What is E-E-A-T?
E-E-A-T stands for Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. It expands on the original E-A-T by emphasizing first-hand experience as a key factor in content credibility.
Why E-E-A-T Matters?
- Helps Google prioritize trustworthy and high-quality content.
- Critical for YMYL (Your Money or Your Life) topics like health and finance.
- Indirectly impacts SEO rankings by influencing Google’s algorithms.
How to Demonstrate E-E-A-T?
- Experience – Content creators should have first-hand knowledge of the topic.
- Expertise – Authors should have credentials, qualifications, or industry recognition.
- Authoritativeness – Earn backlinks, mentions, and citations from reputable sources.
- Trustworthiness – Provide accurate, well-sourced information, transparent authorship, and secure website practices.
Google’s Evaluation of E-E-A-T
- Low E-E-A-T (Ch. 4.5.2 & 5.1) – Pages with untrustworthy content, lack of credentials, or no authoritative backing.
- High E-E-A-T (Ch. 7.3 & 8.3) – Pages with first-hand experience, strong expertise, and a trusted reputation.
E-E-A-T & AI-Generated Content
- AI should assist but not replace human expertise.
- AI-generated content must be reviewed for accuracy, originality, and trustworthiness.
- Google’s March 2024 Core Update deindexed many low-quality AI-generated sites.
Examples of High E-E-A-T Websites
- Dogster – Veterinary-reviewed content showcasing deep expertise in dog care.
- GadgetMates – Electronics repair company with hands-on experience and a strong local reputation.
- Homesteading Family – Real-life homesteaders sharing their self-sufficient lifestyle and expertise.
Final Takeaway
E-E-A-T is not a direct ranking factor but strongly influences SEO success. Prioritizing authentic experience, expertise, authority, and trust ensures long-term visibility and credibility in search results.