Comprehensive SOP for Implementing a Topical Map Using Koray’s Framework
This SOP provides a detailed guide on creating an effective topical map by leveraging Koray Tugberk GUBUR framework. It aims to help content strategists and SEO professionals enhance their site structure and semantic relevance, ultimately improving search engine performance and user engagement.
1. Identify the Source Context
Identifying the source context is crucial because it defines the purpose and target audience, ensuring that all subsequent content aligns with user needs and expectations. It helps in creating a cohesive content strategy that resonates with the intended audience and supports the overall business goals.
Purpose: Establish the purpose and target audience of your content source.
Action:
Define the primary audience, key objectives, and unique value proposition.
Example: For a site focusing on “Electric Vehicle,” the source context could be engaging tech enthusiasts through comparative content.
Implementation Tip: Ensure this context is consistent across your site, reflected in headers, meta descriptions, and core content. For example, use consistent terminology such as ‘Electric Vehicle ‘ across all these elements to reinforce the central theme effectively.
2. Define the Central Entity
Purpose: Identify the main subject that will anchor all content.
Action:
- Select a well-recognized topic (e.g., “Electric Vehicle”).
- Confirm recognition through authoritative sources like Wikipedia.
Implementation Tip: Use related terms and synonyms in headings and anchor texts for enhanced semantic reach.
3. Research the Ontology and Taxonomy of the Central Entity
Purpose: Develop a structured understanding of the main entity’s relationships and attributes.
Action:
Develop Ontology: List main concepts, sub-entities, and attributes related to the central entity.
Model Taxonomy: Arrange these into hierarchical categories.
Prompt: “Develop an ontology for [Central Entity], identifying properties and relationships.”
Output: Create a visual map or structured document showing entity relationships.
Ontology for Electric Vehicle (EV)
Taxonomy for Electric Vehicles (EV)
Example of Hierarchical Structure
4. Determine the Central Search Intent
Purpose: Align content with users’ primary search goals. This is the connection between your central entity and source context
Action:
- Research common search queries tied to the entity (,electric vehicle “).
- Integrate this intent throughout all core content
Implementation Tip: Ensure search intent is reflected across the entire site to maintain topical consistency.
5. Research Buyer Persona(s) and Ideal Customer Profiles (ICP)
Purpose: Tailor content to resonate with specific audience segments.
Action:
- Segment your audience by demographic, psychographic, and behavioral data.
- Define their goals, challenges, and preferred content types.
Sources: Use interviews, Google Analytics, and CRM insights to gather real data.
6. Determine Core and Outer Sections of the Topical Map
Core Section:
- Purpose: Focus on the main attributes related to the central entity.
Example: “Electric Vehicle Battery Type” categorized by brands and specs
Outer Section:
- Purpose: Expand the topical coverage with supplementary content.
Example: “Electric Vehicle Charging News” or “How-to Guides.”
Action: Ensure that outer sections link back to the core for better contextual coverage and trust.
7. Create Detailed Content Briefs
Purpose: Provide clear instructions for content creation to maintain alignment with the overall semantic strategy.
Components:
- Macro-Semantics: Core topics and main content focus.
- Micro-Semantics: Supporting details and subtopics.
Implementation Tip: Include prompts and structured outlines for writers to maintain consistency.
8. Integrate Macro and Micro Semantics
Purpose: Balance high-level content structure with detailed optimization.
Action:
- Ensure macro semantics cover comprehensive sections like titles and headers.
- Use micro semantics to optimize specific word choices and sentence structures.
Example: Seamlessly integrate user questions and subtopics in body content.
9. Implement Contextual Hierarchies and Coverage
Purpose: Structure content using strategic heading levels (H1, H2, H3).
Action:
- Prioritize main contexts in higher-level headings.
- Ensure that subtopics support the broader context without overshadowing it.
Implementation Tip: Match headings to user intent keywords.
10. Optimize Content Configuration and Publication Strategy
Purpose: Ensure regular updates and strategic publication.
Action:
- Establish a content update schedule.
- Maintain a balanced publication cadence.
Outcome: Keep content relevant and frequently crawled by search engines.
11. Test and Refine Topical Relevance
Purpose: Adapt based on user metrics and search performance.
Action:
- Use engagement and ranking data to assess content effectiveness.
- Revise structure, headings, or supplementary content as needed.
Example: Adjust content clusters based on new search trends.
12. Ensure Contextual Connectivity and Internal Linking
Purpose: Strengthen the content network for better navigation and search engine understanding.
Action:
- Create strategic internal links between related topics.
- Use implied connections to reinforce thematic consistency.
Outcome: Establish “contextual bridges” that link content cohesively across the site.
13. Gather Data for Queries, Attributes, and Related Topics
Purpose: Collect comprehensive data to build a robust topical map.
Techniques:
- Use GSC, search engines, LLMs, and keyword tools like Ahrefs and Semrush.
Output: A detailed list of queries and related terms tied to the central and derived entities.
14. Perform SERP Analysis for Authority Insights
Purpose: Identify successful elements from competitors.
Action:
- Analyze SERP features such as PAA, related searches, and knowledge panels.
- Extract data from high-ranking page elements.
The more competitor research you do, the more detailed your topical map will be. I analyze at least 5 to 7 SERP competitors.
Tools: SEO crawlers, SERP analysis software. Semrush etc
15. Extract and Analyze N-grams from Authority Sources
Purpose: Understand content structures and commonly used phrases.
Action:
- Use crawlers to pull data from page titles, headings, and content.
- Identify frequent word patterns to uncover content gaps.
Output: Insightful analysis for competitive content strategy.
16. Assign Search Volume and Organize Data
Assigning search volume helps determine the demand for specific topics, allowing for effective prioritization of content that has the highest potential impact.
Purpose: Evaluate query demand and competition. use the PPR Method already explained
Action:
- Create a spreadsheet with search volume, competing URLs, and query sources.
- Prioritize topics based on volume and relevance.
17. Cluster and Filter Queries
Purpose: Group related queries into topic clusters. PPR METHOD
Action:
- Perform SERP-based clustering and filter out irrelevant topics.
- Categorize topics by type (e.g., guides, reviews) and sales funnel stage.
18. Finalize the Raw Topical Map
Purpose: Compile and organize all data into a cohesive map.
Output: A draft that includes core and outer sections, query clusters, and content outlines.
19. Create a Processed Topical Map
Purpose: Add macro elements and prepare for publication.
Components:
Title tags, URL slugs, meta descriptions, image ALT texts.
Action: Ensure each topic has its place in the content strategy, ready for execution.
Final Output Includes:
- Topic, Core/Outer section, Title Tag, URL, Meta Description, Image ALTs, Search Volume, Relevance, Publication Status, Linked Content.
Final Considerations
Key Takeaways and Actionable Steps
Regularly revisit the topical map to adapt to changing trends and ensure ongoing relevance.
Regularly update and expand content to maintain topical depth.
Use strategic internal linking to improve content connectivity.
Continuously monitor user engagement and refine content based on metrics for ongoing optimization.
Balance Vastness, Depth, and Momentum: Ensure content covers the topic extensively while maintaining regular updates.
Maximize Engagement Quality: Prioritize valuable content that boosts user interactions and historical data.
Build Topical Authority: Create semantic networks that connect related content to solidify the central entity’s dominance.
