Acronym for Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness, E-A-T is a set of guidelines used by Google to evaluate the quality and relevance of content. This is considered as an important factor and affects the manner in which Google ranks web pages in search results. Expertise refers to the level of knowledge and skill a content creator has in a particular topic or field. Authoritativeness refers to the reputation and credibility of the content creator or website. Trustworthiness refers to the reliability and honesty of the content. These are important and it is necessary for website administrators to be fully aware of these raters as it will help put in place a proper link building strategy. Before we look at the relation between EAT and link building, here is a quick look at link building to understand the relevance.
Link building refers to the process of getting other websites to link back to own website, and is an important SEO strategy. Search engines consider the number and quality of backlinks to a website when determining ranking in search results. However, links from authoritative and trustworthy websites are more valuable than links from low-quality or spammy websites. The goal should always be to focus on building high-quality backlinks from relevant and authoritative sources.
How Does EAT Impact Link Building From Other Sites?
EAT can impact link building from other sites in a few ways. Websites that have high levels of expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness are more likely to attract high-quality backlinks from other authoritative sites. This is because authoritative websites tend to link to other authoritative websites, as this provides respective users with high-quality content.
Additionally, links from authoritative and trustworthy websites can increase the EAT of websites linked. Google regards links from authoritative websites as a vote of confidence in the quality and relevance of the linked content. Therefore, having high-quality backlinks from authoritative websites can increase the perceived EAT of a website and improve ranking in search results.
However, low-quality or spammy backlinks can negatively impact a website’s EAT and ranking. Therefore, it is important to focus on building high-quality backlinks from relevant and authoritative sources, and to stay away from any tactics considered as manipulative or spammy by Google.
What Are YMYL Sites?
In this context it is necessary to know more about YMYL sites. Acronym for “Your Money or Your Life,” these are sites classified by Google as having a significant impact on a user’s health, happiness, financial stability, or safety. Examples of YMYL websites include sites that provide financial or medical advice, sell products that can affect a user’s health or safety. This also includes information about important milestones in life such as purchasing a home or getting a divorce.
Google considers YMYL websites to be of particular importance and holds them to a higher standard than other types of websites. The content on these sites can have a significant impact on a user’s well-being, and Google intends to ensure that users are provided with accurate, trustworthy, and high-quality information. Consequently, YMYL websites are subject to additional scrutiny by Google’s search algorithms and quality evaluators. They are expected to demonstrate a high level of expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness in order to rank well in search results. YMYL websites are also expected to adhere to strict quality guidelines with clear, transparent, and accurate information about the website owners and content creators.
How To Evaluate A Site In A Manner Similar To Google’s EAT
Evaluating a site in a manner similar to Google’s E-A-T involves looking at several different factors that can help determine the expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness of the site. Here is a quick look at key factors.
Content Quality
Evaluate the quality and relevance of content, look closely for evidence that the content has been written by subject matter experts. The content needs to be accurate, informative, and well-researched. Check for errors or inconsistencies in the content, as this can indicate low-quality or unreliable information.
Site Authority
Evaluate the authority of the site in its niche or industry. The site should have a strong reputation and respected by other websites and experts in the field. Check for awards, certifications, or industry affiliations of the site.
Site Reputation
Evaluate the reputation of the site and its content creators. The site needs to be trustworthy with a positive reputation among users and industry experts. Check for reviews or testimonials from users, as well as any mentions or links to the site from other high-quality and trustworthy sources.
Site Security
Evaluate the security and privacy practices of the site. Check that the site takes suitable measures to protect user data and provide a safe browsing experience. Check for any security certifications or privacy policies that the site may have.
Site Design and User Experience
Evaluate the design and user experience of the site. The site needs to be well-designed, easy to navigate, and provide a positive user experience. Check for technical issues or broken links that impact the site’s usability.
By evaluating a site based on these factors, it is possible to get a better sense of its overall E-A-T and determine whether it is likely to be viewed as a high-quality and trustworthy source of information by Google and its users.
What Types Of Content Will Attract Links Easily?
There are several types of content that tend to attract links more easily than others. This will help in placing links from sites with better EAT ratings by Google.
Original Research or Data-driven Content
Creating original research or data-driven content can be a highly effective way to attract links. When new and interesting data that has not been seen before is published, other websites may be more likely to link to it as a source of information.
Infographics And Visual Content
Infographics and other visual content can also be highly effective for attracting links. Such content types are often highly shareable and can provide a visually appealing way to present complex information.
How-to Guides And Tutorials
How-to guides and tutorials can be highly valuable to users and can attract links from other websites that wish to share this helpful information with their own audience.
Lists and Roundups
Creating lists or roundups of relevant resources or products can be an effective way to attract links. Other websites may link to the list as a useful resource for their own audience.
Opinion Pieces or Thought Leadership Content
Opinion pieces or thought leadership content that presents a unique perspective or provides insights on a particular topic can also be effective for attracting links. Other websites may link to this content as a way to share this unique perspective with their own audience.
Merely creating content in these formats does not guarantee attracting links. It will be necessary to promote the content and reach out to relevant websites and influencers to encourage them to link to the content. Additionally, the content needs to be high-quality and provide real value to users in order to attract links over the long-term.