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The Google E-A-T update changes how Google’s algorithm ranks websites. It has not had quite as big an impact as previous updates, so don’t be surprised if you haven’t heard much about it yet.
It’s essential, though, to understand any changes to Google’s algorithm and what you can do to make sure your WordPress site continues to perform well.
What is the Google E-A-T Algorithm Update?
This update happened at the beginning of August 2018, so you may have noticed fluctuations in search rankings around that time.
Last week, a broad core algorithm update changed how Google Ranks YMYL Pages. For those who don’t know, YMRL stands for “your money or your life.” Google uses this term for pages that could impact users’ future happiness, health, financial stability, or safety.
The sites most affected were those in the health, fitness, nutrition, wellness, and medical industries. However, other sectors, such as e-commerce and business, also saw significant changes.
The E-A-T algorithm focuses on markers of Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trust.
Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trust (E-A-T)
The three areas that the algorithm reviews are:
- Expertise — How knowledgeable the site owner or content author is on the subject matter they talk about.
- Authoritativeness — The credibility of the website publishing the content.
- Trustworthiness — The site’s trustworthiness in question includes site quality and security.
In other words, the Google E-A-T algorithm evaluates whether users can trust the information on your site and can trust you to keep their information safe.
Three Ways to Implement Google E-A-T WordPress Guidelines
By now, you’re probably wondering what to do to keep your WordPress site from ranking well. We’ll walk you through three key things you can do to help avoid traffic loss.
1. Optimize your About page
It should be clear who is responsible for the information on your website. Both your potential customers and Google want to know who is behind the site they are on to understand if they can trust it.
To demonstrate your trustworthiness and expertise in the subject matter, you should include information about any industry experience, awards, testimonials, and formal qualifications.
If you haven’t looked at your About page in a while, chances are it needs updating – and now is the perfect time to do it.
2. Manage your reputation
The guidelines consider the security measures displayed on your site to keep your visitors’ information safe. Appropriate security measures—such as implementing HTTPS—will demonstrate your trustworthiness.
Aside from your WordPress site, you should ensure a good web reputation. Press coverage and reviews on reputable sites will help build a positive picture of your business, as will being featured on other sites through guest posts.
3. Improve your content
High-quality, relevant content is always important for performing well in search engines. However, to comply with the new E-A-T guidelines, it should be reviewed to ensure it comes across as authoritative and trustworthy.
Not only should you review the main pages of your website, but if you have any blog posts, it’s essential to give them a once-over, too. Older content can sometimes hurt your overall reputation, mainly because you usually improve your knowledge and writing skills over time.
You may need to update the content, merge it with other posts, or eliminate it.
In conclusion, The Google E-A-T Algorithm Update is all about increasing site quality. Anyone who wants to rank well must re-evaluate their WordPress site to display the best and most trustworthy advice.
By following the three key steps listed above, you should be well on your way to adhering to Google E-A-T guidelines and improving the quality of your site. Why not sign up for one of our WordPress maintenance plans to protect your reputation and stay in Google’s good books?