In the alphabet soup of SEO, Google’s EEAT is not just another acronym, it’s your roadmap to building trust and credibility online. EEAT stands for experience, expertise, authorityand Credibilitywhich is Google’s way of asking: “Why should I — and your readers — take you seriously?”
Let’s take a deeper look at 411 on EEAT, its importance, and how to implement it on your website.
EEAT is Google’s content quality control framework. It’s designed to filter out legitimate, reliable content from the sea of low-quality online noise. Let’s break it down:
- experience: Does your content show you’ve been there, done these things, and earned a t-shirt? First-hand knowledge is key.
- Expertise: Are you (or your writer) an authority in your field? Google wants to know if you’re qualified to make suggestions.
- authority: Do others see you as a leader? This means recognition, reputation, and reliable backlinks from reliable sources.
- Credibility: Is your website a place where people feel safe and informed? The key to trust is accuracy, transparency and security.
Because Google is tired of bullshit (and so are your readers).
EEAT is about Provide content that is authentic, useful, and trustworthy. Think of it as Google’s Marie Kondo approach to the internet: anything that doesn’t inspire trust is removed from the top of search results.
If you want to rank high (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), you need to make Google and your readers trust you. EEAT is how you do that.
1. Show your receipt (experience).
Personal experience gives depth and authenticity to your content. Google loves content that feels like it comes from people who have actually been in the trenches.
How to do it:
- Include personal anecdotes or detailed case studies. These add a layer of credibility and relevance.
- Use original multimedia (photos, videos, or graphics) to illustrate real-world experiences.
example:
Imagine your B2B company specializes in supply chain software. You can write a detailed case study showing how your software helped a mid-sized manufacturing customer reduce logistics costs by 20%. Include charts, customer quotes, and step-by-step breakdowns to give your content substance and transparency.
2. Be the nerd (expertise) that everyone trusts.
Expertise involves certification and proven knowledge. It is not enough to have an opinion; you must have an opinion. You need to back them up with facts, figures or professional qualifications.
How to do it:
- Post content written by professionals or people with proven expertise in your field.
- Provide clear citations and links to authoritative sources.
- Focus on your area of expertise—don’t try to be a jack of all trades.
example:
If you are a wellness brand, your “How to Treat Eczema” blog posts should be written or reviewed by a dermatologist or healthcare professional. Include medical studies or journal articles to support your recommendations. A short author bio mentioning the author’s qualifications can seal the deal.
3. Use your influence (authority).
Google wants to know: Do people respect you in your field? It comes down to reputation. If others in your industry trust you, Google will probably trust you too.
How to do it:
- Mention collaborations or partnerships with well-known brands or experts.
- Highlight media mentions, awards, or positive reviews.
example:
Imagine you are running a website about sustainable fashion. If Vogue or Harper’s Bazaar links to your eco-fabrics guide, it will add a lot of credibility. Display this link on your website’s news page and show your readers that you’re not just another fashion resource – you are this Fashion resources.
4. Put the ring on (believability).
Integrity is the foundation of EEAT. Your readers and Google need to have confidence in your content and website.
How to do it:
- Protect your website HTTPS (No excuses here).
- Be transparent about who you are, including a detailed author bio and a clear “About Us” page.
- Check your content thoroughly to avoid spreading misinformation.
- Add trust signals such as customer reviews, case studies, or privacy policies.
example:
Let’s say you own an e-commerce website that sells skin care products. Build a page that details your ingredient sourcing, include verified customer testimonials, and make sure your checkout process is secure. Bonus: Add live chat for customer support to show you’re available and reliable.
Google’s EEAT is more than a box to be ticked, it’s a way to build trust with your audience while improving your search rankings. Think of it as the ultimate combination of street smarts and book smarts: first-hand experience, deep expertise, a little influence, and a whole lot of transparency.
By putting these principles into practice, you can not only improve your SEO, but also become a source that people want to visit, link to, and share. Honestly, isn’t that what great content is all about?
