Google’s idea of E-E-A-T is crucial for search engine ranking. Does it then qualify as a ranking factor? Moreover, if not, why not?

Google has verified that some of the signals in its algorithms are geared toward giving websites that demonstrate the characteristics of E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) a higher position.

Therefore, in order to increase website search presence, it is crucial to comprehend E-E-A-T.

But does that imply that E-E-A-T should be taken into account when determining rankings?

The History Of E.E.A.T.

Google employs search quality raters to assess algorithmic changes as they are reflected in representative search results.

Based on the caliber of the websites ranked, it is their responsibility to offer feedback.

The quality rating procedure is only used to assess the algorithm, not the live search results itself.

The purpose of the rules is to ensure consistency in each quality rater’s output.

Therefore, the judging is done using constant standards rather than depending on each rater’s subjective judgment, which can be impacted by personal experience or feelings.

E-E-A-T is one of the standards that are suggested in the Search Quality Raters Guidelines.

Google has additionally advised publishers and search engine marketers to utilize the E-E-A-T standard to assess the caliber of their websites.

As part of the ranking process, Google’s algorithms are trained to recognize the E-E-A-T properties in material.

Signals Used To Rank Content Include E-E-A-T

Have you ever observed that Google employees frequently discuss signals instead of ranking factors?

When Google employees are questioned about ranking variables, they almost always respond by discussing signals.

Even the explanation of how Google Search works distinguishes between variables and signals.

It reads:

“Search algorithms take a variety of signals and factors into account.”

Google frequently offers guidance on the “signals” that relate to the ideas of E-E-A-T.

When determining how E-E-A-T fits into your SEO strategy, take this into account.

Consider how visitors perceive your content in terms of experience, knowledge, authoritativeness, and trust rather than concentrating on links or any other on-page elements to cheat the system.

However, it’s a description of what you ought to strive for if you want to perform well.

Google started referring to signals and variables together sometime in the last 20 years.

I’m not sure if it interchanges the two terms.

This also applies to E-E-A-T.

Google’s advice reads:

We’ve occasionally been questioned if E-A-T affects rankings.

To rate quality material, our automated systems combine a variety of diverse signals.

We made an effort to correlate this mixture with what people would consider to be excellent material when judging it using the E-A-T standards.

To conceptually align your own material with the many signals that our automated algorithms utilize to rank content, evaluate it using the E-A-T criteria.

Then, is E-E-A-T a set of ranking criteria? No, Google is very explicit about that.

The idea of E-E-A-T is consistent with the categories of websites that Google’s ranking algorithm aims to rank.