Local SEO Unlocked

Mastering EEAT: The Future of SEO in 2025 and Beyond

Don Phelps Season 1 Episode 9

The digital marketing landscape is transforming rapidly, and at the heart of this evolution lies EEAT – Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. We're diving deep into how these four crucial elements are reshaping SEO strategies for 2025 and beyond.

Prepare to be surprised as we reveal Google's dramatic shift toward valuing real-world experience over theoretical knowledge. That's right – your firsthand expertise now carries more weight than perfectly optimized keywords! We explore this game-changing development through relatable examples, from plumbing advice to medical information, showing exactly how authentic experience translates into higher rankings.

The stakes get even higher when we examine YMYL (Your Money Your Life) topics. For websites dealing with health, finance, or legal advice, demonstrating proper credentials isn't just about SEO – it's an ethical responsibility. Google's algorithms are increasingly sophisticated at identifying qualified sources and penalizing those attempting to fake expertise.

We break down practical strategies to enhance your EEAT signals, including proper author attribution, quality backlink building, and thought leadership activities. You'll learn why featured snippets are "like winning the SEO lottery" and how strong EEAT signals can help you claim this prime search real estate. Most importantly, we reveal why shortcuts like buying backlinks or fabricating credentials inevitably backfire, resulting in severe penalties.

This conversation goes beyond technical SEO tactics to explore EEAT as a philosophy – an approach to creating genuinely valuable content that serves both search engines and human readers. By embracing these principles, you'll not only improve your rankings but build lasting trust with your audience.

Ready to transform your approach to SEO? Share your thoughts and questions about implementing EEAT strategies on our social media channels. Let's continue this important conversation together!

Thanks for tuning in to Local SEO Unlocked! If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others who want to master Local SEO. Stay connected with us weekly for more insights on SEO! Until next time, keep optimizing and stay ahead in local search!

Speaker 1:

All right, so you're ready to like really dive deep today.

Speaker 2:

Right.

Speaker 1:

Because we are going to be tackling EEAT.

Speaker 2:

Ooh, that's a big one.

Speaker 1:

It is. It is, and we're going to be talking about how it's going to affect SEO, you know, in 2025 and beyond.

Speaker 2:

The future of search.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, and you guys wanted like the insider scoop on this, so we dug into some seriously insightful sources.

Speaker 2:

We did our homework.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, we did our homework. One of the sources we did our homework yeah, we did our homework. One of the sources we looked at was this article by our friend Don Phelps oh yeah, local SEO guru. Yeah, you know him and it's called understanding, eeat, mm-hmm, experience, expertise, authoritativeness and trustworthiness in SEO catchy title it is catchy right. So basically, we're gonna be breaking down how Google judges your content yeah, this isn't just, like you know, your typical SEO update.

Speaker 2:

Right, this is like a fundamental shift in how Google sees value online. You know, it's not just about keywords anymore. It's about proving that you know your stuff and that people can trust what you're putting out there.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, and the biggest surprise to me is that Google is now putting real world experience way up high on the list.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, really yeah.

Speaker 1:

Even above, you know theoretical knowledge.

Speaker 2:

Wow. So imagine that, like your personal experience could be your secret weapon to ranking higher.

Speaker 1:

I know, isn't that?

Speaker 2:

wild. That's pretty cool. Yeah, it's really interesting to see how the online world is like, starting to really value authenticity and human experience.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

And that's where EET comes in. Okay, you, authenticity and human experience, yeah, and that's where EET comes in.

Speaker 1:

Okay, so let's break it down. What does EET stand for and like? Why should we even care?

Speaker 2:

Okay, so EET stands for experience, expertise, authoritativeness and trustworthiness.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

It's not like a direct ranking factor, but it acts as a guiding principle for Google's algorithms. It basically helps Google sift through the mountains of content out there and highlight what's truly valuable.

Speaker 1:

So you're saying just stuffing keywords into a website isn't going to cut it anymore?

Speaker 2:

No, not at all. It's about demonstrating genuine knowledge and experience in your field. Okay, think about it this way Like, let's say, you need advice on I don't know fixing a leaky faucet, would you trust a random blog post, or would you rather hear from a seasoned plumber who's fixed hundreds of faucets?

Speaker 1:

Oh, definitely the plumber. Their experience, you know, speaks volumes. Exactly but how does this all translate to me? You know Someone who's just trying to get my content seen online.

Speaker 2:

Well. Understanding EET is like unlocking a cheat code for better rankings and wider reach okay by demonstrating these qualities, you signal to google that your content is trustworthy and deserves to be seen by more people okay, I'm starting to see the light here.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, let's uh dive deeper into each element of eeat. Okay, starting with experience. What exactly does that mean in like the SEO world?

Speaker 2:

So experience is all about firsthand knowledge. It's about having actually done the thing you're writing about.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

Let's go back to our plumber example. Okay, if they write a blog post about fixing leaky faucets, Right. Their firsthand experience is going to shine through. They can offer practical tips, share anecdotes and warn about common mistakes Things that someone who's only read about plumbing couldn't offer. Google values that authenticity.

Speaker 1:

So it's kind of like if I'm a passionate knitter.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

My blog posts about you know different types of yarn would outrank some generic article about knitting because I can share my own experiences and insights.

Speaker 2:

Absolutely your passion and firsthand knowledge would make your content unique and valuable.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

You could share tips, compare brands, even show off your own creations. Yeah, that's the kind of authentic content that Google loves.

Speaker 1:

That's amazing. It makes sense that Google would want to highlight content from people who actually know what they're talking about, right, okay, next up is expertise. What makes someone an expert in Google's eyes?

Speaker 2:

So expertise goes beyond just having experience. It's about having proven knowledge and skills in a specific field. This is where your credentials, your education, professional background and even awards come into play. Google looks for signals that you're a credible source of information.

Speaker 1:

So, for instance, a medical article written by a board-certified doctor would hold more weight than a random blog post about health tips.

Speaker 2:

Exactly, and this becomes even more critical for topics like health finance law, what Google calls your money or your life topics, or YMYL.

Speaker 1:

YMYL Okay.

Speaker 2:

For these sensitive areas. Google wants to ensure that users are getting accurate and trustworthy information from qualified sources.

Speaker 1:

That makes a lot of sense. Google has a responsibility to protect its users.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

Especially when it comes to topics that can directly impact their lives.

Speaker 2:

Right.

Speaker 1:

Okay, we've covered experience and expertise. What about authoritativeness? It sounds kind of intimidating.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, authoritativeness is all about reputation and credibility within your field. Yeah, think of it this way it's not just about what you know, but how others in your field perceive you and your work.

Speaker 1:

So, for example, if a well-known cybersecurity expert writes an article and several reputable tech websites link to it as a resource, that would signal a high level of authoritativeness.

Speaker 2:

You nailed it. Those backlinks from trusted sources act like votes of confidence, boosting your website's authoritativeness in Google's eyes. It shows that other experts in the field vouch for the quality and accuracy of your information.

Speaker 1:

That's a brilliant way to think about it. Okay, last but certainly not least, we have trustworthiness. What does that entail?

Speaker 2:

Trustworthiness boils down to the reliability, accuracy and security of both your content and your website as a whole. Okay, so think about things like having a secure website with HTTPS Right, clear contact information, a transparent privacy policy.

Speaker 1:

Makes sense.

Speaker 2:

And genuine customer reviews.

Speaker 1:

Okay, so it sounds like having those trust signals, like a secure website and clear contact info, can really make a difference. Yeah it does. It's all about making sure both Google and the people visiting your site feel confident in what they're seeing.

Speaker 2:

That's exactly right, it's about building that trust on multiple levels.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

But here's where it gets even more interesting how this EEAT framework actually plays out in the real world of SEO. Right, we've talked about the theory, but what about the tangible results?

Speaker 1:

Yeah, you know, I was reading about how some websites are actually faking author credentials, even buying backlinks to try and, like, boost their EET. Wow, seems like a risky game to play it is a huge risk.

Speaker 2:

You might see some short-term gains, yeah, but Google's getting smarter every day.

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

Their algorithms are designed to spot those shady tactics, and when they do, the penalties can be severe.

Speaker 1:

Oh, wow.

Speaker 2:

It's always better to focus on building genuine expertise and earning those backlinks the right way.

Speaker 1:

That makes sense. So let's talk about the impact of EET on content quality and search engine rankings.

Speaker 2:

Okay, how?

Speaker 1:

does it all connect?

Speaker 2:

Imagine Google search results as a popularity contest.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

Where EEAT is the key to winning Content that scores high in EET is like the prom king and queen of search results.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

They get all the attention, the best spots on the first page, even those coveted featured snippets at the top.

Speaker 1:

Wait, featured snippets. Could you explain what those are for our listeners who might not be familiar with the term?

Speaker 2:

Of course, featured snippets are those boxes of information that often appear at the very top of Google's search results page.

Speaker 1:

Gotcha.

Speaker 2:

They provide a concise answer to the user's query. Yeah, pulled directly from a website that Google deems highly relevant and authoritative. Earning a featured snippet is like winning the SEO lottery.

Speaker 1:

Wow, that's prime real estate on the search results page.

Speaker 2:

It is.

Speaker 1:

So, if I understand this correctly, websites with great E-E-A-T, where the content is original, insightful and created by experts, are the ones that Google wants to showcase to its users.

Speaker 2:

Precisely, google's goal is to provide users with the most relevant, helpful and trustworthy information possible. Websites that demonstrate strong EAT are more likely to fulfill those criteria and, on the flip side, websites with low-quality, ai-generated or plagiarized content.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, what about them?

Speaker 2:

They're going to get penalized and pushed down in the rankings.

Speaker 1:

It reminds me of that helpful content update Google rolled out a while back.

Speaker 2:

Yes.

Speaker 1:

It seems like they're really cracking down on content that's not genuinely helpful and informative.

Speaker 2:

You're absolutely right. The helpful content update was a major step in Google's ongoing effort to reward high quality content.

Speaker 1:

And penalize content that's just trying to game the system Right. It's a clear message that EEE is here to stay.

Speaker 2:

So what you're saying is that demonstrating EET isn't just some optional bonus. It's absolutely essential if you want to rank well in search results and actually get your content seen by people.

Speaker 1:

You got it. And it's not just about the content itself, okay. Eeat also plays a crucial role in link building and digital PR.

Speaker 2:

Okay.

Speaker 1:

Remember those backlinks we talked about earlier, those votes of confidence from other websites.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

They're not all created equal.

Speaker 2:

Right, you mentioned that spammy links from shady websites could actually hurt your EEAT.

Speaker 1:

Exactly.

Speaker 2:

It seems counterintuitive that having more links could be a bad thing.

Speaker 1:

I know right. That's why it's crucial to focus on earning high-quality backlinks from reputable sources. Think of it this way Would you rather have a letter of recommendation from a respected professor or from someone you met randomly on?

Speaker 2:

the street. Okay, I see your point. It's about the quality of those endorsements, not just the quantity, exactly, and this is where those shady link schemes come into play. Some websites try to manipulate their rankings by buying backlinks or participating in link exchanges with irrelevant sites. Google sees right through these tactics and they can actually harm your EET score.

Speaker 1:

So it's quality over quantity when it comes to backlinks, just like with the content itself.

Speaker 2:

Exactly.

Speaker 1:

And it sounds like Google's algorithm is constantly evolving to weed out those who are trying to take shortcuts.

Speaker 2:

You've hit the nail on the head. Google's always working to improve its algorithms and stay one step ahead of those who try to manipulate the system. Right Updates like the helpful content update are a prime example of that. It's a reminder that we need to stay informed and adapt our strategies to align with Google's evolving standards.

Speaker 1:

Speaking of evolving standards, you mentioned earlier how EET is especially crucial for those your money or your life websites.

Speaker 2:

Yes.

Speaker 1:

The ones dealing with sensitive topics like health, finance and law. What makes EET so vital in those areas?

Speaker 2:

YMYL websites have the potential to impact people's lives in significant ways. Hmm, imagine someone searching for medical advice or financial guidance.

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

They need to be confident that the information they're finding is accurate and comes from trustworthy sources.

Speaker 1:

Right, you wouldn't want someone taking medical advice from a random blog post without any medical credentials. Exactly, the stakes are just too high.

Speaker 2:

Exactly For YMYL websites. Demonstrating EEAT is about more than just ranking well. Exactly, the stakes are just too high. Exactly For YMYL websites. Demonstrating EEAT is about more than just ranking well.

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

It's about ethical responsibility. Google takes this very seriously and they prioritize content from certified professionals, licensed experts and reputable institutions.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

They want to ensure that users are getting information from sources they can trust.

Speaker 1:

So if you're running a website that offers medical advice, for example, you'd better be a qualified doctor or have a team of medical professionals backing up your content.

Speaker 2:

That's the best way to ensure you're meeting Google's EEAT standards and, more importantly, that you're providing users with safe and reliable information. You know, I recently had an experience that really brought home the importance of EAT in everyday life.

Speaker 1:

Oh really.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, I was dealing with a persistent backache and I started researching different treatment options online.

Speaker 1:

I can relate to that. It's amazing how much medical information is available online these days.

Speaker 2:

It is, but here's the thing I quickly realized that not all sources were created equal. I was initially drawn to a website that had a sleek design and lots of articles about back pain, but as I dug deeper I noticed that the author didn't have any medical credentials and the information felt a bit generic and even contradictory at times.

Speaker 1:

So you started questioning the credibility of the website.

Speaker 2:

Exactly that makes sense.

Speaker 1:

It's like what we were talking about earlier. You wouldn't take plumbing advice from someone who's never fixed a linky faucet.

Speaker 2:

Exactly so. I shifted my focus to websites run by reputable medical institutions, and I could immediately tell the difference.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

The information was clear, evidence based and written by qualified doctors.

Speaker 1:

Makes sense.

Speaker 2:

It gave me a sense of confidence that I was getting reliable advice.

Speaker 1:

That's a great example of how EAT plays out in the real world, even beyond just SEO.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

It's about being discerning consumers of information Right and recognizing those trust signals that indicate a reliable source.

Speaker 2:

Absolutely. It's a skill that's becoming increasingly valuable in our information-saturated world.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, it really is. So, with all that said, what are some actionable steps our listeners can take to boost their own EET?

Speaker 2:

There are several strategies you can implement, and they all revolve around showcasing your expertise and building that trust factor. First and foremost, make sure you're highlighting your author credentials.

Speaker 1:

So we're talking about having clear author bios with relevant experience, qualifications and any certifications that apply.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. Think of it as building your online resume. And, within your content, don't be shy about citing credible sources to back up your claims. Show your audience that your information is grounded in solid research and expert opinions.

Speaker 1:

It's about transparency and showing that you've done your homework.

Speaker 2:

Right.

Speaker 1:

What about link building? We've talked about the importance of high quality backlinks.

Speaker 2:

Yes.

Speaker 1:

How can our listeners attract those valuable endorsements from authoritative sites?

Speaker 2:

Focus on building genuine relationships with other thought leaders and websites in your niche, Okay. Create high quality content that others naturally want to link to and share. Think guest posting on reputable sites, collaborating on projects and getting featured in industry publications.

Speaker 1:

So it's not just about reaching out and asking for links. It's about earning them through valuable contributions and collaborations.

Speaker 2:

Precisely and remember avoid those shady link schemes like the plague Right. Buying links or participating in those reciprocal link exchanges might seem like a quick fix, but they can ultimately damage your credibility and hurt your rankings in the long run.

Speaker 1:

Got it Quality over quantity when it comes to backlinks.

Speaker 2:

Yes.

Speaker 1:

We've talked about author credentials and backlinks. What about the trustworthiness of the content itself?

Speaker 2:

How can we make sure our content screams reliable and accurate? That's where fact-checking and attention to detail become your best friends. Use reputable sources, cite your information properly and keep your content updated to reflect the latest research and developments. Outdated information can be a major red flag for Google and your audience alike.

Speaker 1:

It's like keeping your website spring cleaned and clutter free, Exactly so. To sum up, we've got showcasing author credentials, building high quality backlinks and maintaining accurate and up-to-date content. What else can we do to enhance our online presence and really establish ourselves as authorities in our fields?

Speaker 2:

That's where establishing a strong brand identity and engaging in thought leadership come in.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

Think about getting featured in industry publications, speaking at conferences, participating in webinars and sharing your unique insights on social media.

Speaker 1:

It's about taking that expertise and sharing it with the world in a way that's engaging and impactful.

Speaker 2:

Exactly.

Speaker 1:

So we covered a lot of ground today. As we wrap up this deep dive into the world of EET, what's the one key takeaway you want our listeners to remember?

Speaker 2:

EEAT is much more than just an SEO checklist. It's a philosophy, a way of approaching your online presence with authenticity, expertise and a commitment to building trust. Embrace those principles and you'll not only see positive results in your search rankings, but also cultivate a loyal audience that values your insights and contributions.

Speaker 1:

Beautifully said, it's not just about playing the game, it's about changing the game altogether Right, and that's what makes EET so powerful. It's a win-win for everyone involved.

Speaker 2:

Absolutely.

Speaker 1:

So, to our amazing listeners out there, we hope this deep dive has empowered you to embrace EEAT and take your online presence to the next level. We'd love to hear your thoughts. What resonated with you most? Share your insights and questions on our social media channels, and let's keep this conversation going Until next time. Happy optimizing.

Speaker 2:

Okay, so it sounds like having those trust signals, like a secure website and clear contact info, can really make a difference.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, it does.

Speaker 2:

It's all about making sure both Google and the people visiting your site feel confident in what they're seeing. That's exactly right. It's about building that trust on multiple levels. But here's where it gets even more interesting.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

How this EEAT framework actually plays out in the real world of SEO.

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

We've talked about the theory, but what about the tangible results?

Speaker 1:

Yeah, you know, I was reading about how some websites are actually faking, offer credentials Really and even buying backlinks to try and like boost their EET.

Speaker 2:

Wow.

Speaker 1:

It seems like a risky game to play, right.

Speaker 2:

It is a huge risk. You might see some short-term gains.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

But Google's getting smarter every day. Right their algorithms are designed to spot those shady tactics. And when they do, the penalties can be severe.

Speaker 1:

Oh, wow.

Speaker 2:

It's always better to focus on building genuine expertise and earning those backlinks the right way.

Speaker 1:

That makes sense. So let's talk about the impact of EAT on content quality and search engine rankings. Ok, how does it all connect?

Speaker 2:

Imagine Google's search results as a popularity contest where EAT is the key to winning. Content that scores high in EAT is like the prom king and queen of search results.

Speaker 1:

OK.

Speaker 2:

They get all the attention, the best spots on the first page, even those coveted featured snippets at the top.

Speaker 1:

Wait, featured snippets. Could you explain what those are for our listeners who might not be familiar with the term?

Speaker 2:

Of course, featured snippets are those boxes of information that often appear at the very top of Google's search results page, gotcha. They provide a concise answer to the user's query, pulled directly from a website that Google deems highly relevant and authoritative. Owning a featured snippet is like winning the SEO lottery.

Speaker 1:

Wow, that's prime real estate on the search results page.

Speaker 2:

It is.

Speaker 1:

So, if I understand this correctly, websites with great EEAT, where the content is original, insightful and created by experts, are the ones that Google wants to showcase to its users.

Speaker 2:

Precisely, google's goal is to provide users with the most relevant, helpful and trustworthy information possible. Websites that demonstrate strong EET are more likely to fulfill those criteria and, on the flip side, websites with low-quality, ai-generated or plagiarized content.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, what about them?

Speaker 2:

They're going to get penalized and pushed down in the rankings.

Speaker 1:

It reminds me of that helpful content update Google rolled out a while back. Yes, seems like they're really cracking down on content that's not genuinely helpful and informative.

Speaker 2:

You're absolutely right. The helpful content update was a major step in Google's ongoing effort to reward high quality content and penalize content that's just trying to game the system.

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

It's a clear message that EEAT is here to stay.

Speaker 1:

So what you're saying is that demonstrating EEAT isn't just some optional bonus. Yeah, it's absolutely essential if you want to rank well in search results and actually get your content seen by people.

Speaker 2:

You got it. And it's not just about the content itself. Okay. Eeat also plays a crucial role in link building and digital TR.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

Remember those backlinks we talked about earlier, those votes of confidence from other websites.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

They're not all created equal.

Speaker 1:

Right, you mentioned that spammy links from shady websites could actually hurt your EET. Exactly it seems counterintuitive that having more links could be a bad thing.

Speaker 2:

I know right. That's why it's crucial to focus on earning high quality backlinks from reputable sources. Think of it this way Would you rather have a letter of recommendation from a respected professor or from someone you met randomly on the street?

Speaker 1:

Okay, I see your point. It's about the quality of those endorsements, not just the quantity.

Speaker 2:

Exactly, and this is where those shady link schemes come into play. Some websites try to manipulate their rankings by buying backlinks or participating in link exchanges with irrelevant sites. Google sees right through these tactics and they can actually harm your EET score.

Speaker 1:

So it's quality over quantity when it comes to backlinks, just like with the content itself, exactly, and it sounds like Google's algorithm is constantly evolving to weed out those who are trying to take shortcuts.

Speaker 2:

You've hit the nail on the head. Google's always working to improve its algorithms and stay one step ahead of those who try to manipulate the system. Updates like the helpful content update are a prime example of that.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

It's a reminder that we need to stay informed and adapt our strategies to align with Google's evolving standards.

Speaker 1:

Speaking of evolving standards, you mentioned earlier how EAT is especially crucial for those your money or your life websites yes, the ones dealing with sensitive topics like health, finance and law Right. What makes EAT so vital in those areas?

Speaker 2:

YMYL websites have the potential to impact people's lives in significant ways. Imagine someone searching for medical advice or financial guidance. They need to be confident that the information they're finding is accurate and comes from trustworthy sources.

Speaker 1:

Right, you wouldn't want someone to take medical advice from a random blog post without any medical credentials. Exactly the stakes are just too high.

Speaker 2:

Exactly For YMYL websites. Demonstrating EET is about more than just ranking well Right, it's about ethical responsibility. Google takes this very seriously and they prioritize content from certified professionals, licensed experts and reputable institutions. Okay, they want to ensure that users are getting information from sources they can trust.

Speaker 1:

So if you're running a website that offers medical advice, for example, you'd better be a qualified doctor or have a team of medical professionals backing up your content.

Speaker 2:

That's the best way to ensure you're meeting Google's EEAT standards.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

And, more importantly, that you're providing users with safe and reliable information.

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

You know, I recently had an experience that really brought home the importance of EET in everyday life. Oh really yeah, I was dealing with this like persistent backache and I started researching you know, different treatment options online.

Speaker 1:

I can relate to that. It's amazing how much medical information is available online these days.

Speaker 2:

It is, but here's the thing I quickly realized that not all sources were created equal. I was initially drawn to a website that had a sleek design and lots of articles about back pain, but as I dug deeper I noticed that the author didn't have any medical credentials and the information felt a bit generic.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

And even contradictory at times.

Speaker 1:

So you started questioning the credibility of the website.

Speaker 2:

Exactly.

Speaker 1:

That makes sense. It's like what we were talking about earlier. You wouldn't take plumbing advice from someone who's never fixed a leaky faucet.

Speaker 2:

Exactly so. I shifted my focus to websites run by reputable medical institutions.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

And I could immediately tell the difference. Yeah, the information was clear, evidence-based and written by qualified doctors.

Speaker 1:

Makes sense.

Speaker 2:

It gave me a sense of confidence that I was getting reliable advice.

Speaker 1:

That's a great example of how EET plays out in the real world, even beyond just SEO.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

It's about being discerning consumers of information.

Speaker 2:

Right.

Speaker 1:

And recognizing those trust signals that indicate a reliable source.

Speaker 2:

Absolutely. It's a skill that's becoming increasingly valuable in our information-saturated world.

Speaker 1:

That story is like a perfect illustration of why EET matters so much.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

It's not just about gaming the system you know for better rankings Right, it's about building genuine trust and credibility. So, with all that said, what are some actionable steps our listeners can take to boost their own EEAT?

Speaker 2:

Okay, well, there are several strategies you can implement.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

And they all revolve around showcasing your expertise and building that trust factor. Okay, first and foremost, make sure you are highlighting your author credentials First and foremost, make sure you are highlighting your author credentials.

Speaker 1:

So we're talking about having clear author bios with relevant experience, qualifications and any certifications that apply.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. Think of it as building your online resume. And, within your content, don't be shy about citing credible sources to back up your claims. Show your audience that your information is grounded in solid research and expert opinions.

Speaker 1:

It's about transparency and showing that you've done your homework.

Speaker 2:

Right.

Speaker 1:

What about link building? We've talked about the importance of high quality backlinks. Yes, how can our listeners attract those valuable endorsements from Dorotative sites?

Speaker 2:

Focus on building genuine relationships with other thought leaders and websites in your niche. Create high quality content that others naturally want to link to and share Think guest posting on reputable sites. So it's not just about reaching out and asking for links, right.

Speaker 1:

It's about earning them through valuable contributions and collaboration, precisely.

Speaker 2:

And remember, avoid those shady link schemes like the plague. Buying links or participating in those reciprocal link exchanges might seem like a quick fix, but they can ultimately damage your credibility and hurt your rankings in the long run.

Speaker 1:

We've talked about author credentials and backlinks. What about the trustworthiness of the content itself? How can we make sure our content screams reliable and accurate?

Speaker 2:

That's where fact-checking and attention to detail become your best friends. Use reputable sources, cite your information properly and keep your content updated to reflect the latest research and developments. Outdated information can be a major red flag for Google and your audience alike.

Speaker 1:

It's like keeping your website spring cleaned and clutter free.

Speaker 2:

Exactly.

Speaker 1:

So, to sum up, we've got showcasing author credentials, building high quality backlinks and maintaining accurate and up-to-date content. What else can we do to enhance our online presence and really establish ourselves as authorities in our fields?

Speaker 2:

That's where establishing a strong brand identity and engaging in thought leadership come in. Okay, Think about getting featured in industry publications, speaking at conferences, participating in webinars and sharing your unique insights on social media.

Speaker 1:

It's about taking that expertise and sharing it with the world in a way that's engaging and impactful. So we've covered a lot of ground today.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

As we wrap up this deep dive into the world of EAT, what's the one key takeaway you want our listeners to remember?

Speaker 2:

EEAT is much more than just an SEO checklist. It's a philosophy, a way of approaching your online presence with authenticity, expertise and a commitment to building trust. Embrace those principles and you'll not only see positive results in your search rankings, but also cultivate a loyal audience that values your insights and contributions.

Speaker 1:

Beautifully said, it's not just about playing the game, it's about changing the game altogether Right, and that's what makes EEAT so powerful. It's a win-win for everyone involved.

Speaker 2:

Absolutely.

Speaker 1:

So, to our amazing listeners out there, we hope this deep dive has empowered you to embrace EEAT and take your online presence to the next level. And hey, we'd love to hear your thoughts. What resonated with you most? Share your insights and questions on our social media channels.

Speaker 2:

Definitely.

Speaker 1:

And let's keep this conversation going Until next time. Happy optimizing.