{"id":9258,"date":"2023-04-28T12:08:48","date_gmt":"2023-04-28T12:08:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/28\/how-to-create-a-resource-page\/"},"modified":"2023-04-28T12:08:48","modified_gmt":"2023-04-28T12:08:48","slug":"how-to-create-a-resource-page","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/28\/how-to-create-a-resource-page\/","title":{"rendered":"How to create a resource page"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re interested in creating helpful content for your audience (and you should be), you should consider making a resource page.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s the best way to collect your top recommendations for products or services and promote the tools and resources you love and use in your business.<\/p>\n<p>And as part of your <a href=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/create-content-strategy-framework-393819\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">content strategy<\/a>, a resource page can add depth and value to your website.<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s go deeper into what a resource page is, why you should create one, and how to do it, plus resource page examples.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/28\/how-to-create-a-resource-page\/#What_is_a_resource_page\" >What is a resource page?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/28\/how-to-create-a-resource-page\/#Why_you_should_create_a_resource_page\" >Why you should create a resource page<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/28\/how-to-create-a-resource-page\/#How_to_create_a_resource_page_with_value\" >How to create a resource page with value<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/28\/how-to-create-a-resource-page\/#1_Gather_links_to_your_most_trusted_resources_for_your_niche\" >1. Gather links to your most trusted resources for your niche<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/28\/how-to-create-a-resource-page\/#2_Including_affiliate_links_Add_a_disclosure\" >2. Including affiliate links? Add a disclosure<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/28\/how-to-create-a-resource-page\/#3_Describe_each_resource_and_why_you_included_it\" >3. Describe each resource and why you included it<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/28\/how-to-create-a-resource-page\/#4_Organize_and_optimize_your_resource_page\" >4. Organize and optimize your resource page<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/28\/how-to-create-a-resource-page\/#5_Link_to_relevant_content_on_your_site\" >5. Link to relevant content on your site<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/28\/how-to-create-a-resource-page\/#6_Update_your_resource_page_regularly\" >6. Update your resource page regularly<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/28\/how-to-create-a-resource-page\/#7_Link_to_your_resource_page_in_your_other_content\" >7. Link to your resource page in your other content<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/28\/how-to-create-a-resource-page\/#A_resource_page_is_helpful_content\" >A resource page is helpful content<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_a_resource_page\"><\/span>What is a resource page?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A resource page is a curated page that links to helpful resources, tools, apps, products, services, media, or websites that your audience may find useful.<\/p>\n<p>(You may also know this page as a \u201crecommended tools\u201d page, an affiliate links page, or even a brand \u201ctoolbox.\u201d)<\/p>\n<p>A resource page is a one-stop shop for finding a brand\u2019s recommended resources, including the tools or products its staff uses and loves in the company\u2019s day-to-day business.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re a solopreneur or freelancer, your resource page can be very personal and reflect your expertise. And, if you\u2019ve built a following and an engaged audience, your resource page will be valuable for the people who trust your guidance.<\/p>\n<p>There are three ways to approach a resource page:<\/p>\n<p>Use affiliate links. (This means you and the company of the product you recommend have an agreement \u2013 you earn a small commission from people who click your affiliate link and engage with that company.)<\/p>\n<p>Link to resources organically (because you love them and for no other reason).<\/p>\n<p>Include a mixture of affiliate and organic links.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_you_should_create_a_resource_page\"><\/span>Why you should create a resource page<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The first and most important reason to create a resource page is the <strong>helpfulness<\/strong> factor.<\/p>\n<p>A resource page curated by you can help your audience discover tools, websites, and resources to help them solve problems they face.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The resource page you create can be personalized with hand-picked links that you actually use, enjoy, or get value from \u2013 and since your expert opinion matters to your audience, they\u2019ll care about the resources you recommend.<\/p>\n<p>The second reason to create a resource page is if you\u2019re involved with affiliate programs and want to maximize your income. <\/p>\n<p>Including your links on a dedicated resource page in your top navigation gives your readers an easy way to find and engage with them.<\/p>\n<p>But, remember \u2013 never create a resource page just to get people to click your affiliate links. <\/p>\n<p>Instead, create this type of content to help your audience connect with great resources that have aided you during your own journey in your niche.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_create_a_resource_page_with_value\"><\/span>How to create a resource page with value<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Anyone can throw together a list of links. To avoid the plague of thin, useless content, follow these steps to create a resource page with real value for your readers.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Gather_links_to_your_most_trusted_resources_for_your_niche\"><\/span>1. Gather links to your most trusted resources for your niche<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This initial step in creating a resource page should be the easiest.<\/p>\n<p>You simply need to gather a list of links to your favorite, most trusted tools, websites, products, services, etc. that relate to what you do in your niche.<\/p>\n<p>For example, if you\u2019re an expert baker who posts recipes, your resource page might be full of the baking tools you trust and use daily, like on this baking website:<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<\/div>\n<p>Similarly, if you sell content marketing courses, your resource page would likely include a list of tools you use to make content marketing easier. <\/p>\n<p>(Think SEO tools, content creation tools, your favorite website host, and the content calendar tool you depend on.)<\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t include just any resources. Think about what would be most beneficial for your audience. <\/p>\n<p>Finally, never recommend anything you haven\u2019t actually used or liked. Honesty and transparency are essential for maintaining the trust between you and your audience.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Including_affiliate_links_Add_a_disclosure\"><\/span>2. Including affiliate links? Add a disclosure<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If you plan to include affiliate links on your resource page, add a clear disclosure that you may earn a commission when your visitors click those links.<\/p>\n<p>This isn\u2019t just good practice for ethics and transparency \u2013 it\u2019s also a <a href=\"https:\/\/prettylinks.com\/blog\/affiliate-link-disclosures-best-practices\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">requirement<\/a> of the U.S. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ftc.gov\/business-guidance\/resources\/ftcs-endorsement-guides-what-people-are-asking\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Federal Trade Commission<\/a> (FTC).<\/p>\n<p>The FTC considers linking to affiliate sites <strong>without<\/strong> disclosure to be deceptive advertising. <\/p>\n<p>Luckily, the disclosure itself doesn\u2019t have to be a big deal. A simple, clear statement at the top of your page will suffice. Here\u2019s a great example from a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalphotomentor.com\/photography-resources\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">photography website<\/a>:<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- START INLINE FORM --><\/p>\n<div class=\"nl-inline-form border py-2 px-1 my-2\">\n<div class=\"row align-items-center\">\n<div class=\"col-12 col-lg-3 col-xl-4 pe-md-0 pb-2 pb-lg-0\">\n<p class=\"inline-form-text text-center mb-0\">Get the daily newsletter search marketers rely on.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-12 col-lg-7 col-xl-6  pe-lg-0\">\n<div class=\"form-nl-inline\">\n<div class=\"row g-0\">\n<div class=\"form-group col-12 col-lg-8 mb-0\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"col-12 col-lg-4 col-xl-4 mb-0\">\n<div class=\"d-none\">\n<p>Processing\u2026Please wait.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button class=\"btn btn-dark inlineButton w-100 rounded-0 font-weight-bold\">SUBSCRIBE<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-12 col-lg-2 col-xl-2 ps-1\">\n<p class=\"text-center mb-0\"><a class=\"nl-terms\" href=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/termsofuse\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">See terms.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- END INLINE FORM --><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Describe_each_resource_and_why_you_included_it\"><\/span>3. Describe each resource and why you included it<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Now we can start beefing up your resource page with useful content.<\/p>\n<p>What will make your page useful beyond the links themselves? <\/p>\n<p><strong>Helpful descriptions<\/strong> that explain why you&#8217;re recommending each product, service, tool, etc., and why they&#8217;re valuable.<\/p>\n<p>Here&#8217;s a good formula for describing the resources on your page:<\/p>\n<p>Introduce the product\/service\/tool\/resource and explain what it does.<\/p>\n<p>Explain why you use it and trust it.<\/p>\n<p>List at least one way it could improve your reader&#8217;s life.<\/p>\n<p>Your descriptions don&#8217;t have to be long, either. You can summarize each of the above points in one or two sentences. Here&#8217;s an example from Smart Passive Income:<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<\/div>\n<p>Ultimately, this list of recommended tools is much more valuable because SPI describes how and why each tool is trustworthy and effective. <\/p>\n<p>If, on the other hand, they just provided a list of links, you wouldn&#8217;t understand the value of any of them.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Organize_and_optimize_your_resource_page\"><\/span>4. Organize and optimize your resource page<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Again, don&#8217;t just throw a list of links on a page. Put some effort into organizing and <a href=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/create-captivating-compelling-optimized-content-385534\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">optimizing<\/a> your resource page so the most visitors will get the most use out of it.<\/p>\n<p>Particularly,<strong> <\/strong>organize your resources into categories and add a heading (an H2 or an H3) to each one. <\/p>\n<p>For example, if you have a list of media to consume to learn more about a topic, you could categorize the links by type of media, e.g., books, podcasts, videos, blog posts, courses, etc.<\/p>\n<p>This wellness center, for instance, has a resource page for employees and their families that includes online fitness resources categorized by workout type:<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<\/div>\n<p>Another option: If you regularly blog about great industry resources, collect them on one resource page, like Learn to Code With Me did:<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Link_to_relevant_content_on_your_site\"><\/span>5. Link to relevant content on your site<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, you can include your own content on your resource page, but take care \u2013 adding too much of your content can look a bit too self-promotional.<\/p>\n<p>Instead, look for ways to mention or link to your content organically.<\/p>\n<p>For instance, this travel blog includes their in-house tour company as one of the resources under their \u201ctour companies\u201d category. <\/p>\n<p>However, the mention isn&#8217;t overtly salesy and looks even less so next to their other recommendations.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<\/div>\n<p>Another way to include your content on your resource page is to link to related blog posts. <\/p>\n<p>Add these links in the descriptions for each category, such as, &#8220;Want to learn more about choosing a travel company? Check out our guide.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Update_your_resource_page_regularly\"><\/span>6. Update your resource page regularly<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Next, since your resource page is essentially a page full of links, you&#8217;ll want to make sure the links are working and accurate regularly.<\/p>\n<p>For example, this can be a task you set as part of your regular website or <a href=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/what-is-a-content-audit-388544\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">content audit<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>A quick way to check all the URLs on the page for dead links is to use a broken link checker.<\/p>\n<p>Lastly, ensure your affiliate links are all accurate and working so it&#8217;s tracked each time someone is referred through your page to a product.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Link_to_your_resource_page_in_your_other_content\"><\/span>7. Link to your resource page in your other content<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Once your resource page is created, link to it in your other content, including blogs and core site pages like your <a href=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/effective-about-us-page-examples-390207\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">About Us page<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>For example, a baking blog could link to its resources page whenever they talk about baking equipment. E.g., \u201cThe right size mixing bowl is essential to creating this recipe. Check out my resource page to see the large mixing bowls I use and love.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Essentially, any \u201clearn more\u201d opportunity or mention in a blog could connect back to your resource page.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, another great place to include a link to this content is right in your main menu. Learn to Code With Me does this well \u2013 its resource hub is located in the top menu under the heading \u201cWhere to learn.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<\/div>\n<p>Those aren&#8217;t the only possibilities. Here are some other suggestions for linking to your resource page in your other content:<\/p>\n<p>Include a link in your site&#8217;s footer menu.<\/p>\n<p>Create a call-to-action banner or graphic to place strategically inside blogs.<\/p>\n<p>Add a link to your lead magnets, ebooks, or freebies.<\/p>\n<p>Create a perpetual link for your blog sidebar.<\/p>\n<p>Link to and promote your resource page in social media posts.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_resource_page_is_helpful_content\"><\/span>A resource page is helpful content<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Correction: A resource page <em>can be<\/em> helpful content if you create it with the above steps in mind.<\/p>\n<p>And that&#8217;s important because helpful content matters to your audience as part of their overarching experience of your brand. It also matters to Google, because the search engine wants to serve searchers content that helps them.<\/p>\n<p>As you&#8217;ll remember, <a href=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/what-is-helpful-content-google-387360\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">helpful content<\/a> is:<\/p>\n<p>Created with a specific audience in mind.<\/p>\n<p>Has trust and credibility markers.<\/p>\n<p>Includes expertise from the creator(s).<\/p>\n<p>Meets the needs of the audience.<\/p>\n<p>Created with care, your resource page can add value to your content strategy by educating your audience and strengthening your website. And those are worthy goals.<\/p>\n<p>The post <a href=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/create-resource-page-398815\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">How to create a resource page<\/a> appeared first on <a href=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Search Engine Land<\/a>.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re interested in creating helpful content for your audience (and you should be), you should consider making a resource page. It\u2019s the best way to collect your top recommendations for products or services and promote the tools and resources you love and use in your business. And as part of your content strategy, a resource page can add depth and value to your website. Let\u2019s go deeper into what a resource page is, why you should create one, and how to do it, plus resource [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"h5ap_radio_sources":[],"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9258","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-best-seo-blogs"],"featured_image_src":null,"featured_image_src_square":null,"author_info":{"display_name":false,"author_link":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/author\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9258","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9258"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9258\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9258"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9258"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9258"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}