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\u201cYour money or your life\u2026\u201d It sounds like something you\u2019d hear in an old spaghetti Western, doesn\u2019t it? This content type is no joke though.<\/p>\n
Your money or your life (YMYL) is how Google describes \u201ctypes of pages or topics that could potentially impact a person\u2019s future happiness, health, financial stability, or safety.\u201d<\/p>\n
Understanding the implications of YMYL content and how to keep within Google\u2019s expectations is essential for website publishers and SEO professionals.<\/p>\n
In this post, you\u2019ll find answers to the most pressing questions about YMYL content:<\/p>\n
YMYL webpages contain information that could potentially impact a person\u2019s life in serious ways. In its most recent Search Quality Evaluator Guidelines<\/a>, Google explains that its Page Quality rating standards for YMYL content are \u201cvery high\u201d because low-quality pages could have negative consequences for searchers.<\/p>\n YMYL pages aren\u2019t just places where you can make a purchase. Examples of YMYL content include:<\/p>\n Google notes that the list in its guidelines is not comprehensive. Any webpage with information, advice, or claims \u201crelated to big decisions or important aspects of people\u2019s lives\u201d can be considered YMYL.<\/p>\n Google holds YMYL pages to a higher standard than other types of content. If you want webpages on these potentially sensitive topics to outrank the competition, all of the content on the page must pass the search engine\u2019s rigorous quality checks.<\/p>\n This includes:<\/p>\n Website publishers must understand that even a YMYL webpage with high-quality content may not be up to snuff if there are affiliate links or ads directing readers to dubious information that could negatively impact them.<\/p>\n Think in terms of the overall experience a searcher has on the webpage in question.<\/p>\n You can\u2019t talk YMYL without running into another impactful acronym: E-E-A-T (experience, expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness). E-E-A-T is not a ranking factor; rather, it is how Google describes what it\u2019s looking for in quality web content.<\/p>\n E-E-A-T is important on all types of websites and pages, from forums with strictly user-generated content to fashion blogs and gossip websites.<\/p>\n It is even more important on webpages that users turn to for advice and information about the topics that could seriously impact their livelihood \u2014 YMYL pages.<\/p>\n From Google\u2019s guidelines:<\/p>\n The amount of information needed for E-E-A-T assessment depends on the type of website. For example, YMYL websites demand a high degree of trust, so they generally need satisfying information about who is responsible for the content of the site.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n There are a few aspects Google looks at in particular when considering E-E-A-T. Make sure your webpage clearly answers these important questions:<\/p>\n Publishers will also want to pay particular attention to \u201cNeeds Met<\/a>,\u201d a section in the Search Quality Evaluator Guidelines added in late 2020. Needs Met measures on a scale of \u201cFails to Meet\u201d to \u201cFully Meets\u201d how well a search engine results page and the landing page associated with the query meet a mobile searcher\u2019s intent.<\/p>\n Optimizing YMYL content, pages, and sites means making it as easy as possible for both site visitors and search engines to see that your resource will not negatively impact readers. Use these tips to improve your page\u2019s E-E-A-T.<\/p>\n In December 2022, Google extended the acronym to E-E-A-T, emphasizing Experience. This shift highlights the significance of firsthand, real-life expertise among writers discussing specific subjects. Pages crafted by individuals possessing ample personal experience tend to be trustworthy and proficiently achieve their goals. For example, evaluating the reliability of a product review is influenced by whether it comes from someone who has used the item versus someone who hasn’t.<\/p>\n Google is specifically looking at the expertise of the person who created the page\u2019s MC. Expertise is particularly important in YMYL topics. Google wants to see that the person who created the content has professional experience, accreditation, education, first-hand experience, and\/or other qualifications that make them an expert in the topic.<\/p>\n To help improve your content\u2019s expertise:<\/p>\n In gauging authority, Google is looking at the authoritativeness of the creator of the MC, the MC itself, and the website as a whole.<\/p>\n To improve your authoritativeness:<\/p>\n As with authoritativeness, Google is considering the trustworthiness of the MC creator, the MC itself, and the website. This is particularly important where the content offers advice on personal finance, legal issues, taxes, etc.<\/p>\n Ways to improve a website\u2019s trustworthiness include:<\/p>\n Finally, look at your webpages on YMYL topics with a critical eye:<\/p>\n Read our Complete Guide to the Fundamentals of Google\u2019s E-E-A-T<\/a> for more helpful tips and examples. And also see: 5 Times When SEO Siloing Can Make or Break Your Rankings<\/a> for how siloing can help with YMYL webpages.<\/p>\n The bar rises substantially when you\u2019re optimizing YMYL sites and content. Be that reputable, trustworthy source for your visitors, and Google will reward you with higher rankings and greater online visibility.<\/p>\n Make sure you revisit and reevaluate YMYL pages often, particularly in fast-moving spaces such as medical technology and treatments, politics, or investments, for example.<\/p>\n What was a great resource last year may be outdated today. You can maximize the ROI of your content by consistently updating what you\u2019ve already invested in creating to keep it performing year after year.<\/p>\n If you need expert help with your SEO or content, please contact us today<\/a> for a free quote and consultation.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Creating web content that meets Google’s YMYL standards is essential for maintaining a strong online presence and building trust with your audience. YMYL, which stands for Your Money or Your Life, encompasses content that can directly impact a user’s well-being, finances, or safety.<\/p>\n Here are key strategies to ensure your content adheres to these critical standards:<\/p>\n Understanding YMYL Content<\/strong><\/p>\n Start by comprehending what falls under the umbrella of YMYL content. Financial advice, medical information, legal guidance, and news are prime examples. Recognize the importance of expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness in these niches, as Google holds such content to higher standards due to its potential impact on users’ lives.<\/p>\n Adding Experience\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n You want to share your personal experience and opinions. High-quality content frequently showcases the creator’s direct involvement in the subject matter, validating suggestions as tested and verified, ensuring authentic insights.<\/p>\n Elevating Expertise<\/strong><\/p>\n Demonstrate your expertise through in-depth research, citing reliable sources, and showcasing your qualifications. Include author bios and credentials to lend credibility to your content. Collaborate with industry experts for guest posts or interviews, adding diverse perspectives and enhancing your content’s value.<\/p>\n Establishing Authoritativeness<\/strong><\/p>\n Build authoritativeness by consistently producing high-quality content over time. Create a content calendar that covers important topics within your niche. Back up your claims with data, case studies, and references to authoritative sources. Encourage user engagement through comments and discussions to show that your audience respects and values your content.<\/p>\n Cultivating Trustworthiness<\/strong><\/p>\n Transparency is key to gaining trust. Disclosure of affiliations, sponsors, and potential conflicts of interest is paramount. Provide accurate and up-to-date information – any outdated or inaccurate details could severely undermine your credibility. Implement strong security measures on your website to protect user data, assuring visitors that their privacy is a priority.<\/p>\n Regularly Updating and Reviewing<\/strong><\/p>\n Stay current with industry trends and changes in Google’s algorithms. Regularly review and update your content to ensure accuracy and relevance. Collaborate with peers for peer reviews to gain insights and perspectives that can further enhance your content’s quality.<\/p>\n Step-by-Step Procedure: Ensuring YMYL Compliance<\/strong><\/p>\n Ensuring your web content meets Google’s YMYL standards requires a holistic approach prioritizing expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness. Following these strategies and steps can enhance your online credibility and provide valuable content that genuinely benefits your audience while aligning with Google’s guidelines.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" “Your money or your life” may sound funny, but the implications of YMYL content is no joke. Here’s how to keep within Google’s lofty expectations and get rewarded with higher rankings.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":103422,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[1695,1696,1232,1348,1579,1673],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
<\/a>Why Is YMYL Important to SEO?<\/h2>\n
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<\/a>How Do You Optimize for YMYL?<\/h2>\n
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Experience<\/h3>\n
Expertise<\/h3>\n
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Authoritativeness<\/h3>\n
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Trustworthiness<\/h3>\n
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<\/a>Raise the Bar for YMYL Webpages<\/h2>\n
<\/a>FAQ: How can I ensure my web content meets Google’s YMYL standards for experience, expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness?<\/h3>\n
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