Domain authority used to be all about links, but that has changed considerably in recent years. Now, Google evaluates sites based on Expertise, Authority, and Trust – E-A-T. As a search engine, this makes complete sense. Google’s job is to deliver the best possible content to consumers. And therefore they need to know they’re sourcing it from reputable sites. E-A-T is domain authority 2.0, so how can you bump up your site’s E-A-T?
#1 Produce Expert Content
Google wants to feature content that’s written by experts in their field as this instantly boosts the quality and authority of a site. So, when it comes to your company blog, try to source educated writers that have the experience to back up their content. Include author by-lines on every article created and even include a ‘meet our writers’ section on your website which lists qualifications and past experience. Yes, this is more work than sourcing random and cheap freelancers off the internet, but it will raise your E-A-T status.
#2 Be Industry Thought-Leaders
As a brand, set yourself apart as industry thought leaders. Ensure all CEO and Director profiles on LinkedIn and other social platforms are detailed and populated by informative, well-researched articles that link back to your website. This will give your site more credibility while ensuring important staff members maintain a sought after reputation. When it comes to the content creation part, never copy and paste. Always come up with your own ideas and make sure the posts you write are imaginative, unique, and look at the industry in a new light. Make your content worthy of sharing by other reputable sources.
#3 Get Cited as Much as Possible
It’s all well and good building up your reputation on your website, but others also need to show you in a good light. After all, most of Google’s evaluation of E-A-T happens off of your website. Citations are key. Try to get links and mentions on sites of authority. This will include reaching out to high-value sites and trying to build relationships that’ll land you some quality mentions or backlinks. If your content is high-quality this should be easy to do and will make getting picked up by reputable sources organically more likely. Try to get featured in Top 10 lists for your particular niche or sector as if you don’t appear, Google will want to know why.
#4 Give Interviews and Feature on Podcasts
Giving interviews or featuring on podcasts can help enhance your off-site reputation as it helps Google to see you as experts in a particular field. If you’re liked or respected enough to be the star of someone else’s content, then that’s good for your E-A-T credibility. Get a regular spot and you’ll enjoy many E-A-T benefits.
#5 Be Transparent
Remember, Google is looking to show content from reputable sites, and therefore the more transparent you can be, the better. Make sure your contact details are up-to-date and provide detailed information about the staff who work for your company. Offering company story information or About Us information can also help you to appear trustworthy. Of course, having a website and multiple connected social accounts also shows you’re not planning to disappear any time soon.
Contact Whitefish today for more information about E-A-T credibility and improving your content.
