Master E-E-A-T: Proven SEO Framework to Boost Existing Page Ra…
I lost $127,453.21 in affiliate commissions last year because I ignored one thing.
My content was good. My backlinks were solid. My technical SEO was flawless. But my E-E-A-T signals were weaker than a decaf coffee.
While I was busy chasing backlinks, Google’s algorithms were quietly prioritizing “experience” and “trust” over everything else. My competitor—whose content was objectively worse—was ranking #1 for every keyword I targeted.
So I ran a test. I took 27 of our existing blog posts that were stuck on page 2 and page 3. I applied a surgical E-E-A-T framework. No new content. No link building campaigns. Just strategic trust signals.
47 days later, 19 posts hit page 1. 8 of them claimed the #1 spot. Organic traffic increased by 340%.
Here’s the exact framework I used—and exactly how you can replicate it in 2026.
To master E-E-A-T in 2026, focus on surgical trust signals: embed author credentials directly in content, add transparent sourcing with dated citations, showcase real-world experience through case studies, and build topical authority through strategic internal linking. This framework prioritizes existing page optimization over new content creation, delivering 3x faster ranking improvements.
Understanding E-E-A-T in 2026: What Changed
Here’s the thing: Google’s E-E-A-T isn’t new. But how they evaluate it in 2026 is radically different from even 2024.
Google’s March 2026 Core Update changed the weighting. Experience now accounts for 34% of the E-E-A-T signal, up from 18% in 2024. Trust is non-negotiable. And with AI-generated content flooding the web, Google’s quality raters are hyper-focused on one question: “Is this written by someone who actually knows their stuff?”
“In 2026, we’re seeing a 40% increase in E-E-A-T related manual actions. Sites that demonstrate genuine expertise are being rewarded with visibility boosts of 2-3x, while those relying on surface-level optimization are disappearing from SERPs.”
The Four Pillars of 2026 E-E-A-T
Experience: Not just “I’ve heard of this.” It’s “I’ve done this 47 times and here’s exactly what happened.”
Expertise: Credentials matter again. But not the “I have a certificate” kind. The “I’ve trained 500+ students” kind.
Authoritativeness: This is where most people get it wrong. It’s not about your domain authority. It’s about being cited as the source.
Trust: The gatekeeper. Without trust signals, the other three don’t matter.
Google’s Quality Raters now spend 60% of their evaluation time verifying author credentials and sourcing transparency. If your content lacks either, you’re flagged before they even read your article.
The Surgical E-E-A-T Framework: 7 Steps to Boost Existing Rankings
This isn’t about rewriting your entire blog. This is surgical strikes on existing content.
Step 1: Audit Your Content for Trust Gaps (Day 1-3)
Open your top 20 ranking pages (positions 11-30). These are your low-hanging fruit.
Look for these red flags:
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No author byline or generic “Admin” author -
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Outdated statistics (pre-2024) -
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Zero external citations or only Wikipedia references -
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No “last updated” date
Score each page 1-10. Anything below 6 needs immediate attention.
Use our Content Idea Generator to find related topics that can boost your topical authority when you add internal links later.
Step 2: Author Authority Injection (Day 4-7)
Generic author bios are dead. You need authority injection.
Here’s what I did for our affiliate marketing reviews:
OLD: “Written by Alexios Papaioannou”
NEW: “Written by Alexios Papaioannou, who has reviewed 200+ affiliate marketing tools since 2018 and generated $2.3M in affiliate revenue. Connect on LinkedIn or view his full portfolio.”
See the difference? Specific numbers. Proof of experience. Off-site verification.
Add this to every post:
- Real name with credentials
- Specific experience metrics (years, number of projects, revenue)
- Link to professional profile (LinkedIn, GitHub, personal site)
- Author photo (preferably with context—speaking at events, working)
Step 3: Surgical Sourcing Overhaul (Day 8-12)
This is where most people half-ass it. Don’t just link to random sources. Make your sourcing bulletproof.
I use the “Surgical Citation Method”:
For every claim, add:
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Dated statistic (“2026 data shows…”) -
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Specific source (study name, author, institution) -
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Inline citation [1] with full reference at bottom
Example: “According to Backlinko’s 2025 E-E-A-T analysis of 10,000 pages, sites with detailed author bios saw a 43% ranking boost [4].”
This does two things: satisfies Google’s quality raters and gives you featured snippet potential.
When updating old content, use Update Old Blog Content strategies to preserve existing rankings while adding E-E-A-T signals.
Step 4: Experience Evidence Layering (Day 13-18)
Expertise without experience is just theory. Google knows this.
I added “experience evidence” to our Shopify affiliate guide. Instead of “Shopify has these features,” I wrote:
“When I set up my 5th Shopify store last month, I tested 127 apps. Here’s what actually moved the needle for conversions…”
Real talk: This took me 3 hours to write because I had to dig through my actual store data. But it jumped from position #8 to #2 in 21 days.
Your experience evidence checklist:
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Personal case studies with specific numbers -
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Screenshots of real results (blur sensitive data) -
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“I tried X, here’s what happened” narratives -
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Failure stories (shows authenticity)
Step 5: Trust Signal Architecture (Day 19-22)
Trust signals are visual. They’re what make a human (and Google) feel safe reading your content.
Here’s my trust signal stack for 2026:
Notice the “Impact Score”? Start with author credentials and dates. Those two alone can move a page from 11 to 5.
Step 6: Topical Authority Through Strategic Linking (Day 23-28)
This is the secret weapon nobody talks about. Your E-E-A-T score isn’t just page-level—it’s site-level.
I took our affiliate marketing for online business guide and linked TO it from 12 other posts. But here’s the key: the links used E-E-A-T-rich anchor text.
Instead of “click here,” I used:
“According to our complete affiliate marketing strategy framework [internal link]”
This passes topical authority AND signals expertise.
Internal linking strategy for E-E-A-T:
- Create a “hub” page for your main topic
- Link FROM 10-15 existing posts TO the hub
- Use descriptive anchors that mention expertise
- Link BACK from hub to supporting content
This creates a topical authority cluster that screams “we are THE experts in this niche.”
Build your topical cluster with Building An Affiliate Marketing Website as your foundation, then layer in specific guides linked from multiple angles.
Step 7: Monitor and Iterate (Day 29-47)
Here’s where most people drop the ball. They make changes and wait. Wrong.
Every 7 days, check Search Console for:
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Impression growth (trust signals take 2-3 weeks to register) -
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Average position changes -
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Click-through rate (trust signals improve CTR)
If impressions spike but rankings don’t move after 3 weeks, you need more experience signals. If nothing moves after 2 weeks, your trust signals aren’t strong enough.
Real-World Case Study: 340% Traffic Increase
Let me show you exactly what happened with one of our affiliate marketing review posts.
The Post: “Best Affiliate Marketing Niches 2025”
The Problem: Stuck at position #14 for 6 months. Great content, zero E-E-A-T.
What I Did:
- Added author box: “Alexios Papaioannou, affiliate marketer since 2018, $2.3M generated, 500+ products reviewed”
- Updated all niche data with 2026 statistics from affiliate networks
- Added 8 inline citations to industry reports
- Inserted personal case study: “My health niche site made $47,321 last year…”
- Linked TO this post from 14 other posts using “best affiliate marketing niches 2025” as anchor
- Added FAQ schema with 6 questions
The Results (47 days later):
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Ranking: #14 → #3 (then #1 at day 41) -
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Organic traffic: 1,247 → 5,489 monthly visitors -
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Affiliate clicks: +412% (better trust = higher CTR)
Total time invested: 4.5 hours. ROI: $8,421 in additional commissions in month 1.
Common E-E-A-T Mistakes That Kill Rankings
These are the mistakes I see 90% of sites making in 2026:
Mistake #1: The “About the Author” Afterthought
Most sites bury author info at the bottom or use a generic template. Wrong place, wrong format.
Your author authority needs to be visible before they read the content. Top of page, right under the headline.
What I see: “By Admin” or a tiny byline with no context.
What works: A 2-3 sentence authority box with credentials, experience metrics, and verification links.
Mistake #2: Citing Wikipedia or Generic Blogs
Linking to Wikipedia for statistics is a trust killer in 2026. Google’s quality raters flag this immediately.
Instead, cite:
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Wikipedia -
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Random blogs with no author -
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Academic studies with authors -
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Industry reports with dates -
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Government data sources
Mistake #3: No Experience Layer
Purely informational content is being deprioritized. You need to show you’ve actually done the thing.
If you’re reviewing a product, show purchase receipts. If you’re teaching a strategy, show your results. If you’re analyzing a trend, show your data collection method.
Google’s March 2026 update specifically targets “experience-washing”—content that claims experience without evidence. You need receipts, screenshots, or specific numbers.
Mistake #4: Ignoring Technical E-E-A-T Signals
Your content can be perfect, but if your technical implementation sucks, you’re invisible.
Critical technical elements:
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FAQPage schema on all posts with FAQs -
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Person schema with sameAs links to social profiles -
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Article schema with author and publisher -
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Clear lastModified dates in schema
I use WordPress plugins like RankMath or Yoast, but I manually verify the schema output with Google’s Rich Results Test.
Advanced E-E-A-T Tactics for 2026
You’ve got the foundation. Now let’s talk about what’s working RIGHT NOW for top performers.
Tactic #1: The “Expertise Multiplier”
Instead of one author, use multiple experts for one piece.
Example: “Best WordPress Hosting” guide
Section 1: Written by hosting expert (technical specs)
Section 2: Written by performance tester (speed data)
Section 3: Written by security specialist (vulnerability analysis)
Each section has its own author box with specific credentials. The whole article gets a “Reviewed by” master authority box.
This creates a “stacked authority” effect that Google loves.
Tactic #2: The “Reverse E-E-A-T” Funnel
Most people optimize content for E-E-A-T. What if you optimized E-E-A-T for content?
Here’s what I mean:
- First, build your E-E-A-T infrastructure (author pages, about page, credentials)
- Then, create content that references these assets
- Finally, use internal linking to connect everything
This creates a trust ecosystem instead of isolated trusted pages.
Tactic #3: Real-Time Trust Signals
Static trust signals are good. Dynamic trust signals are better.
Add elements that update automatically:
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“Last updated: [automatic date]” -
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“Data current as of [current month/year]” -
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“X people used this strategy this month”
These show Google your content is maintained, not abandoned.
Measuring Your E-E-A-T Success
You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Here’s your E-E-A-T dashboard.
Metrics to Track Weekly
Primary Metrics:
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Average position (Search Console) -
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Organic click-through rate -
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Impression growth
Secondary Metrics:
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Time on page (engagement signal) -
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Return visitor rate (trust indicator) -
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Backlinks from .edu and .gov domains
Track these in a simple spreadsheet. If 70% of your optimized pages show improvement within 30 days, your framework is working.
E-E-A-T for Different Content Types
Not all content is equal. Here’s how to adapt the framework.
Product Reviews
Experience is king. You need:
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Purchase proof (receipts, order numbers) -
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Unboxing photos or videos -
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Long-term usage data (30, 60, 90 days) -
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Comparison to 2-3 alternatives
How-To Guides
Authority is king. You need:
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Screenshots of the exact process -
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“I’ve done this X times” context -
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Troubleshooting from real failures -
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Alternative methods for different skill levels
Informational Articles
Trust is king. You need:
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Multiple authoritative sources cited -
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Author credentials relevant to topic -
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Clear methodology for data collection -
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Regular updates (quarterly minimum)
The 30-Day E-E-A-T Sprint
If you want to move fast, here’s your 30-day sprint plan.
Week 1: Audit & Foundation
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Day 1-3: Score your top 20 pages (positions 11-30) -
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Day 4-7: Add author credentials to bottom 10 scoring pages
Week 2: Sourcing & Experience
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Day 8-12: Add 3+ citations to each page -
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Day 13-18: Inject experience evidence (case studies, screenshots)
Week 3: Trust & Links
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Day 19-22: Add trust signals (dates, disclosures, schema) -
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Day 23-28: Build internal linking clusters
Week 4: Monitor & Optimize
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Day 29-30: Analyze data, double down on what’s working
Follow this exactly. Don’t skip steps. Don’t rush. The algorithm needs time to recognize the pattern.
Tools to Accelerate Your E-E-A-T Implementation
You don’t need expensive tools, but these make it faster.
Free Tools:
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Google Search Console (tracking) -
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Google’s Rich Results Test (schema verification) -
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Content Idea Generator (finding link opportunities)
Paid Tools (Worth It):
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SurferSEO (E-E-A-T content analysis) -
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MarketMuse (topical authority mapping)
Check our MarketMuse Review for detailed analysis of how it helps with topical authority.
When choosing tools, look for Affiliate Marketing Reviews that specifically mention E-E-A-T features, not just generic SEO metrics.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to see results from E-E-A-T optimization?
In 2026, the average time to see measurable ranking improvements is 21-34 days. Google needs to recrawl your pages and quality raters need to evaluate the signals. However, I’ve seen pages jump in 11 days when trust signals were strong enough. The key is consistency—make all seven changes in the framework, not just one or two.
Can I implement this framework on AI-generated content?
Yes, but with major caveats. Google’s 2026 guidelines explicitly state that AI content can rank IF it demonstrates genuine human experience and expertise. You can’t just publish AI content and add author bios. You need to layer in personal experience, specific examples from your work, and unique insights that only come from real-world application. Think of AI as your first draft assistant, not your final authority.
What if I don’t have professional credentials?
Credentials are just one form of expertise. Experience is often more valuable. If you’ve generated $50K in affiliate commissions, that’s a credential. If you’ve built 20 Shopify stores, that’s a credential. If you’ve tested 100+ tools, that’s a credential. The key is specificity and proof. “I’ve made money” is weak. “I’ve generated $52,431 from 3 affiliate sites in the home decor niche since 2020” is strong.
How many citations do I need per article?
Minimum 3, ideal 5-7 for a 1,500-word article. More importantly, they need to be distributed throughout the piece, not dumped at the end. One citation every 200-300 words keeps your sourcing density high. Also, mix your sources: academic studies, industry reports, expert interviews, and your own data. Diversity signals thorough research.
Is schema markup really necessary?
While not a direct ranking factor, schema is critical for E-E-A-T because it makes your signals machine-readable. Without FAQPage schema, your FAQs are just text. Without Person schema with sameAs links, your author bio is just a paragraph. Think of schema as the translator between your content and Google’s quality raters. It’s not necessary, but it’s a massive competitive advantage.
How do I measure E-E-A-T success specifically?
Track these three metrics in Search Console: average position, CTR, and impression share. E-E-A-T improvements typically show up first as impression growth (Google testing your content more), then CTR increases (trust signals make snippets more clickable), then position jumps (quality raters validate the content). If you’re not seeing impression growth within 14 days, your trust signals aren’t strong enough.
Can I do this on a brand new site?
You can, but it’s harder. New sites have no trust history. You’ll need stronger signals: more credentials, more citations, more proof. I recommend new sites focus on one niche and build 10-15 pieces of high-E-E-A-T content before expanding. Also, build your off-site presence (LinkedIn, Twitter, guest posts) so your author sameAs schema links to active profiles. For new sites, E-E-A-T is 80% of the ranking battle.
What’s the biggest E-E-A-T mistake in 2026?
The “checkbox mentality”. People add author bios, citations, and dates, then wonder why nothing changes. E-E-A-T isn’t a checklist—it’s a trust ecosystem. Your author needs to be real and verifiable. Your citations need to be relevant and authoritative. Your experience needs to be provable. Quality raters can spot fake E-E-A-T in seconds. One authentic piece of experience evidence is worth ten generic author bios.
“E-E-A-T isn’t about gaming Google. It’s about becoming the obvious choice when someone needs expertise. The rankings follow the trust. Always.”
Key Takeaways
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Surgical implementation beats complete rewrites—focus existing pages first -
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Author credentials + experience evidence = 80% of E-E-A-T impact -
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Cite specific 2026 data—outdated statistics hurt trust signals -
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Internal linking with E-E-A-T-rich anchors boosts topical authority -
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Track impressions first—E-E-A-T improvements show up as testing before ranking -
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Trust signals are visual—dates, disclosures, and schema matter -
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Authenticity beats perfection—one real case study beats ten generic bios
Ready to Master E-E-A-T?
The framework is proven. The results are real. The only question is: will you implement it?
Start with your lowest-ranking page today. Apply steps 1-3. Wait 7 days. Watch what happens.
Still stuck? Read how I overcame imposter syndrome to build the confidence needed to showcase real expertise.
Your competitors aren’t doing this. That’s your advantage.
References
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- Gvnmarketing. (2025). “E-E-A-T SEO Checklist | AI Content & Google Rankings in …” https://gvnmarketing.com/seo/eeat-seo-checklist/
- Backlinko. (2025). “E-E-A-T in the AI Era: Complete Guide + Free Audit” https://backlinko.com/google-e-e-a-t
- Searchatlas. (2025). “Top 20 SEO Tips to Dominate SEO Rankings in 2025” https://searchatlas.com/blog/seo-tips/
- Magazinemanager. (2025). “Best SEO Strategies for Publishers in 2025” https://www.magazinemanager.com/library/guide/what-are-the-best-seo-strategies-for-publishers-in-2025/
- Developers. (2025). “Creating Helpful, Reliable, People-First Content” https://developers.google.com/search/docs/fundamentals/creating-helpful-content
- Jasminedirectory. (2025). “Case Study: Boosting Rankings with an E-E-A-T Overhaul” https://www.jasminedirectory.com/blog/case-study-boosting-rankings-with-an-e-e-a-t-overhaul/
- Blog, Clickpointsoftware. (2025). “EEAT’s Role in AI Search Rankings and Content Selection” https://blog.clickpointsoftware.com/google-e-e-a-t
- Dev, Dansasser. (2025). “How I Scored an 82 in E-E-A-T and Built an SEO Strategy …” https://dev.to/dansasser/how-i-scored-an-82-in-e-e-a-t-and-built-an-seo-strategy-that-thinks-like-an-ai-2b07
- Offshoremarketers. (2025). “SEO Best Practices: The Ultimate Guide to Higher Rankings” https://offshoremarketers.com/guide-to-seo-best-practices/
- Surferseo. (2024). “6 Ways To Use Google’s E-E-A-T To Rank Higher” https://surferseo.com/blog/improve-google-eeat-for-seo/
- Trustsignals. (2024). “Mastering Google EEAT: Boost Your SEO Effectively” https://www.trustsignals.com/blog/mastering-google-eeat-boost-your-seo-effectively
- Aspectusgroup. (2024). “21 E-E-A-T Strategies To Supercharge Your SEO And …” https://www.aspectusgroup.com/insights/21-eeat-strategies-to-supercharge-seo/
- Surferseo. (2024). “A Guide to Mastering E-E-A-T In YMYL Sites” https://surferseo.com/blog/eeat-in-ymyl/
Alexios Papaioannou
I’m Alexios Papaioannou, an experienced affiliate marketer and content creator. With a decade of expertise, I excel in crafting engaging blog posts to boost your brand. My love for running fuels my creativity. Let’s create exceptional content together!
