The 3-question test for a programmatic SEO page set
Short answer: Before you build a page set, score it 0 to 2 on three questions: do people search this pattern (demand), do you own facts that change per page (data), and is each page worth reading on its own (difference). Build at 5 or 6, fix at 3 or 4, drop below that.
Most failed page sets fail before the first page is built. The idea was wrong. So before I build anything, I ask 3 questions and score each from 0 to 2.
- Demand. Do real people search this pattern? 0 = I think so. 1 = a keyword tool shows volume. 2 = my own Search Console already shows searches that fit it.
- Data. Do I own facts that change from page to page? 0 = only the name changes. 1 = public data anyone can copy. 2 = data only we have, like our prices, our jobs, our specs.
- Difference. Would page 37 be worth reading right after page 36? 0 = no. 1 = a little. 2 = yes, the answer really changes.
Add the scores. 5 or 6: build it. 3 or 4: fix the weak score first. 0 to 2: drop it, however big the keyword volume looks.
Example: a scheduling app with 60 integrations
Idea 1: "{app} + {tool} integration" pages. Demand 2: Search Console already shows searches like "yourapp hubspot sync". Data 2: each integration syncs different fields and has its own setup steps. Difference 2: the Salesforce page and the Zoom page answer different questions. Score 6. Build it.
Idea 2: "{app} for {industry}" pages. Demand 1. Data 0: the app works the same for dentists and for lawyers. Difference 0. Score 1. Drop it, or wait until you have real data per industry.
Your 10-minute task: Score 3 page set ideas
- Write 3 page set ideas for your site as patterns, like "{service} in {city}" or "{product} vs {competitor}".
- Score each one 0 to 2 on demand, data and difference. Be strict. Not sure means 0.
- Keep the ideas that score 4 or more. The next 2 lessons check their demand with real data.
Get the rest by email
The whole course in order, starting with lesson 1 now, then one lesson every 1 or 2 weekdays. Each has a 10-minute task on your own site.
A free 12-lesson email course from SEOmatic; the last lessons show how SEOmatic can do this work for you. Unsubscribe in one click. We never sell your data. Privacy