How did Google’s EAT update change search engine optimisation forever?
Introduction
So, for those who reckon SEO, is some sort of secret Morse code, let me give it to you straight, at to the point SEO stands for Search Engine Optimisation, which in non-techie speak, is all about making your website soar to the first page of Google.
We are quite simply the experts in this process.
In this roller-coaster of a read, we’re going have a good butcher’s at how Google’s EAT SEO update – is considered by most seo agencies as an absolute game-changer for anyone looking to improve their companies seo. Don’t worry, mate, I’ve got your back. Let’s get stuck in!
1. Google- why did Google roll out the Google EAT update and then the Google E-EAT update?
So, its thought by some, that Google gives its algorithm a makeover more than 500 times a year!.
But every now and then, they drop a whopper of an update (which SEO consultants often call a core update” that gets SEO consultants sitting bolt upright and taking notice, so that they make sure they are using the best SEO methods.
So, how did Google’s EAT Update change SEO?
Back in the summer of 2018, Google.com threw us a curveball called the Google EAT broad core update
In simple Cockney terms, it’s all about ensuring your website content marketing has been written by someone with, authority, and trustworthiness to write about it, in simple terms do they know what they are writing about? Are they an expert on the subject, or are they just writing a lot of waffle?
The main EAT Principles:
Expertise: Like a seasoned barman pulling the perfect pint, you need to know what you are talking about
Authority: How do they know what they are talking about? Have they 10+ years experience in that business sector? Have they got a degree on the subject, or have they written a long book on the subject?
Trustworthiness:
Why should your SEO agency know about EAT?
Google uses EAT it as a benchmark when they’re judging if your website’s the bee’s knees or just old tosh.
Google’s Quality Raters
You see, Google’s employs ‘quality raters’ who scrutinise content marketing to see if its well written or not.
Making your website More ‘EAT’-y
Get this: It isn’t just about slapping some words together to write say 1000 words a week, to try and improve your companies SEO. You’ve got to ensure they resonate, they’re accurate, and they’re trustworthy.
F.A.Q
What exactly is SEO?
SEO, or Search Engine Optimisation, is about boosting your website’s visibility in search engines, like Google.co.uk or Bing. It’s making sure your site is the first thing folks see when they’re having a gander online.
Why’s Google updating so often?
Google’s always aiming to provide the best user experience UX.
Why it’s time to up your EAT game!
4. The EAT roll call: Who’s up and who’s down?
After this major Google update, some sites felt like they’d won the lottery and moved up, while others felt they’d dropped their ice cream cone on a sunny day- you know that feeling, about to take a lick on chocolate chip ice cream, and it lands on the floor! Well that’s a bit like the feeling a company gets, when website drops down Google’s ranks after a major Google algorithm update.
Maintaining top-notch EAT isn’t just about showing off that you’re an expert, on whatever it is you sell, such as various car engine oils, and writing endless articles showing off your knowledge on all things about “fully synthetic oil” its about being as “helpful” as possible, so sure you should be an expert, and know what your talking about, but can you convey this so it helps the shopper? Is it written in a language they will understand, or is it just too, well complicated?
FAQs
What’s this EAT malarkey all about?
It’s Google’s way of evaluating if a business is publishing quality content marketing or not. EAT stands for Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness.
Are all sites affected by the EAT update?
Particularly those in the YMYL category (Your Money or Your Life), but really, all websites should take note if they want to stay in Google’s good books. So, for example, it doesn’t matter if you sell ski boots, or wood burning stoves, the advice you offer your customers should be top quality.
How do I know if my website’s a YMYL site?
If you’re dishing out advice or information that can majorly impact someone’s life, their health, finances, or safety, you’re business could be deemed as YMYL business.
What happens if I ignore EAT guidelines?
You risk falling out of favour with Google, and if your website doesn’t use white hat seo methods, well, your website could get “de-indexed” which just means, removed from Google’s organic results.
How do I make sure my website is EAT-compliant?
Prioritise content written by experts, so, if you have an expert sat in your company, tell him to to have a meeting with your marketing team, so the two heads can be put together, to create well written work, because it will combine expertise of the employee, and also the seo companies’ knowledge of how to improve the seo of that page as well. Regularly review and update your content marketing, and ensure you back up all your claims.
