14 Actionable Ways to Prove Your E-E-A-T to Google and AI

If you want your content to rank well and earn trust from search engines and AI systems, you need to demonstrate Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. These aren’t just abstract concepts. They’re measurable signals that can be built through specific actions. This list is for anyone who wants practical, hands-on steps to strengthen their E-E-A-T profile. Whether you’re a content creator, business owner, or marketer, these tips will help you show search engines and AI that you’re the real deal.

Hire Verified Professionals Through Legiit to Build Credible Content
One of the fastest ways to establish expertise is to work with experienced writers, designers, and marketers who already understand E-E-A-T principles. Legiit connects you with vetted freelancers who specialize in creating high-quality, authoritative content that meets search engine standards. By collaborating with professionals who know how to highlight credentials, cite sources, and craft trustworthy copy, you can build a solid foundation without spending months learning every technical detail yourself. This approach lets you focus on your core business while ensuring your content meets the expectations of both Google and AI systems.
Add Detailed Author Bios with Real Credentials
Every piece of content should have an author bio that lists relevant qualifications, work history, and professional achievements. Include links to LinkedIn profiles, industry certifications, or portfolios that prove the author has real experience in the topic they’re writing about.

Don’t just write a generic blurb. Be specific about what makes this person qualified to speak on the subject. If you’re writing about financial planning, mention your certification and years of practice. If you’re covering health topics, list your medical degree and clinical experience.
Publish Original Research and Data
Creating your own studies, surveys, or data analysis instantly sets you apart from competitors who only rehash existing information. Original research demonstrates firsthand experience and positions you as a primary source that others will cite.

Start small if you need to. Even a simple survey of your customer base or an analysis of trends in your industry can provide valuable insights. Share your methodology, present your findings clearly, and make your data accessible to others who might want to reference it.
Get Mentioned and Linked by Authoritative Sites
Backlinks from respected publications, industry associations, and government sites signal to search engines that others trust your expertise. Actively seek opportunities to contribute guest posts, provide expert quotes, or participate in industry roundups.

Reach out to journalists using services like HARO (Help a Reporter Out) to offer your insights for articles they’re writing. Build relationships with editors at reputable publications in your field. Each mention and link adds credibility that search algorithms can measure.
Display Trust Badges and Security Certifications
If you run an e-commerce site or collect user data, prominently display SSL certificates, payment security badges, and privacy certifications. These visual cues reassure both human visitors and AI crawlers that your site is safe and legitimate.

Make sure your contact information is easy to find, including a physical address if applicable. Add trust seals from recognized organizations like the Better Business Bureau or industry-specific accreditation bodies. These small details contribute to your overall trustworthiness score.
Create Case Studies That Show Real Results
Case studies provide concrete proof of your experience and ability to deliver results. Document specific projects you’ve completed, including the challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and the measurable outcomes you achieved.

Use real numbers, client testimonials, and before-and-after comparisons whenever possible. This type of content demonstrates practical experience in a way that generic advice articles cannot. It shows you’ve actually done the work, not just read about it.
Keep Your Content Updated with Revision Dates
Outdated information damages trust. Regularly review your existing content and update it with current data, recent developments, and fresh examples. Display clear revision dates at the top of articles so readers and search engines know the information is current.

Set up a content audit schedule to systematically review older posts. Add new sections, remove obsolete information, and refresh statistics. This ongoing maintenance signals that you’re actively engaged with your topic and committed to accuracy.
Cite Authoritative Sources for All Claims
Every factual statement should be backed by a credible source. Link to peer-reviewed studies, government databases, industry reports, and recognized experts when making claims. This practice shows you’ve done your homework and aren’t just making things up.

Use proper citation formats and link directly to the source material, not to aggregator sites or Wikipedia. When discussing medical, legal, or financial topics, this becomes even more critical. Search engines pay close attention to how well you support your assertions with quality references.
Build a Strong Social Media Presence in Your Niche
Active, authentic social media profiles add another layer of credibility to your personal or brand identity. Share insights, engage with others in your industry, and build a following that recognizes your expertise.

Focus on platforms where your audience actually spends time. For B2B topics, LinkedIn might be most relevant. For visual industries, Instagram or YouTube could be better. Post consistently, respond to comments, and participate in relevant discussions. This activity creates a digital footprint that AI systems can assess.
Collect and Display Genuine Customer Reviews
User reviews provide third-party validation of your trustworthiness. Encourage satisfied customers to leave detailed reviews on Google Business, Trustpilot, or industry-specific review platforms. Display these testimonials prominently on your site.

Respond to all reviews, both positive and negative, in a professional manner. How you handle criticism shows character and builds trust. Make it easy for customers to leave feedback by sending follow-up emails with direct links to review platforms.
Create Video Content Showing Your Face and Voice
Video content where you appear on camera adds a human element that text alone cannot provide. It proves you’re a real person with genuine knowledge, not just a content farm churning out articles.

Start a YouTube channel or add video sections to your blog posts where you explain concepts, demonstrate processes, or share insights. You don’t need professional equipment. A smartphone and good lighting are enough to get started. The authenticity of showing up as yourself matters more than production quality.
Participate in Industry Events and Document Your Involvement
Speaking at conferences, attending workshops, and participating in professional panels demonstrates active engagement with your field. Document these activities on your website and social profiles with photos, presentation slides, and recaps.

If you can’t speak at major conferences yet, start with local meetups, webinars, or podcast interviews. Each appearance builds your authority and creates content that proves you’re recognized by peers. Search engines can find and evaluate this information when assessing your expertise.
Implement Structured Data Markup for Author and Organization
Schema markup helps search engines understand who you are and what credentials you hold. Use structured data to explicitly label author information, organizational affiliations, and professional qualifications.

Add Person schema to author pages with properties for job title, affiliation, and social profiles. Use Organization schema on your about page to define your company’s identity and credentials. This technical step makes it easier for AI systems to correctly interpret and credit your expertise.
Write In-Depth Content That Covers Topics Completely
Superficial articles that barely scratch the surface signal a lack of true expertise. Comprehensive content that addresses a topic from multiple angles demonstrates deep knowledge and provides real value to readers.

Don’t just aim for a word count. Cover the questions people actually have, include practical examples, and address common misconceptions. Break complex topics into understandable segments. When readers spend more time on your page and don’t immediately bounce back to search results, it sends positive signals about the quality and usefulness of your content.

Building E-E-A-T isn’t about gaming the system or checking boxes. It’s about genuinely becoming more knowledgeable, more trustworthy, and more helpful in your field. Each of these actions contributes to a stronger overall profile that both human readers and AI systems can recognize and reward. Start with the steps that make the most sense for your situation, and build from there. The work you put into proving your expertise will pay off in better rankings, more traffic, and increased trust from your audience.