Is E-E-A-T a Google Ranking Factor?
Complete guide to Google's Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness framework and how it impacts your SEO.
Executive Answer
No — E-E-A-T is not a direct Google ranking factor. Google has made it clear that there is no such thing as an "E-E-A-T score." Instead, its ranking systems use a variety of signals that align with the concepts of Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness.
What Google Actually Says
Key Google Statements
E-E-A-T is not a ranking factor — it's a framework for evaluating quality.
Rater Guidelines show how evaluators judge content, but those ratings don't directly affect rankings. They are used to test and refine Google's systems.
Helpful content updates have folded into Google's core ranking systems, with E-E-A-T serving as a guiding principle.
How E-E-A-T Influences Rankings (Indirectly)
Even though E-E-A-T is not a direct signal, its principles are reflected in measurable ranking signals:
Content Quality & Originality
First-hand evidence, detailed research, original reporting that demonstrates real experience with the topic.
Reputation & Authority
Links and mentions from credible sources, positive reputation in your niche.
Transparency
Clear authorship, editorial standards, ownership, and contact details.
Page Experience
Fast, secure, mobile-friendly websites that meet modern usability standards.
Remember: These signals support Google's larger goal: surface content that users can trust.
Common Myths About E-E-A-T
Myth: There's an E-E-A-T score
Reality: False. Google has explicitly stated there is no E-E-A-T score.
Myth: Hiring a credentialed author guarantees rankings
Reality: False. Credentials matter when paired with useful, high-quality content, not in isolation.
Myth: Rater guidelines are the algorithm
Reality: False. They guide system development, not rankings themselves.
Action Checklist
If you want to align your site with Google's quality expectations:
Who: Clear Authorship
Use clear bylines and author bios with credentials.
How: Show Methodology
Include tests, photos, data, reviews in your content.
Why: User-First Content
Publish content to help users, not just to rank.
Evidence: First-hand Proof
Add photos, screenshots, results from your experience.
Transparency: Editorial Standards
Be transparent with review policies and corrections.
Reputation: Build Authority
Build reputation through credible mentions and high-quality backlinks.
Technical: Optimize Performance
Ensure HTTPS, Core Web Vitals, and mobile usability.
Diagnostics & Measurement Ideas
You can't measure E-E-A-T directly, but you can measure proxies:
Authorship Coverage
% of articles with complete author bios
Evidence Density
Number of first-hand evidence elements per article
Reputation Footprint
Number and quality of authoritative mentions and links
Trust Pages Completeness
Availability of About, Editorial Policy, Review Policy, and Contact pages
YMYL Rigor
Whether high-stakes content has been reviewed by experts or fact-checked
Quick Wins
Add Author Boxes
Include author boxes with credentials and links to authoritative profiles.
Include Methodology Sections
Add methodology sections in reviews and guides to show your process.
Create Trust Pages
Publish an Editorial Policy and Corrections page.
Update Review Dates
Add "last reviewed" dates for medical, financial, or other sensitive content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is E-E-A-T a ranking signal or score?
No. It's a framework, not a direct signal.
Do raters decide rankings with E-E-A-T?
No. Raters don't set rankings; they provide feedback to refine Google's systems.
Should I optimize for E-E-A-T?
Yes, but you do this by demonstrating real-world experience, expertise, authority, and trust in your content and brand.
TL;DR
E-E-A-T isn't a ranking factor, but Google rewards content that demonstrates it. Focus on first-hand experience, subject-matter expertise, transparency, trust signals, and reputation to strengthen the ranking signals Google does use.
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