Google Affirms That EEAT Can’t Be Added to Web Pages
John Mueller recently made three key points about EEAT that some SEO professionals have been discussing for the past two years:
EEAT Cannot Be Added to Your Web Pages
Mueller explicitly stated that EEAT is not a feature that can simply be added to a website. If you believe that incorporating EEAT into your SEO strategy involves adding new elements to your pages, it’s time to rethink your approach. That’s simply not how it operates.
So if you’re trying to “add EEAT to your pages,” it’s time to stop—you’re not achieving anything.
Common Misunderstandings Regarding EEAT in SEO
John Mueller clarified that EEAT isn’t something that can be implemented like keywords or internal links. The idea of “adding EEAT” indicates a fundamental misunderstanding of what the concept entails in the context of search engine optimization.
You cannot add or measure EEAT.
Additionally, simply creating a bio with an AI-generated image, linking it to a fictitious LinkedIn profile, and calling it EEAT does not work. For instance, trustworthiness is built over time and relies on genuine recommendations. This certainly doesn’t justify creating fake social media accounts to promote an author associated with a website.
The Mystery of EEAT Signals
Ultimately, the true signals of EEAT remain unclear to everyone.
One response to “Google Confirms You Can’t Add EEAT To Your Web Pages”
This is an insightful post that highlights a common misconception in the SEO community regarding EEAT (Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness). John Mueller’s clarification is crucial: EEAT is not a checklist that can be filled in or “added” to web pages like metadata or keywords.
Instead, EEAT reflects the overall quality and credibility of a website and its content, which is assessed by users and search engines alike. It’s built over time through genuine expertise, consistent quality, and user trust. So, rather than attempting to slap on some EEAT elements, content creators should focus on producing high-quality, informative, and honest content that genuinely reflects their expertise and authority in a given field.
Furthermore, fabricating credentials or creating misleading personas undermines the very essence of trustworthiness that EEAT emphasizes. Authenticity is key—users can easily spot insincerity, which can ultimately harm a site’s reputation and ranking.
In conclusion, rather than trying to “add” EEAT, website owners and SEO professionals should embrace a holistic approach. Focus should be on building credibility, sharing knowledge, and being transparent. Only then can a website truly embody EEAT principles in a way that resonates with both users and search engines.