1. Experience: Show Them You’ve Been There, Done That

Google wants proof that you actually know what you’re talking about. For a small business, this means:

• Sharing behind-the-scenes stories on your website and social media.
• Posting about your hands-on experience—whether it’s making the best cup of coffee in town or handcrafting custom furniture.
• Encouraging customer reviews that highlight how your expertise made their experience awesome.

Action Step: Write a blog post or an “About Us” page that tells your story—why you started your business, what you’ve learned, and how you’ve perfected your craft.

2. Expertise: Flaunt Your Know-How

You don’t need a PhD in coffee roasting or fashion design to be an expert—you just need to prove you know your niche better than the average person. Show off your expertise by:

• Writing helpful guides or blog posts. (Example: “How to Choose the Best Coffee Beans for Your Morning Brew.”)
• Answering customer questions on your website’s FAQ section.
• Posting videos demonstrating your skills, like a step-by-step tutorial on properly seasoning a cast-iron pan (if you run a kitchenware shop).

Action Step: Regularly post content that educates and informs your customers. The more helpful you are, the more Google (and your customers) will trust you.

3. Authoritativeness: Be the Local Go-To Source

You may not be a global brand, but you can be a local authority. The goal is to make sure people (and Google) see you as the expert in your town or industry. How?

• Get featured in local blogs, news articles, or business directories.
• Partner with other small businesses for cross-promotion.
• Encourage happy customers to leave glowing Google reviews.

Action Step: Reach out to local publications or bloggers to see if they’d be interested in covering your business. Offer to share insights or participate in community events.

4. Trustworthiness: Prove You’re Legit

People won’t buy from (or visit) a business they don’t trust. And neither will Google. To build trust:

• Keep your website up to date with accurate business hours, contact info, and pricing.
• Secure your site with HTTPS—Google really likes that.
• Respond to reviews (both good and bad) in a professional, friendly manner.
• Display trust signals like business certifications, awards, or customer testimonials.

Action Step: Check your Google Business Profile and make sure all your information is accurate and consistent across the web. Nothing frustrates customers more than outdated info!

Bonus Tip: Get Local SEO on Your Side

E-E-A-T works best when paired with solid Local SEO. That means:

• Optimizing your Google Business Profile (add photos, update hours, and encourage reviews).
• Using location-based keywords on your website (e.g., “best handmade jewelry in West Palm Beach”).
• Listing your business in local directories like Yelp, TripAdvisor, and your town’s Chamber of Commerce site.

Final Thoughts: Be Real, Be Helpful, Be Found

At the end of the day, E-E-A-T isn’t about gaming the system. It’s about proving you’re the real deal—an experienced, knowledgeable, and trustworthy business that people (and Google) can rely on.

So, if you’re a Mom & Pop shop looking to get more eyes on your business, start implementing E-E-A-T today. A little effort now means more customers, better rankings, and a thriving business down the road.

Now, go forth and conquer the search results!