The essentials
- Definition: a semantic cocoon is an architecture of pages grouped by theme and connected by internal links running downwards, upwards and sideways.
- Principle: a parent page (the subject), child pages (the sub-subjects), contextual links between them, and few links out of the cocoon.
- Effect: Google identifies expertise on a theme; authority flows towards the parent page, which targets the main query.
- Method: search intents → site structure → writing → internal linking → measurement.
The semantic cocoon is a method for organising a site's content, formalised in France by Laurent Bourrelly in the 2010s. The idea: group the pages covering the same theme, arrange them in a hierarchy (a parent page, child pages, sometimes grandchildren) and connect them with contextual links placed within the text, while limiting links that leave the group. Google then recognises expertise on the theme and concentrates authority on the page targeting the most contested query.
The structure of a cocoon
| Level | Role | Target query | Example (an accountancy firm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent page | Introduces the subject and points to the children | Generic, competitive | "accountant for small businesses" |
| Child pages | Cover each sub-subject in depth | Intermediate | "small business balance sheet", "small business VAT", "outsourced payroll" |
| Grandchild pages | Answer specific questions | Long tail | "how much does a balance sheet cost", "VAT on expense claims" |
The internal linking rules
- Downwards : the parent links to each child from a paragraph that introduces it, not from a list at the bottom of the page.
- Upwards : each child links to its parent, in context.
- Sideways : children link to one another when the subject calls for it (siblings).
- Descriptive anchors : "what a balance sheet costs", not "click here".
- Relative watertightness : few links to other cocoons; menus and footers count for less than links within the text.
A cocoon is simply a structured form of internal linking; its principles apply even if you don't adopt the full method.
The method in five steps
- List the search intents around the theme: what your prospects type, at every stage of their thinking (understand, compare, choose, act).
- Group and rank them : one parent query, five to ten children, grandchildren if the volume justifies it. One page per intent, not per keyword.
- Write starting with the grandchildren (the easiest to rank), then the children, then the parent, with each page answering its intent completely.
- Link according to the rules above, within the text.
- Measure : the parent page's rankings, the cocoon's traffic, conversions. Allow 3 to 6 months.
Semantic cocoon, silo, cluster: the variants
The silo is the Anglo-Saxon version, often stricter on watertightness (no links between silos). The topic cluster, popularised by HubSpot, describes a pillar page connected to satellite articles, with looser linking. All three rest on the same idea: group by theme, rank, link in context. The semantic cocoon adds attention to search intent and to how anchors are written.
What a cocoon brings to SEO and GEO
For Google, a cocoon demonstrates complete coverage of a subject — which its "helpful content" updates reward — and it channels the authority of the backlinks earned by any page towards the parent page. For generative engines, a well-structured cocoon provides precise answers to each question (the grandchildren) and an overview (the parent), the two formats AI is happy to cite. Internal linking is also point 8 of our complete SEO audit, and structuring pages for AI is covered in structuring your pages for AI.
How GreenRed helps
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a semantic cocoon and internal linking?
Internal linking covers every link between the pages of a site. The semantic cocoon is one particular method of internal linking: pages are grouped by theme, arranged in a hierarchy (parent, children, grandchildren) and connected by contextual links within the text, with few links out of the group.
How many pages does a semantic cocoon need?
An effective cocoon generally has one parent page, five to ten child pages and, if people's questions justify it, a few grandchildren: eight to twenty pages. The number depends on the real search intents around the theme, not on hitting a volume target.
Should links between cocoons be forbidden?
No — they should be limited and justified. A link to another cocoon is useful when the subject demands it (a "VAT" page pointing to a "starting a business" cocoon). The total watertightness of Anglo-Saxon silos is rarely necessary; what matters is that most contextual links stay within the theme.
Does the semantic cocoon work for an online store?
Yes, naturally: a category plays the part of the parent page, sub-categories the children, and buying guides or FAQs the grandchildren. The tricky part is contextual linking, often missing from category pages: an introductory paragraph with links to the sub-categories and the guides is enough.