Google’s John Mueller made a statement that’s been causing a stir: "you can’t sprinkle some experience on your web pages." This idea that you can’t just add E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) like a quick fix has left many SEO folks scratching their heads. It feels like a dismissal of the real work that goes into showing off genuine know-how.
The Challenge of Authentic Experience
Think about it. If someone hasn’t actually worked in, say, the mortgage industry for 20 years, you can’t just invent that. That’s the part that’s absolutely true. You can’t fake real-world experience. This can feel pretty discouraging when you’re trying to make sure your website content reflects the actual knowledge and background of the people behind it.
Optimizing for What You’ve Got
But here’s the flip side, and it’s a big one: you can absolutely optimize for the experience you do have. The key isn’t to invent experience, but to figure out the best ways to show it off. Good SEOs, the ones who are really on the ball, are already thinking about how to highlight these E-E-A-T signals on their pages.
Key Takeaways
- You can’t fake experience, but you can showcase the experience you have.
- Focus on how to display E-E-A-T signals effectively.
- Authentic experience is a powerful signal for search engines.
How to Show Your Experience
So, how do you actually do this? It’s about making sure that the author’s real-world background and knowledge shine through clearly in the content. This isn’t about adding buzzwords; it’s about presenting facts and evidence of your experience.
Here are a few ways to think about it:
- Author Bios: Make sure author bios are detailed and highlight relevant experience, education, and accomplishments. Don’t just list a name; tell a story.
- Case Studies: Show, don’t just tell. Detailed case studies that demonstrate how you’ve applied your experience to solve problems are incredibly powerful.
- Testimonials and Reviews: Genuine feedback from clients or customers can serve as strong social proof of your capabilities.
- Content Depth: Create content that goes beyond surface-level information. Demonstrate your understanding through detailed explanations and unique insights.
- Credentials and Awards: If you or your team have relevant certifications, awards, or affiliations, make them visible.
E-E-A-T in Practice
It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that Google wants something you can’t provide. But the reality is, Google wants to show its users the best, most reliable information. And often, that comes from people who have actually done the thing they’re talking about.
Think of it like this:
| Type of Content | How to Show Experience |
|---|---|
| Blog Post | Author bio, personal anecdotes, citing real-world examples |
| Product Review | Hands-on usage, comparison with alternatives, long-term use insights |
| Service Page | Client testimonials, case studies, team member credentials |
Ultimately, the goal is to make it obvious to both users and search engines that the information on your site comes from a place of genuine experience. It’s not about adding something artificial; it’s about effectively communicating the real value you bring.
Rodney Laws is an ecommerce expert with over a decade of experience helping entrepreneurs build and grow online businesses. He specializes in reviewing ecommerce platforms, optimizing user experience, and guiding brands toward higher conversions. His insights have been published on leading industry sites including UsabilityGeek, G2, Spendesk, and PPC Hero.
As the editor at EcommercePlatforms.io, Rodney combines hands-on knowledge with clear, actionable advice to help business owners choose the right tools and strategies. When he’s not testing the latest software or analyzing trends, he’s sharing practical tips that make complex ecommerce decisions simple.
