You’ve probably heard marketers talk about “EEAT” and wondered why we’re suddenly obsessed with eating. Don’t worry—no snacks required. EEAT stands for Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. It’s a framework from Google’s Search Quality Rater Guidelines that helps evaluate the quality of web content. While it’s not a ranking algorithm, content that demonstrates strong EEAT tends to perform better because it’s more useful, credible, and reliable.
What EEAT Actually Means
Experience
First-hand, real-world involvement with the topic. Think reviews written by someone who actually used the product, or a travel guide from someone who’s been to that city.
Expertise
Subject-matter knowledge and the ability to explain it clearly. This could be professional training, certifications, or deep practice in a field.
Authoritativeness
Your reputation in the space. Are reputable sites referencing your work? Do you (or your brand) have recognized credentials and a visible track record?
Trustworthiness
Accuracy, transparency, and safety. Clear sourcing, up-to-date information, secure site tech (HTTPS), and honest claims all build trust.
Will EEAT Guarantee Rankings?
No single factor guarantees rankings. EEAT is a quality lens, not a hack. It works alongside fundamentals like search intent, keyword relevance, site speed, mobile UX, internal linking, and backlinks. In short: strong EEAT improves your odds when the rest of your SEO basics are in place.
How to Show EEAT in Your Content
1) Lead with what you genuinely know
Publish on topics where you have real experience. Add specifics—process steps, tools you use, photos/screenshots, and lessons learned.
2) Prove expertise
Include bylines, author bios with credentials, and links to your professional profiles. For organizations, add an “About” page with team credentials and awards.
3) Cite credible sources
Back up statistics and claims with reputable references. Link to standards bodies, research, or recognized industry publications.
4) Be transparent and balanced
Explain limits, risks, or alternatives. Avoid hypey language. If something is sponsored or an affiliate link, disclose it.
5) Keep it fresh and focused
Cover one problem per piece. Update time-sensitive facts and add an “Updated on” date when you revise content.
6) Strengthen your reputation off-page
Earn mentions and links by contributing guest posts, speaking on podcasts, publishing case studies, or sharing original data.
7) Protect technical trust
Use HTTPS, fix broken links, tighten security, add a privacy policy/terms, and make contact info easy to find.
Formats That Naturally Support EEAT
Case studies with measurable outcomes
How-to guides with step-by-step photos or video
White papers and original research
Expert roundups and Q&As with recognized practitioners
Product/service pages enriched with testimonials, FAQs, and policies
Quick EEAT Checklist (Do This Next)
Add author bylines and short bios to your top pages.
Update 3–5 high-traffic posts with fresh data and citations.
Create one detailed case study showing problem → approach → results.
Add trust signals site-wide: HTTPS, contact page, privacy policy, review links.
Pitch one guest post or podcast to build authoritative mentions.
Bottom Line
EEAT isn’t a magic switch—it’s a mindset. When you consistently publish content grounded in real experience, clear expertise, recognizable authority, and earned trust, you help both readers and search engines choose you. Pair that with solid SEO hygiene, and you’ll see better engagement, stronger rankings, and more qualified leads.
Want help turning your best know-how into EEAT-rich content? Start with one page this week, apply the checklist, and build momentum from there.
Links to Share (that I mentioned in the episode):
Google’s Search Quality Rater Guidelines in 2014 (https://services.google.com/fh/files/misc/hsw-sqrg.pdf)