Google's E-E-A-T SEO Update

By Eddie Hall1 Jan 2025SEO
Google's E-E-A-T SEO Update

Key Takeaways

Google's January 2025 algorithm update made E-E-A-T the deciding factor in rankings, and 44% of sites reported that their rankings and traffic declined after it.

  • 44% of sites reported rankings and traffic declines following Google's January 2025 core algorithm update.
  • E-E-A-T, meaning experience, expertise, authoritativeness and trust, is now the deciding factor in whether a page ranks, not keyword density or publishing volume.
  • Thin or generic content is the most common cause of a post-update drop, because it fails the experience and expertise tests Google now applies.
  • One client moved from position 99+ to position 5 after realigning their content with E-E-A-T guidelines and adding original, valuable material.
  • Investing in a specialist content writer is the practical response to the update, rather than publishing a greater volume of shallow pages.

Has your Ranking dropped?

Content marketing is now more important than ever.

Has your website's ranking dropped recently? Well, you're not alone on this one.

SEO is always changing. After Google's January 2025 algorithm update, many businesses have failed to adapt and their traffic is a fraction of what it used to be. Unfortunately, they risk being left behind.

At CreateTheWeb, we keep our fingers on the pulse. As a results-driven digital marketing agency, we prioritise keeping up with the latest SEO updates and trends. This way, we help you keep the traffic flowing to your website.

Google Algorithm Update

Are you ready?

Is your SEO strategy ready for Google's update?

Now, more than ever, quality content marketing is the key to success in SEO.

With the rise of AI-generated content, and people using AI content on their website, Google is flooded with generic, unhelpful content lacking originality and true value. And that's why high-quality content is essential for your survival.

If you aren't prioritising SEO and quality content for your website, it might be time to consider investing for the sake of your business.

By quality content, we mean E-E-A-T. What is that? It stands for Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness.

Listen, this isn't an SEO buzzword, it's your key to success. Demonstrating these four categories throughout your website is the foundation for SEO success, increasing traffic, and boosting your revenue.

E-E-A-T Is Everything

After Google's algorithm update, E-E-A-T is no longer a bonus. No-no, E-E-A-T is the heartbeat of your SEO content marketing strategy.

Why E-E-A-T is everything for successful SEO.

Semrush said "E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) is a framework that Google's human reviewers use to assess content quality."

Here's why: the update is reported to scan for highly engaging, expert, trustworthy content. Websites purchasing cheap backlinks from Fiverr, keyword stuffing, and manipulating information are set for the axe.

Google rankings dropped

Ignoring helpful content marketing practices can be harmful to your business. But, if you focus on E-E-A-T, your website will attract traffic for all the right reasons. How can you practice this?

Experience

Content creators with experience in the topic field produce far more helpful content than AI.

For example, a dermatologist's blog about skincare is far more relevant than one generated by ChatGPT. Real-life experiences resonate with customers and boost credibility.

Customers will likely spend their money with you if they recognise your credibility.

Expertise

Hiring a content writer with expertise in your required field reassures and satisfies readers. Would you take medical and health advice from a finance writer? Definitely not.

Investing in an expert content writer within your field is key to success with SEO in 2026. When customers recognise your expertise, they trust your content, and you are far more likely to gain traffic and increase revenue.

Hire industry specialist content writers for exceptional content.

Authoritativeness

Essentially, this refers to the reputation of your website.

Google determines this by checking the quality of your backlinks. And paying for backlinks is harmful. Only quality, relevant backlinks will add to your website's authority and the more the better.

Take advantage of quality content. Research, original data, and press release experts gain quality backlinks and boost your website's authority.

You can check your website authority using popular tools like Semrush, Ahrefs, Moz and many more.

Website authority SEO

Trustworthiness

Transparency is key-it's the bread and butter of E-E-A-T. Customers want to know they can trust you.

Key methods to gaining trust are:

  • Clear business practices
  • Reviews and testimonies
  • Linking to accurate, up-to-date info

For example, at CreateTheWeb, we have five stars on Trustpilot-a testament to our success.

Including badges, awards, certifications, and reviews in your web design and content strategy will guarantee a strong SEO strategy.

An SEO Success Story

At CreateTheWeb, we recognise that SEO is a long-term strategy. You can't hack Google's ranking system-that's why we value quality content for our clients.

A long-term investment in quality content pays off.

MCF, a leading fulfilment company, was struggling to rank. After realigning the content strategy with the E-E-A-T guidelines and adding valuable, original content, MCF went from 99+ to position 5.

Since then, traffic has been through the roof. This proves that a long-term investment in quality content pays off-big time.

MCF SEO success

Boost Your SEO Today

As you can see, focusing on SEO and quality content is essential.

Since the core Google update, 44% of sites reported rankings and traffic declined. At CreateTheWeb, we specialise in SEO tactics that align with the latest updates.

Don't let your website suffer and your revenue decline. Get a free quote today and let us help your website increase traffic, leads, and revenue like never before.

Frequently Asked

Questions on this topic

Otis Wilkinson
Luke Jeffrey
Excellent·Trustpilot

Ready to Start Your Growth?

Get in touch with our team today and discover how we can help your business grow with our comprehensive digital marketing services.