The Importance of E-E-A-T in Light of Google’s November 2024 Core Update

If you’re noticing shifts in your search rankings or a bit of fluctuation in traffic, you’re not alone—Google’s November 2024 core update has just started rolling out, and, as with any core update, the impact can be broad and noticeable.

With over a decade of experience guiding businesses through algorithm changes, I’ve seen firsthand how Google’s focus on quality content has evolved.

Google’s aim with these updates is increasingly to prioritize content that is truly helpful, relevant, and trustworthy.

But in this November update, Google is emphasizing a shift away from content that feels like it’s “made just to perform well on Search.” This makes one thing crystal clear: our old friend E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) is more essential than ever. Here’s why focusing on E-E-A-T is your best move with this update—and likely every update to come.

Why E-E-A-T Matters More Than Ever

With this update, Google continues refining how it evaluates content, aiming to serve searchers content they genuinely find helpful. This “people-first” approach means we need to focus less on trying to “game” the algorithm and more on building quality, useful content with E-E-A-T principles at the forefront.

If you’ve been building content that reflects genuine knowledge and provides actual value to your audience, you’re already on the right track. But if you’re seeing dips in your rankings, it might be time to re-evaluate how well your content aligns with E-E-A-T, asking questions like:

• Experience: Does the content demonstrate firsthand knowledge or insights on the topic?
• Expertise: Does it show an in-depth understanding and skill in the subject matter?
• Authoritativeness: Is it coming from a brand or individual recognized as a credible source?
• Trustworthiness: Does it feel reliable, transparent, and honest?

No one knows your business or industry like you do and your content needs to show it!

Think of it just like if you were speaking to a prospect or client in person.

Google’s Core Update Advice: “People-First” Content

Google has been pretty clear: there’s nothing “new or special” you need to do to adapt to this update—as long as you’re creating content with your audience’s needs in mind. If you’ve been hit by this update, don’t rush to make reactive changes. Instead, it’s a chance to dive deeper into Google’s guidance for creating “people-first” content.

Remember, this update isn’t about following some magic checklist but instead focusing on delivering valuable information from trusted sources. Here’s how you can double down on E-E-A-T to stay aligned with Google’s priorities:

1. Embrace Real-World Experience

Make sure your content highlights real, practical experiences. If you’re creating content about a complex topic, have someone with firsthand experience weigh in. Google is getting better at recognizing content created by real experts in a field.

In my work with clients, I’ve found that content built around real experiences performs better—not just for rankings but for real audience engagement. It’s one of the cornerstones of E-E-A-T that I prioritize in my approach.

2. Demonstrate Expertise Authentically

Expertise can’t be faked, and Google’s updates reflect that. Ensure your content speaks to a level of depth and understanding that goes beyond surface knowledge. Linking to credible sources and building content that’s actually informative (not just stuffed with keywords) can help reflect true expertise.

3. Establish Authoritativeness

Work on building up your brand’s authority. This might mean guest blogging on well-regarded industry sites, getting cited by other authoritative sources, or collaborating with experts in your field. When Google sees that your content is valued by others in your industry, it helps build your overall authority.

4. Build Trust Through Transparency

Last but not least, trustworthiness is key. Are you transparent about your sources? Do you have a clear About page? A privacy policy? Google and users want to feel confident that they’re not being misled. Make sure your site and content reflect a commitment to accuracy, reliability, and transparency.

Monitoring the Update’s Impact and Moving Forward

If you experience volatility in your site’s performance during the next few weeks, remember that it’s natural with any core update. Take a step back, evaluate what’s working and what might need improvement, and remember that core updates often reward those who commit to quality content over quantity.

Focus on the long game, ensuring that every piece of content you create is centered around E-E-A-T principles. With Google’s constant improvements to its algorithm, E-E-A-T will only become more central to maintaining visibility and engagement. As we move through this update and into the next, keep building content that feels valuable and credible—not just to search engines but to your audience. That’s the kind of content Google wants to reward—and the kind that will stand the test of time.

Ready to Strengthen Your Content with E-E-A-T?

At Full Throttle SEO, we don’t just talk about E-E-A-T; we help you build it into every corner of your online presence. Whether you need an expert analysis of your existing content or actionable recommendations for improvement, we’re here to ensure your business is recognized as a trusted authority in your industry. Let’s set you up for long-term visibility and growth!

With 13+ years in SEO, I’ve navigated countless updates, helping businesses strengthen their online presence through reliable and impactful strategies. If you’re ready to elevate your content, book a free 30-minute discovery call today to see how Full Throttle SEO can partner with you for long-term growth.