Whether you’re an SEO expert or just learning, you know that content quality is key to a high ranking on Google’s search engine. If you’re copying content from other websites, you simply won’t stand out enough to land on the first page (or the first 10 pages) of any search.

That’s why, in 2021, you have to remember the EAT principle: Expertise, Authority, and Trust. If your content lacks any of these three qualities, your ranking could fall apart while another brand takes your place.

If you’re not sure how to establish expertise, consider this — what makes you trust sources while you’re researching? You want to find information from the world’s leading experts, not amateurs. To do that, you’d probably start by looking for the websites with the most information. Make yourself the leading expert by providing clear, thorough, informational content.

To create authority, you have to create consistency. If your website, brand, or company is having an identity crisis — especially when it comes to the value you provide your customer — then you aren’t going to create a strong sense of authority. Consistent quality content will earn you more esteem.

Lastly, you need trust! If you establish expertise and authority well, you’ll earn trust. But make sure that all your external and internal links on your website are safe. When people browse The New York Times, they trust that external links won’t send them to a virus-filled website. Similarly, you have to ensure you don’t lose Google’s trust by linking readers to strange or untrustworthy websites.

Now you know the EAT principle, but maybe you could really benefit from a free SEO and online marketing plan. As an AFEUSA member, you get access to our partner SocialCore Marketing’s growth strategy program for FREE! After meeting you and reviewing your current marketing strategies, they’ll provide a brand-new, customized, step-by-step gameplan to get you more customers using the internet (a $900 value).

Join AFEUSA and start growing your company’s virtual reach today!