Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a constantly evolving field, and one of the latest changes made by Google is the addition of “experience” to the E-A-T framework. E-A-T stands for “Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness,” and it is a set of guidelines that Google uses to evaluate websites and determine the quality of their content. In this article, we will explore the significance of the new E in E-A-T and why it is important for website owners to understand and demonstrate EEAT in SEO content.
What is E-A-T?
E-A-T is a guideline that Google uses to assess the quality of content and the credibility of websites. It is made up of three factors: expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness.
- Expertise refers to the level of knowledge and skill that the content creator has in the subject matter
- Authoritativeness refers to the perceived reputation and influence of the content creator or the website
- Trustworthiness refers to the reliability and transparency of the information presented on the website
E-A-T is now E-E-A-T in SEO for Google
Recently, Google added “experience” as a new guideline to the E-A-T framework, making it E-E-A-T. This means that Google now considers first-hand experience to be an important factor in evaluating the quality and credibility of content.
In other words, content that demonstrates first-hand experience in the topic at hand is more valuable than content that is purely based on research or second-hand knowledge. This addition highlights the importance of real-world experience in creating content that is both relevant and useful to users.
The extra E stands for first-hand experience on the topic at hand
First-hand experience refers to the direct, personal knowledge or involvement that a content creator has in the subject matter they are writing about.
In the context of E-E-A-T, this means that content that is based on personal experience is considered to be more valuable and credible than content that is purely based on research or second-hand knowledge.
Examples of content that demonstrate first-hand experience can include:
- product reviews
- travel blogs
- personal stories
Why it is important to demonstrate experience
Demonstrating first-hand experience is important for several reasons. First, it helps to establish the credibility and authority of the content creator and the website. Users are more likely to trust and engage with content that is written by someone with direct experience in the topic.
Second, search engines are increasingly using E-E-A-T as a site quality factor. This means that content that demonstrates first-hand experience may have a higher chance of ranking well in search engine results pages.
How does AI such as ChatGPT play a role?
The addition of “experience” for EEAT in SEO is clearly a result of the rapidly expanding use of AI in content creation.
AI, such as ChatGPT, Jasper, and other AI chatbots can be a useful tool for creating content. By analyzing large amounts of data and language patterns, AI can generate content that is both informative and engaging.
However, it is important to note that AI-generated content may lack the personal touch and authenticity of content created by someone with first-hand experience. Additionally, AI-generated content must be carefully reviewed and edited to ensure accuracy and relevance.
To create content that demonstrates E-E-A-T, it is important to focus on creating unique and relevant content that showcases your experience on a topic. Some tips for doing this include:
- conducting original research
- sharing personal stories and anecdotes
- providing in-depth analysis of the topic at hand
Some believe that auto-generated or generic content may be penalized in terms of website ranking. However, the most important factor remains. Providing content that genuinely helps a user satisfy their search query is the goal. Google has been clear about that.
Experience vs Expertise
In the context of EEAT in SEO, experience and expertise are both important factors for website ranking. Experience refers to first-hand knowledge or involvement in the topic at hand. While expertise refers to a deep understanding of the subject matter that may be gained through education, research, or practice.
Both factors are important for establishing credibility and authority in the eyes of users and search engines.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, E-E-A-T is a critical factor for SEO and website quality. The addition of the “experience” component highlights the importance of personal knowledge and involvement in the content creation process.
Create unique and relevant content that demonstrates both experience and expertise. By doing so, website owners can improve their chances of ranking well in search engine results pages and establish themselves as trusted sources of information. It’s important to use AI and other tools responsibly and to prioritize authenticity and credibility in all content creation efforts.