As we step into 2024, Google continues to evolve its search algorithms to ensure that users are getting the most reliable, accurate, and valuable information. One of the most significant changes in this update is the enhancement of Google’s E-A-T framework, which has now transformed into E-E-A-T—adding Experience to the core pillars of Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness.
This update means Google is placing even more emphasis on content created by individuals with direct, firsthand knowledge on a subject. The search engine now prioritizes content that demonstrates not only expertise and authority but also real-world experience. For businesses and content creators, this change presents both a challenge and an opportunity to improve SEO rankings by focusing on high-quality, experience-driven content.
At Advantage Media Partners, we help our clients navigate this new update, ensuring their content not only ranks higher in search engines but also resonates with their audience by showcasing experience and expertise. Let’s dive into what this means for your SEO strategy and how we can help you stay ahead.
What is E-E-A-T?
E-E-A-T stands for Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. These are the four key factors Google now uses to evaluate the quality and reliability of content. While E-A-T has been around for a few years, the inclusion of Experience in 2024 signals a major shift in how Google values content.
Here’s what each component of E-E-A-T represents:
- Experience: Does the content creator have firsthand, real-world experience with the topic? For example, a blog about travel tips written by someone who has visited the destination will rank higher than one by someone who hasn’t.
- Expertise: Does the author have deep knowledge or professional qualifications on the subject? Google wants to ensure that experts are sharing their knowledge.
- Authoritativeness: Is the website or the author considered a trusted source in the industry? Backlinks from credible sources and citations help establish authority.
- Trustworthiness: Does the site and content appear reliable, accurate, and transparent? This involves secure websites, clear privacy policies, and content that avoids misleading information.
Why Google Added Experience to the Equation
Google’s goal is to serve up the best, most accurate results for users. In many cases, firsthand experience offers more nuanced, practical, and reliable insights than content written by someone without direct exposure to the topic. Think about subjects like health, travel, finance, or legal advice—Google now wants to ensure that the people writing about these topics have “been there and done that.”
For example:
- Health content written by doctors or healthcare professionals will be prioritized over articles written by general writers.
- Travel articles written by people who have actually visited the destination will outrank content written by someone who has only researched it online.
What the E-E-A-T Update Means for Your SEO Strategy
If you’re serious about improving your website’s SEO in 2024, you’ll need to ensure your content demonstrates experience in addition to expertise. This requires a shift in how content is created, the types of contributors you work with, and how you communicate authority to both users and search engines.
The Importance of Experience in Content Creation
The inclusion of Experience in Google’s framework means that businesses must go beyond simple keyword optimization. Content should be crafted by individuals with real-world knowledge of the subject matter, showcasing their insights and practical takeaways.
For example:
- If you run a travel blog, having writers who have visited the destinations they’re discussing will boost your credibility.
- If your website focuses on financial advice, content created by certified financial planners or people with personal investment experience will rank higher.
The days of simply hiring a general writer to churn out content are over. To succeed under the new E-E-A-T guidelines, businesses must invest in experienced contributors who can provide genuine insights that only come from firsthand involvement.
Author Profiles: Showcasing Your Team’s Expertise and Experience
One of the best ways to demonstrate Experience and Expertise is by building out author profiles for your website. Author profiles give Google (and your audience) clear information about who is creating your content, their background, qualifications, and experience.
For example:
- Include a bio for each author that highlights their real-world experience in the subject matter they’re writing about.
- Link to their professional credentials, such as degrees, certifications, or notable industry experience.
- Showcase their real-world achievements, such as places they’ve visited for travel blogs or specific legal cases for law firms.
At Advantage Media Partners, we help our clients build robust author profiles that clearly communicate expertise and experience, giving their content the edge it needs to rank higher under the new E-E-A-T framework.
Linking to Credible Sources: Boosting Authority
Another critical aspect of E-E-A-T is demonstrating authoritativeness. One of the best ways to build authority in your content is by linking to credible, trustworthy sources. This not only enhances the accuracy of your content but also signals to Google that your information is reliable.
When writing content, always cite well-established sources:
- For health-related content, link to peer-reviewed medical journals or trusted healthcare institutions like Mayo Clinic or WebMD.
- For financial advice, link to government websites or reputable financial organizations like Investopedia or Forbes.
Google favors content that cites reliable, authoritative sources, and linking out to these kinds of websites will help your content rank higher while building trust with your audience.
How to Build Trustworthiness
In the new E-E-A-T framework, Trustworthiness is just as crucial as ever. Google wants to ensure that your content is not only accurate but also transparent and secure. To enhance your site’s trustworthiness:
- Use HTTPS: Ensure your website is secure with an SSL certificate.
- Provide transparent contact information: Make it easy for users to find your contact details, such as phone numbers and email addresses.
- Create clear policies: Ensure you have clear privacy policies and disclaimers where necessary.
- Avoid clickbait or misleading information: Be honest and accurate in your headlines and claims to avoid losing credibility.
How Advantage Media Partners Helps Clients Succeed with E-E-A-T
At Advantage Media Partners, we understand the impact of Google’s algorithm changes on your business. Our team is dedicated to helping you adapt to these updates by creating SEO strategies that align with Google’s new emphasis on Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness.
1. Experienced Content Creators
We work with writers and industry professionals who have firsthand experience in the subjects they cover. Whether it’s healthcare, travel, finance, or any other industry, our content creators bring their real-world knowledge to the table, ensuring your website ranks well under Google’s new standards.
2. Building Author Profiles
We help you develop author profiles that showcase your team’s qualifications, expertise, and experience. By providing detailed bios and linking to relevant credentials, we help build credibility both with Google and your audience.
3. Content that Prioritizes Credibility
Our content creation process involves thorough research and citation of authoritative sources. By linking to credible institutions and referencing trusted information, we ensure that your content meets Google’s standards for authority and trustworthiness.
4. Transparent Reporting and Strategy Adjustments
We believe in data-driven strategies. Through our monthly virtual meetings, we keep you updated on the progress of your SEO campaign, review what’s working, and discuss new opportunities for growth. Our transparent reporting ensures you’re always in the loop, and we adjust strategies based on performance data to keep you ahead of the competition.
Ready To Get Started?
Google’s 2024 algorithm update, which enhances the E-E-A-T framework by adding Experience, has raised the bar for content quality. To rank well, your website must now demonstrate firsthand experience, expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness. At Advantage Media Partners, we specialize in helping businesses adapt to these changes by creating high-quality, experience-driven content that aligns with Google’s new priorities.
By working with content creators who have real-world knowledge, building comprehensive author profiles, and ensuring credible sourcing, we help you meet and exceed Google’s expectations—ensuring your website continues to rank well in 2024 and beyond.
Ready to take your SEO to the next level? Reach out to Eric, our SEO coordinator, to learn more about how our approach can improve your rankings. Contact him at [email protected] or by calling (888) 475-7532 ext 204 to discuss your SEO needs and pricing options today!
FAQs
1. What is the difference between E-A-T and E-E-A-T?
E-E-A-T adds “Experience” to Google’s previous framework of Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. This new emphasis on experience rewards content created by individuals with firsthand knowledge of the subject.
2. How can I demonstrate experience in my content?
You can demonstrate experience by hiring content creators who have firsthand knowledge of the topic, building detailed author profiles, and including real-world examples or case studies in your content.
3. Why is authoritativeness important for SEO?
Authoritativeness shows that your content is trusted within your industry. By linking to credible sources and establishing strong backlinks, you can improve your authority and rankings.
4. How does linking to credible sources impact my rankings?
Linking to credible, authoritative sources enhances the trustworthiness of your content, which can improve your rankings under Google’s E-E-A-T framework.
5. How can Advantage Media Partners help with E-E-A-T compliance?
We help by creating experience-driven content, building author profiles that showcase expertise, and ensuring your content is linked to authoritative sources. Our strategies align with Google’s latest algorithm updates to help you achieve long-term SEO success.
