Thread by @yoyaoh

This is the topical map I created for a new niche site that's had a great start.

The big branch with 42 articles is where I started.

Here's my topic/keyword research process for new sites:

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M1 Update:

https://twitter.com/yoyaoh/status/1547044702934863873

#nichesites #topicalmaps

To preface the steps, think of this as a site about dogs. Easier to 'see' with an example.

The general niche is "dogs" and all the branches are the various topics about dogs.

The topical map shows where I can go for the next couple of years at least.

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1. I start by researching the topics that I need to cover to be a Topical Authority.

I use many sources to create a complete list of topics and clusters - Competitors, Wiki, Google, etc.

Topics include: breed, food, toys, bedding, training, reproduction, lifespan, etc...

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2. I perform broad keyword research across all the topics, so I understand what the top-level keywords are for the topics.

Then I dive deeper into sub-topics.

dog food
dog food for puppies
dog food for puppies with allergies

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3. I dive deeper and deeper. I start looking at the SERPs for the general competition for the topics.

For topics that are looking 'easier', I'll continue going deeper into topic/keyword research until I find the subtopics that I can build out into clusters.

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4. I fill out the mind map version of the topical map, while also doing the same thing within my keyword research and content management spreadsheet.

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5. I start narrowing down the topics that will be easier for me to start with.

I pick one of the topics and create a full cluster (silo) around them.

It will include 1 pillar page and many supporting articles.

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In my latest niche site, it was 1 pillar and 41 supporting articles.

The pillar page is one that I don't expect to rank for a long time. It's usually a high Search Volume and the most competitive in the cluster.

Many people say "don't go after high SV keywords."

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I say you can go after high SV keywords if you have a plan for it.

But still expect it to rank slow until your site's overall authority builds high enough.

The pillar was a 4400 SV keyword.

It started getting search impressions on 7/10 at the 1-month mark.

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Another big bonus is laying out a blueprint for months-years of content for you to write.

As Google starts to rank the site and content, it's giving you hints of what topics to go after next.

In my view, this is the best use of my time and money when starting a site.

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I've helped others create topical maps, and it really helps them get better results for their money. It speeds up how fast new sites can rank.

This also works for current sites. Filling out current topics and helping that content rank better due to better authority.

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1 more day spent researching topics/keywords could mean saving weeks of "waiting for Google" to index/rank the articles, as well as the time/money spent on creating extra content.

Is the process a lot of work? Yes!

Is it worth it? Yes!

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