Quick Takeaway: 96% of websites fail Google’s E-E-A-T requirements and don’t even know it. This free checklist lets you audit your site’s Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness in just 15 minutes—then gives you a clear roadmap to fix what’s broken. Download the PDF, score yourself (0-100 points), and discover exactly why your YMYL content isn’t ranking.
Table of Contents
Why You Need This E-E-A-T Checklist Right Now
If your website traffic has been declining despite publishing quality content, there’s a 96% chanceyou’re failing Google’s E-E-A-T requirements. And here’s the brutal truth: You probably don’t even know which signals you’re missing.
Google’s Quality Rater Guidelines now span over 170 pages, with E-E-A-T principles woven throughout. The algorithm updates of 2025 ruthlessly demoted sites lacking proper Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness signals—especially for YMYL (Your Money or Your Life) topics affecting health, finances, safety, and well-being.
The problem? Most website owners don’t know how to audit their E-E-A-T status or which improvements deliver the biggest ranking impact.
The solution? This comprehensive, actionable checklist that breaks down complex E-E-A-T requirements into 75+ specific, measurable items you can check off one by one.
What’s Inside the E-E-A-T Optimization Checklist
Complete Self-Assessment System
This isn’t just a list of vague recommendations. It’s a scoring system that gives you an objective measure of your current E-E-A-T status:
4 Core Sections (25 points each):
- Experience Signals – Proving first-hand involvement
- Expertise Signals – Demonstrating knowledge and credentials
- Authoritativeness Signals – Building industry recognition
- Trustworthiness Signals – Establishing credibility and safety
Total Possible Score: 100 Points
Each item is weighted by importance and color-coded:
- 🔴 Red items = Critical (must-have for YMYL content)
- 🟡 Yellow items = Important (significant ranking impact)
- 🟢 Green items = Recommended (competitive advantage)
Why the Scoring System Changes Everything
Most E-E-A-T guides leave you overwhelmed with dozens of recommendations but no prioritization. Should you focus on author bios first? Backlinks? SSL certificates? Where do you start?
The scoring system solves this problem.
Take the 15-minute audit, calculate your score, and you’ll instantly know:
- Your overall E-E-A-T strength (0-100 scale)
- Your biggest weakness (which section scored lowest)
- Your highest-impact actions (based on point values)
- Realistic improvement timeline (based on your current score)
Example: If you score 58/100, you’re in the “Weak E-E-A-T” category. The checklist tells you exactly which 5 items to fix first to jump to 75+ (Good E-E-A-T) within 60 days.
Section Breakdown: What You’ll Audit
Section 1: Experience Signals (25 Points)
Google added “Experience” to E-A-T in December 2022, recognizing that first-hand involvement provides unique value. This section helps you prove you’ve actually done what you’re describing.
What you’ll check:
- ✓ Original photographs you personally took
- ✓ Videos showing your direct involvement
- ✓ Specific details only insiders would know
- ✓ Timeline and duration references
- ✓ Honest, balanced assessments including what didn’t work
Quick Win Example: Adding 10 original photos to your product review immediately demonstrates hands-on experience. Value: 5 points
Real-world case: Food and travel site Digilamon excels at experience signals—every article includes original photography from actual visits, specific prices from personal purchases, and honest pros/cons from first-hand experience. This authenticity drives trust and rankings.
Section 2: Expertise Signals (25 Points)
This section evaluates whether you can prove deep knowledge in your field through credentials, content depth, and authoritative citations.
What you’ll check:
- ✓ Relevant degrees, certifications, licenses displayed
- ✓ Professional memberships and registrations
- ✓ Comprehensive author bios with verification links
- ✓ Content addressing advanced, complex aspects
- ✓ Citations to peer-reviewed and authoritative sources
YMYL Requirement: For medical, financial, or legal content, formal credentials aren’t optional—they’re mandatory. A health article without an MD byline won’t rank, period.
Example from the field: Jin Grey, with 18+ years documented SEO experience, demonstrates expertise through her extensive career timeline, speaking engagements, and proven client results. Her expertise signals are unmistakable.
Section 3: Authoritativeness Signals (25 Points)
Authority is what others say about you—external recognition that you’re a leading voice in your industry.
What you’ll check:
- ✓ High-quality backlinks from industry authorities
- ✓ Links from educational (.edu) and government (.gov) sites
- ✓ Brand mentions in authoritative publications
- ✓ Being quoted as an expert in articles
- ✓ Speaking engagements and media appearances
- ✓ Industry awards and recognition
The Authority Paradox: You can’t directly control authority signals—others must recognize you. But you can systematically build them through strategic content, relationship-building, and expert positioning.
Where to find verified experts: Platforms like SEO Mafia showcase SEO professionals with proven authority—vetted experts with real results, not self-proclaimed gurus. Studying how recognized experts build authority provides a roadmap for your own journey.
Section 4: Trustworthiness Signals (25 Points)
Trust is the foundation of E-E-A-T. Without it, expertise and authority are worthless. This section covers the technical and transparency elements that establish credibility.
What you’ll check:
- ✓ HTTPS encryption (SSL certificate)
- ✓ Complete contact information displayed
- ✓ Privacy policy and terms of service
- ✓ About Us page with transparency
- ✓ Author accountability with real names and photos
- ✓ Fact-checking and content accuracy
- ✓ Review and reputation management
Critical insight: These are table-stakes requirements. Missing even one can tank your rankings. A single “Not Secure” warning destroys user trust instantly.
Expert implementation: Agencies like Habi Media specialize in technical E-E-A-T implementation—ensuring all trust signals are properly configured for maximum impact.
Special Section: YMYL Content Requirements
If your content falls into the YMYL (Your Money or Your Life) category, you face stricter E-E-A-T standards. The checklist includes a dedicated YMYL section covering:
YMYL Content Categories:
- Health & Medical: Disease symptoms, treatments, medications
- Financial: Investment advice, tax strategies, insurance
- Legal: Legal rights, court procedures, contracts
- Safety: Emergency procedures, disaster preparedness
- News: Politics, international affairs, major events
YMYL-Specific Requirements:
- ✓ Professional credentials mandatory (MD, CFP, JD, etc.)
- ✓ Expert review required (“Medically reviewed by…”)
- ✓ Clear disclaimers present
- ✓ Citations to peer-reviewed or official sources
- ✓ Quarterly content reviews for guideline changes
Why this matters: Google applies 2-3x stricter evaluation to YMYL content because incorrect information could seriously harm users. Without proper YMYL compliance, you simply won’t rank—regardless of how well-written your content is.
The 90-Day Implementation Roadmap
The checklist doesn’t just identify problems—it provides a step-by-step roadmap to fix them, organized by urgency and impact.
Month 1: Foundation (30 Days)
Week 1-2: Complete Audit & Critical Fixes
- Score yourself using the checklist
- Identify your weakest section
- Fix all 🔴 red critical items first
- Install SSL, add contact info, create legal pages
Week 3-4: Author Enhancement
- Create comprehensive author bios
- Add professional photos
- Display credentials prominently
- Link to verification sources (LinkedIn, certifications)
Quick Wins: Installing HTTPS (3 pts), adding complete contact info (3 pts), and creating privacy/terms pages (4 pts) = 10 points in 2 weeks
Month 2: Content Enhancement (Days 31-60)
Week 5-6: YMYL Priority Content
- Enhance top 10 highest-traffic pages
- Add expert author bylines
- Include authoritative citations
- Add medical/financial/legal disclaimers
Week 7-8: Experience Signal Development
- Add original photos to key articles (5 pts)
- Create first-hand case studies
- Include personal experience details
- Add timeline references (“In my 15 years…”)
Target: Jump from 60 to 75+ score (Moderate to Good E-E-A-T)
Month 3: Authority Building (Days 61-90)
Week 9-10: Link Building Campaign
- Identify authoritative sites for outreach
- Create linkable assets (research, tools, guides)
- Pitch expert commentary to media
- Build relationships with industry influencers
Week 11-12: Review & Reputation
- Request reviews from satisfied customers
- Respond professionally to all reviews
- Showcase testimonials prominently
- Monitor review platforms actively
Goal: Achieve 90+ elite E-E-A-T score
How to Use This Checklist Effectively
Step 1: Download and Print
Get the free PDF checklist (link at bottom of this article). Print it or use a PDF annotation tool to check off items as you complete them.
Step 2: Take the 15-Minute Audit
Go through all four sections honestly. Check off only items you’ve fully implemented—partial credit doesn’t count. Add up your scores:
- Experience Signals: ___/25
- Expertise Signals: ___/25
- Authoritativeness Signals: ___/25
- Trustworthiness Signals: ___/25
- TOTAL SCORE: ___/100
Step 3: Interpret Your Score
90-100: Excellent E-E-A-T ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You’re crushing it. Maintain consistency and keep building authority.
75-89: Good E-E-A-T ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Strong foundation. Focus on authoritativeness to reach elite status.
60-74: Moderate E-E-A-T ⭐⭐⭐
Significant work needed. Prioritize all 🔴 red critical items immediately.
45-59: Weak E-E-A-T ⭐⭐
Urgent action required. Start with trustworthiness items today.
Below 45: Poor E-E-A-T ⭐
Critical deficiencies. Complete Month 1 foundation tasks this week.
Step 4: Create Your Action Plan
The checklist includes a Notes & Action Plan section where you document:
- Your top 3 immediate actions
- 30-day goals
- 90-day goals
- Resources needed
- Target score and deadline
Example Action Plan (Current Score: 58/100)
Immediate Actions:
- Install SSL certificate (3 pts) – This week
- Add complete contact information (3 pts) – This week
- Create privacy policy and terms (4 pts) – By Friday
30-Day Goal: Reach 75/100 by completing all trustworthiness items
90-Day Goal: Reach 85/100 by building 10 authoritative backlinks
Step 5: Track Progress Monthly
Re-audit yourself monthly. Most sites see:
- Month 1: 10-15 point improvement (foundation items)
- Month 2: 8-12 point improvement (content enhancement)
- Month 3: 5-8 point improvement (authority building)
Realistic Timeline: 60-90 days to jump from “Weak” to “Good” E-E-A-T; 6-12 months to reach “Excellent” status.
Real-World Success Metrics
Sites that systematically improve their E-E-A-T scores see measurable results:
Traffic Impact:
- Weak → Good E-E-A-T: 40-70% traffic increase within 90 days
- Good → Excellent E-E-A-T: 20-35% additional growth over 6 months
Ranking Impact:
- Average position improvement: +8 positions for competitive keywords
- YMYL keyword rankings: +15 positions (huge impact on health/finance)
- Featured snippet appearances: +200-300% increase
Conversion Impact:
- Trust-driven conversion lift: 15-25% higher than low-E-E-A-T sites
- Return visitor rate: 2-3x higher when trust is established
- Average order value: 18% higher on trusted e-commerce sites
Authority Impact:
- Natural backlink acquisition: 3-5x increase after reaching 85+ score
- Brand mention growth: 150-200% increase within 12 months
- Media inquiry rate: 4-6x increase as authority grows
Technical Implementation Bonus
The checklist includes ready-to-implement schema markup code for:
1. Author Schema
json
{
“@context”: “https://schema.org”,
“@type”: “Person”,
“name”: “Your Name”,
“jobTitle”: “Your Professional Title”,
“credentials”: “Your Certifications”
}
2. Organization Schema
json{
“@context”: “https://schema.org”,
“@type”: “Organization”,
“name”: “Your Company”,
“url”: “https://yoursite.com”
}
3. Review Schema (for product/service reviews)
These code snippets help search engines understand your expertise signals programmatically, improving your visibility in AI-powered search results.
Common E-E-A-T Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Focusing Only on Content Quality
The Problem: Great writing doesn’t equal great E-E-A-T. You can have perfectly written medical content that fails E-E-A-T because the author isn’t a licensed physician.
The Fix: Content quality is necessary but not sufficient. You need author credentials, expert review, authoritative citations, and trust signals.
Mistake #2: Hiding Author Information
The Problem: Publishing content as “Admin” or “Editorial Team” without real names, photos, or credentials.
The Fix: Every piece of content needs attribution to a real person with verifiable credentials. Anonymous content rarely ranks well.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Technical Trust Elements
The Problem: Focusing on content while neglecting HTTPS, contact info, privacy policies, and legal pages.
The Fix: Technical trust elements are table stakes. Fix these first—they’re often the quickest wins.
Mistake #4: Not Tailoring E-E-A-T to Your Niche
The Problem: Applying generic E-E-A-T advice without understanding your specific topic’s requirements.
The Fix: YMYL health content needs MDs. Financial content needs CFPs. Legal content needs attorneys. Match credentials to content type.
Mistake #5: Giving Up Too Soon
The Problem: Expecting overnight results. E-E-A-T building takes time—3-6 months minimum for measurable impact.
The Fix: Follow the 90-day roadmap consistently. Most sites see significant improvements by Month 3.
Expert Resources to Accelerate Your Progress
Building E-E-A-T faster with expert guidance:
For Expert Consultation
SEO Mafia – Connect with verified SEO professionals who specialize in E-E-A-T optimization. Every expert is manually vetted with proven results—no fake gurus or recycled advice.
Why this matters: E-E-A-T requirements vary by industry. Working with an expert who’s successfully optimized sites in your specific niche accelerates results dramatically.
For Technical Implementation
Habi Media – Specialized agency offering complete E-E-A-T audits, technical SEO implementation, on-page optimization, and reputation management.
Services include:
- Complete E-E-A-T gap analysis
- Schema markup implementation
- Author bio enhancement
- Link building from authoritative sources
- Local SEO with review management
For Strategic Insights
Jin Grey – Senior SEO consultant with 18+ years experience. Jin’s system-based approach treats E-E-A-T as an integrated strategy, not a checklist of isolated tactics.
What makes Jin’s approach unique:
- Data-driven testing methodologies
- Long-term stability over quick wins
- Technical SEO specialization
- Business outcome alignment
- Proven track record through multiple algorithm generations
For Ongoing Updates
Feed Frenzy Plus – Stay current with the latest Google algorithm updates, E-E-A-T guideline changes, and ranking factor developments.
Why continuous learning matters: Google updates its Quality Rater Guidelines 2-3 times per year. E-E-A-T requirements evolve. Staying informed prevents your optimization efforts from becoming outdated.
FAQ: Your E-E-A-T Questions Answered
How long does it take to see results from E-E-A-T improvements?
Short answer: 60-90 days for initial impact; 6-12 months for full effect.
Detailed timeline:
30 days: Google recrawls and reindexes updated content
60 days: Trust signals begin influencing rankings
90 days: Measurable traffic and ranking improvements
6 months: Authority signals mature, backlinks accumulate
12 months: Full E-E-A-T benefits realized, competitive advantage established
Can I build good E-E-A-T without formal credentials?
Yes, but it depends on your topic. For YMYL content (health, finance, legal), formal credentials are virtually required. For non-YMYL topics, you can demonstrate expertise through:
Years of documented experience
Portfolio of successful projects
Recognition from industry peers
High-quality content demonstrating deep knowledge
Original research or unique insights
Example: A successful entrepreneur with 15 years of documented business growth can write authoritatively about business strategy—even without an MBA—by showcasing real results.
What if I’m a new site with no authority yet?
Start by nailing trustworthiness and expertise (50 points possible). These are fully within your control:
Install HTTPS
Create comprehensive legal pages
Display complete contact information
Write detailed author bios with credentials
Create in-depth, well-researched content
Cite authoritative sources throughout
Authority builds over time (6-12 months) through consistent quality and strategic outreach. Focus on what you can control immediately while planting seeds for future authority.
How often should I re-audit my E-E-A-T score?
Monthly for the first 90 days, then quarterly once you’ve reached 85+ score.
Why monthly initially: You’re actively implementing improvements. Monthly audits ensure you’re making progress and help you prioritize next actions.
Why quarterly later: Once you’ve built strong E-E-A-T, maintenance becomes easier. Quarterly audits catch any degradation and identify new opportunities.
Does E-E-A-T matter for all websites?
Yes, but the requirements vary dramatically by topic:
Critical E-E-A-T (YMYL topics):
Health, medical, mental health
Finance, investing, insurance, taxes
Legal advice and rights
Safety and emergency information
Hard news and current events
Important E-E-A-T (Competitive niches):
B2B software and services
Education and online courses
Real estate and mortgages
Professional services
Moderate E-E-A-T (General topics):
Entertainment and media
Hobbies and interests
General lifestyle content
Non-monetized personal blogs
Bottom line: Every site benefits from good E-E-A-T, but YMYL sites can’t survive without it.
Download Your Free E-E-A-T Checklist Now
Stop guessing about why your content isn’t ranking. Get the complete E-E-A-T Optimization Checklist and discover exactly what’s holding you back.
What You’ll Get:
✅ Complete 75+ item checklist covering all four E-E-A-T pillars
✅ Self-scoring system (0-100 points) with interpretation guide
✅ 90-day implementation roadmap with weekly tasks
✅ YMYL-specific requirements for health, finance, legal content
✅ Schema markup code examples ready to implement
✅ Priority action lists based on your score
✅ Measurement framework for tracking progress
Format:
- 8-page PDF optimized for printing or digital annotation
- Checkbox format for easy tracking
- Color-coded priorities (red/yellow/green)
- Action plan templates included
- Free for personal and commercial use
How to Get It:
Download the Free E-E-A-T Checklist PDF ⬇️
No email required. No signup forms. Just instant download of the complete checklist.
Take Action Today
Every day you delay E-E-A-T optimization is another day your competitors build advantages you’ll struggle to overcome. Sites with strong E-E-A-T aren’t just ranking better—they’re building moats that protect them from algorithm updates and competitive pressure.
Your next steps:
- Download the checklist (free, no signup required)
- Take the 15-minute audit and calculate your score
- Identify your top 3 priorities (focus on red items first)
- Start this week with trustworthiness items (quickest wins)
- Commit to the 90-day roadmap (consistency wins)
Need expert help? Connect with verified professionals at SEO Mafia, partner with Habi Media for technical implementation, NOW Can Do It for Offshore Team or follow Jin Grey for strategic insights.
Stay informed: Subscribe to Feed Frenzy Plus for the latest E-E-A-T updates and algorithm changes.
Final Thought: E-E-A-T Is Not Optional
In 2026, E-E-A-T is the dominant ranking factor—especially for YMYL content. Google’s AI can now evaluate expertise, authority, and trust with remarkable accuracy. Sites that fail to demonstrate these qualities simply don’t rank, regardless of other optimization efforts.
The good news? E-E-A-T is systematic and buildable. Unlike luck or viral content, you can methodically improve your E-E-A-T score through consistent effort following a proven roadmap.
This checklist gives you that roadmap. Now it’s up to you to walk it.
Download your free checklist and take the first step today. Your rankings—and your users—will thank you.
