Whether you know it as EAT or have heard the updated acronym, EEAT is one of the most important behind-the-scenes systems in the SEO world. Google uses four elements to assess the quality of every website’s content before deciding how to rank it on a search page. Learn more about what each letter stands for, how they affect you, and what you can do to solidify your quality score when you create your SEO strategy.
What is EEAT in SEO?
EEAT, standing for “experience, expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness,” is used by search engines to judge the quality of content on a website. SEO and EEAT work hand in hand because Google rates the trustworthiness of a business based on its EEAT. The better your blog’s score, the better your blogging will rank in Google’s search results.
Why Does EEAT Matter?
It’s not just search engines who care about these factors—it’s readers, too! While many users have heard of the term before, they actively judge websites in the same way an algorithm does. Whether they recognize what they’re doing or not, users tend to exit out of sites that feel unsafe and search until they find one that they feel they can trust. Every EAT element adds up to creating a website that users find friendly and dependable.
What Does Experience Mean in EEAT?
Previously, SEO experts used EAT, but the second E for experience was added recently to refer to knowledge gained directly from partaking in an event. When people search for something, they’re more likely to click something if they know that person has lived experience in the topic.
How is Expertise Judged for SEO EEAT?
The original E in EAT stands for expertise, which can get confusing with the updated acronym. The difference is that expertise refers to a combination of education or training leading to a high level of knowledge in one field. Both people and algorithms judge content based on the expertise of the person writing it. When a website shows clear expertise in a subject, algorithms will increase its ranking.
What Does Authoritativeness Refer to in EEAT?
The A in EEAT stands for authoritativeness, referring to the reputation you have in your industry. Similar to how .edu or .gov websites tend to be trusted sources, Google ranks every website’s reputation within their field to rank the quality of your website appropriately.
How is Trustworthiness Qualified in EEAT?
The T in EAT is perhaps the most important factor when being SEO ranked. The algorithm judges the creator of content, the types of content, and the website as a whole to determine if a website can be a trustworthy source for people searching online.
7 Ways to Improve Your Website’s EEAT for SEO
1. Use and backlink to credible sources
2. Brainstorm high-quality content
3. Provide transparent author information
4. Make an “About Us” page to show authority
5. Edit content for spelling and grammar issues
6. Be present across social media
7. Find your niche to become an expert
SEO EEAT tactics will always be important to focus on, as they directly impact how Google will rank your website. As you design your pages and write new content, think about all the ways you can appear more trustworthy and experienced, and experience the success as your business flourishes!