Definition
The semantic cocoon is a content organization method theorized by Laurent Bourrelly, which structures a site's pages into watertight thematic silos. Each cocoon groups pages covering the same semantic universe, organized hierarchically from general to specific. Internal linking within the cocoon follows precise rules: links flow primarily vertically (parent-child) and horizontally (sibling pages), but rarely between different cocoons. This architecture helps Google better understand the topic of each page group and significantly strengthens the site's semantic relevance for its target subjects.
Key Points
- Internal links must follow the cocoon's hierarchical logic (parent to child and vice versa)
- Cocoons must be watertight: few or no links between different cocoons
- Prior semantic analysis of target queries is essential to build a relevant cocoon
Practical Examples
Link building cocoon
An SEO site creates a cocoon with a parent page on link building, child pages on link types (editorial, guest posts, broken links), and grandchild pages detailing each specific technique, all connected by strict internal linking.
E-commerce thematic cocoon
A shoe store organizes its content into distinct cocoons: sports shoes, dress shoes, hiking shoes, with buying guides and comparisons linked exclusively within each cocoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
The semantic cocoon is a stricter French method that enforces rigid hierarchy and watertight silos. The topic cluster is a more flexible Anglo-Saxon model centered around a pillar page with bidirectional links to satellite articles. The semantic cocoon provides more control over internal PageRank flow through its stricter linking rules.
A functional semantic cocoon requires at minimum one parent page, 3 to 5 child pages, and ideally 2 to 3 grandchild pages per child page, totaling roughly 10 to 20 pages minimum. Depth and breadth depend on the richness of the target semantic field and the level of competition.
Go Further with LemmiLink
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Last updated: 2026-02-07