Do you want to increase your Google ranking? Then you need to try Google’s EAT principle—Expertise, Authority, and Trustworthiness. This principle has become a key for ranking high in search results. For small business owners, understanding and applying EAT can significantly improve your online visibility and help you also outrank your local competitors.
Let's dive into how you can harness EAT to boost your Google rankings.
1. Create High-Quality Content
High-quality content is the foundation of demonstrating expertise. Focus on providing detailed, accurate, and well-researched information that addresses your customers' needs. For instance, if you own a hair salon, write blog posts about haircare tips, the difference between hair products, and how to find the right hair stylist. Content that brings awareness to problems or provides valuable insights will position you as an expert in your field.
2. Showcase Professional Credentials
Clearly display your qualifications, certifications, and industry awards on your website. If you have any professional affiliations or have been featured in reputable publications, highlight these as well. This not only reassures your potential customers but also shows Google that you are a credible source of information.
3. Regularly Update Content
Search engines love websites that regularly update their content. Keep your website fresh by updating old posts with new information, adding new blog entries, and ensuring all your data is current. This demonstrates your ongoing expertise and commitment to providing the most accurate information.
1. Build Backlinks
Authority online often comes from backlinks. These are links from other reputable websites you add to your content. Encourage satisfied customers to write reviews and feature these on your site or your Google Business page. Collaborate with other local businesses to create content that links back to your website. Guest blogging on reputable sites in your industry can also help build your authority.
2. Leverage Social Proof
Social proof, such as customer testimonials and reviews, can significantly boost your authority. Encourage customers to leave reviews on Google, Yelp, and other relevant platforms your business is located. Display these reviews prominently on your website to build trust with new visitors and show search engines that you are a trusted authority in your industry.
3. Participate in Community Engagement
Engage with your local community through sponsorships, partnerships, and events. Being active in your community not only builds awareness of your business but also creates opportunities for local backlinks from news sites, local blogs, and community pages, enhancing your authority.
1. Secure Your Website
A secure website is essential for trustworthiness. Be sure your site has an SSL certificate (HTTPS), which encrypts data and protects user information. Google prioritizes secure sites, and potential customers are more likely to trust and stay longer on a secure website.
2. Be Transparent
Transparency in your business practices builds trust. Clearly display contact information, physical address, privacy policies, and terms of service. Being upfront about who you are and how you handle customer data reassures both users and search engines of your trustworthiness.
3. Improve User Experience
A user-friendly website builds trust faster. Ensure your site is easy to navigate, mobile-friendly, and fast-loading. Intuitive design, clear calls to action, and minimal downtime all contribute to a positive user experience. This essentially encourages visitors to stay longer and return, which signals trustworthiness to Google.
Implementing Google EAT principles can be a game-changer for small business owners looking to improve their local search rankings. Visitors want to find a business that has the authority, the expertise, and the trustworthiness that encourages them to become loyal customers.. These steps not only help in outranking local competitors but also build a loyal customer base that trusts and values your business.
Need help with implementing Google EAT principles on your website? Contact our website design agency in Dallas TX now and see how we can help you increase your Google ranking!
