topics → Add a topic
- Enter your pillar topic keyword; the tool shows monthly search volume and difficulty
- Assign one pillar page per topic (create new or attach existing)
- Add 6–10 subtopic keywords (supports up to 100, but start focused)
- Attach existing blog posts or create new content for each subtopic
- The tool validates internal links: 🟢 Green = correctly linked; ⚪ Grey = missing content; 🔴 Red = no backlink to pillar
- Track performance via Content → SEO → Topics → View topic analytics
When Pillar Pages Don't Work (And What to Do Instead)
Pillar pages are not a universal solution. They're a poor fit for several specific scenarios:
- You publish fewer than 2–3 posts per month: A topic cluster needs 8–15 supporting posts. If your cadence can't support this, focus on standalone content.
- Your topic is genuinely narrow: If it doesn't break into 8+ distinct subtopics, a single comprehensive blog post is more appropriate.
- You're in a hyper-competitive SERP: A brand-new site won't outrank Moz and HubSpot with a pillar page alone. Build cluster content first.
- Your audience uses social/community discovery: Some B2B niches are better served by LinkedIn content or industry forums than organic search.
The honest answer: Pillar pages work exceptionally well for B2B companies with moderate publishing resources, clear topic expertise, and 6–12 months of patience. They work less well for brand-new sites in highly competitive SERPs, teams that can't commit to ongoing cluster content, or topics that don't naturally decompose into subtopics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pillar Pages
What is a pillar page?
A pillar page is a comprehensive, long-form resource — typically 3,000–5,000 words — that covers a broad topic in depth and serves as the central hub of a topic cluster. It links to and from multiple related blog posts (cluster pages), helping search engines understand your topical expertise. Pillar pages drive 30–43% more organic traffic than unconnected content, according to HubSpot research.
What are the three types of pillar pages?
The three main types are the 10x Content Pillar (comprehensive "ultimate guide," 3,000–5,000+ words), the Resource Hub (curated collection of links, 500–2,000 words), and the "What Is" Pillar (educational page defining a concept, 2,000–4,000 words). Many effective pillars blend elements from multiple types.
How long should a pillar page be?
The consensus is 3,000–4,000 words. Content exceeding 3,000 words generates 3× more traffic, earns 4× more social shares, and attracts 3.5× more backlinks compared to typical 1,400-word posts (Backlinko, OkDork/Moz). However, quality matters more than word count — a 2,000-word pillar with original data can outperform a padded 5,000-word one.
What is the difference between a pillar page and a blog post?
A pillar page covers a broad topic comprehensively, targets a high-volume keyword, links to multiple cluster pages, and is regularly updated. A blog post covers a specific aspect (800–1,500 words), targets a long-tail keyword, and links back to the pillar. The critical distinction is architectural — a long blog post without cluster connections isn't a pillar page.
How many pillar pages should a website have?
Start with 3–4 core pillar pages, each aligned with a primary service offering. Each needs 8–15 supporting cluster pages. Quality matters more than quantity — better to have 3 well-built pillars with strong clusters than 10 thin ones.
What is the difference between a pillar page and a landing page?
A pillar page is an educational resource designed to rank organically and build topical authority — it links extensively to related content. A landing page is conversion-focused with minimal navigation and a single CTA, typically targeting paid traffic. Pillar pages build long-term organic value; landing pages drive immediate conversions.
Do pillar pages help SEO?
Significantly. Topic clusters drive 30–43% more organic traffic (HubSpot), achieve 63% more keyword rankings within 90 days (Backlinko), deliver 2.5× longer ranking longevity, and increase domain authority by an average of 8 points. Google has officially used "topic authority" as a ranking factor since May 2023.
How often should you update a pillar page?
Review every 6–12 months minimum, and quarterly for fast-moving topics. Update statistics, refresh examples, fix broken links, add new cluster page links. Recently updated content appears 4.3× more often in AI answers. With regular maintenance, a pillar page can hold rankings for 10+ years.
What is a topic cluster model?
The topic cluster model, formalised by HubSpot in 2016–2017, organises content around three components: a pillar page (broad topic), cluster pages (specific subtopics), and bidirectional hyperlinks connecting them. Every cluster page links back to the pillar using the topic keyword as anchor text. This structure signals topical expertise to search engines.
Can pillar pages help with AI search visibility?
Yes — pillar pages are natural assets for AI search (AEO). Clustered content receives 3.2× more AI citations than standalone posts. The key is adapting structure for AI extraction: use question-based headings, write one-idea-per-paragraph "atomic" content (120–180 words per section), lead with direct answers in the first 40–60 words, and implement FAQ schema.
Need Help Building Your Topic Cluster Strategy?
We build pillar pages and topic clusters for B2B companies across the UK — combining traditional SEO with Answer Engine Optimisation to make your content visible in both Google and AI search engines.
Get Your Free Website AuditMethodology and sources: This article draws on research from HubSpot (2024 and 2026 State of Marketing Reports), Backlinko's B2B SaaS Topic Cluster Study 2025 (50 websites), Princeton University's GEO Study (KDD 2024, 10,000 queries), BrightEdge AI Overview monitoring 2024–2025, SE Ranking AI citation analysis (November 2025), Yext AI Citation Study, SearchPilot A/B testing, and First Page Sage AI adoption data (January 2026). Whitehat SEO is a HubSpot Diamond Partner. Where we reference our own pillar pages as examples, we do so because we believe showing real implementations is more useful than theoretical advice — not because we claim they are the best pillar pages available. All statistics are attributed to their original sources. Article last updated: February 2026.