Since the start of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) during the 1990s, various tools for better SEO performance are continuously developing till now.
Although SEO has contributed to the mass production of online content coming from all around the world, not all content is deemed to be useful for Internet users. The spread of misinformation has been going rampant due to several reasons, which includes the lack of media literacy.
Thankfully, Google had come up with a solution that easily rates the content quality.
Content Guide:
- What is Google E-E-A-T?
- What are Your Money, Your Life (YMYL) Topics?
- How to Improve Your Website’s Google E-E-A-T
What is Google E-E-A-T?
Back in 2018, Google E-A-T was introduced as part of the Search Quality Evaluator Guidelines. These guidelines are used to evaluate the content quality of a web page based on a specific keyword. However, Google has recently added another alphabet (E) to the concept, now referring to E-E-A-T.
Google E-E-A-T is particularly crucial for YMYL (Your Money or Your Life) topics, which discuss sensitive information that users need. One thing is certain: while E-E-A-T is not a direct ranking factor, it does impact your content page’s position on the Search Engine Results Page (SERP).
The name (E-E-A-T) explains the quality they prioritise; the first E stands for Experience, second E stands for Expertise, A stands for Authoritativeness, and T stands for Trustworthiness.
(Source: Google)
| Experience | When reading a content on a web site, users rely on the content creator’s real-life experience in regards to the topic of content. These kinds of information provide practical insights for them to address their real-life problems or questions. Plus, it could also give them an idea of what works and what doesn’t work for them. For example, users can verify whether a certain restaurant is worth visiting depending on the online reviews and their preferences, which are often influenced by factors like user experience and content quality. |
| Expertise | Content creators with expertise in-depth with the content topic are highly preferred. Users are more likely to trust someone who has credibility on the topic. A well-researched, detailed, and accurate content creates an indispensable knowledge source for users. For example, a certified medical professional is more likely to be trusted than someone without such qualifications, demonstrating the importance of expertise in building authoritativeness and trustworthiness. |
| Authoritativeness | Web pages with high authoritativeness are known and trusted for the types of content they produce. They are regarded as a go-to source whenever users need reliable information on specific topics. For example, government websites that provide official documents and authentic information are prime examples of sites with high authoritativeness. Such sites are typically considered highly credible and are trusted sources of information. |
| Trustworthiness | A crucial element of Google E-E-A-T is trustworthiness. Essentially, a trustworthy website ensures that it does not harm the well-being of users and does not deceive them into scams. Even if the content creator or the person responsible for the website claims to be experienced, expert, and authoritative, their trustworthiness is compromised if their content leads to user harm or misinformation. Maintaining trustworthiness is essential for upholding content quality and user confidence. |
Another factor to consider is building your reputation as a content creator that users can trust and identify as their go-to source.
While Google E-E-A-T doesn’t directly affect rankings, it influences algorithm adjustments, ensuring that the Google algorithm prioritises high-quality, reliable content.
These guidelines assist human evaluators in assessing the quality of search results and ensure that only trustworthy and authoritative content is ranked highly.
What are YMYL (Your Money or Your Life) Topics?
With so much information coming from various types of content, it’s not surprising that users might struggle to differentiate between what is accurate and what is not.
As such, Google E-E-A-T is used to assess whether the content is trustworthy. Content that could potentially harm users falls under Your Money or Your Life (YMYL) topics.
YMYL topics are those that directly impact users’ lives. These include areas such as health, safety, and finances, among others. For instance, topics like house loan financing and bronchitis symptoms are examples of YMYL topics that users may search for to make informed decisions about their well-being.
Spectrum of the Page Quality Rating
(Source: Google)
As YMYL topics are paramount, the Page Quality (PQ) rating is typically high as it directly impacts a person’s life. Hence, if your page’s PQ rating is low, it indicates that something may be lacking or not included, potentially affecting content quality and user experience.
(Source: Envato)
How to Improve Your Website’s Google E-E-A-T
Improving your website’s Google E-E-A-T is key to boosting your search rankings and building trust with your audience. Here are three friendly tips to help you elevate your site’s E-E-A-T:
1. Enhance Content Quality and Credibility
First things first, focus on creating top-notch content. Your articles should be well-researched, accurate, and genuinely helpful to your readers. Use reliable sources to back up your points and include author bios to show off your team’s expertise.
When your content is both valuable and credible, people will see your site as a trustworthy go-to resource, enhancing its authority and trustworthiness in the eyes of both users and the Google algorithm.
2. Build a Strong Reputation and Trust
A great reputation comes from happy customers. Encourage them to leave positive reviews and testimonials—these are gold for your site’s trustworthiness.
Engage with your audience on social media, respond to comments and questions quickly, and handle any concerns with transparency. When people see you’re responsive and genuine, they’ll trust your site more, which can positively impact user experience and overall content credibility.
3. Showcase Real-World Experience and Expertise
Make sure to shine a spotlight on the real-world experience and qualifications of your team. If your content creators have impressive achievements, certifications, or hands-on experience, let your audience know!
Feature detailed author profiles and share case studies that highlight their expertise and practical knowledge. This not only helps build trust with your readers but also shows Google that your site is a credible and valuable resource.
Conclusion
Getting a handle on how Google’s algorithm works and what Google E-E-A-T is all about can really boost your site’s trustworthiness and authority. Focus on crafting top-notch content, build a solid reputation, and flaunt your team’s real-world experience and expertise.
Even though Google E-E-A-T isn’t a direct ranking factor, it helps shape how the Google algorithm views your site, helping it climb higher on the SERP and become a go-to resource for your audience.
Ready to boost your site’s Google E-E-A-T and climb the ranks? Start enhancing your content quality and building your reputation with us today!
