EAT as a Ranking Factor

The world of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is confusing and certainly overwhelming when you first start out. And just like any other field, we use a ton of acronyms and short-hand terms. One of the common acronyms we use in discussing SEO is EAT. This stands for expertise, authority, and trust.

What is EAT?

Expertise, authority (or authoritativeness), and trust (or trustworthiness) are used as ranking factors for Google. However, there’s not really a true measure or “score” for EAT. This is more of a guideline for aspects we’d like to build in terms of the way Google views your site. And while each of the aspects of EAT are important for Google, they are even more important when evaluating user experience. So yes, we are trying to show Google that you have expertise, authority, and are trustworthy on a subject. But even more than that, we are trying to show the actual human beings reading your content the same.

Expertise

The first aspect of EAT is expertise. Your website should show that you are an expert in your respective field. So, our clients’ sites should show that they are experts in the mental health field, as well as an expert in whatever services they provide. This is where having a niche can help.

If you’ve been on a call with any of our SEO specialists, you know that we want to know exactly what kind of client you’re looking for. This is so that we can help you tailor your website content and strategy to show expertise for that specific demographic. If you can show your ideal clients that you are, in fact, an expert on the struggles they’re facing and services they need, they will be more likely to spend time on your site. And hopefully, they’ll turn into clients for your practice.

Authority or Authoritativeness

The next factor of EAT is your site’s authoritativeness. This refers to the credibility of the knowledge you share on your site. Have you heard us talk about backlinks yet? Backlinks are an essential part of building your site’s authoritativeness. Imagine if you went to a website about a health condition you were recently diagnosed with, and nobody was linking to the site and the site was not linking to any other sites. This would be cause for concern, right? You want to know that the information you’re gaining is accurate and backed up by others in the field. Gaining authority for your therapy practice’s website is quite the same.

Now, website users will not be able to easily see your site’s backlinks. This is more important for Google. If you have spammy backlinks, like from a porn site or other sort of scam site, it’s likely Google will question your site’s authority. On the other hand, if you don’t have any links on your site going to other sites, Google and readers will question your authority. A website owner who has authority on a subject will not mind referring out to other authoritative sites.

Trust or Trustworthiness

The last aspect of EAT is trust or trustworthiness. Essentially, Google wants to have a sound “conscious” when it shows searchers your website. So, your website should have accurate information about your services and the locations in which you provide those. Having an up-to-date Google My Business account and routinely responding to reviews left there can increase Google’s trust in your site. Having new and accurate content on your site can be another impactful tool to increase Google’s trust.

EAT Overview

The three aspects of EAT, expertise, authority, and trust, should be used as a guideline for creating timely, truthful, and helpful content. It should be noted that new or relatively young websites typically take longer to achieve these factors with Google. And older sites should be revamped and cleaned up to have the most relevant and applicable content. Again, EAT is not something that can actually be measured but should be kept in mind when thinking about the user’s experience when surfing your site. You can learn more about EAT as an aspect of SEO by listening to a podcast one of our team members, Danica, spoke on recently!

Are you a private practice owner in need of SEO help?

We’ve got you! Simplified was started by a private practice owner just like yourself. So know that we’ll take care of your site and your rankings. With the help of our skilled SEO specialists, your website can bring in the clients you’d truly love to work with. While SEO is so impactful, it does take time and energy. Learn more about our packages

Book a free 30-minute consultation call.
Get connected with an SEO specialist.
Begin moving up in Google’s rankings and meet your practice’s goals!

SEO Services at Simplified SEO Consulting

When you work with Simplified, you have a few different options for boosting your Google rankings. These include our Done For You packages, Done With You training program, and even DIY online courses. Speak with one of our team members to discuss the best fit for your practice needs.

About the Author

Olivia Bahr is a proud team member of Simplified. She has been helping private practice therapists across the nation (and even beyond) work on their websites to start working with the clients they love. Olivia helps the Simplified team with content writing, strategy sessions, page optimization, and more! Additionally, Olivia is currently a Master of Social Work student at the University of Denver working toward a concentration in Health and Wellness and a certificate in Human-Animal Environmental Interactions.

February 24, 2022/0 Comments/by Olivia Ferguson

Backlinks, SEO Tips

Finding Credible External Links for SEO

Okay, if you haven’t heard from Simplified and our Mental Health SEO Specialists, external links are greaaaat for SEO. Have we told you yet? Maybe a couple times?

The beauty behind valuable external links is that their presence makes Google trust you more. Providing references from your site to other credible sites boosts your site’s credibility, letting Google know that you know your stuff.

First off, what is an external link?

An external link has a multitude of names. We know, how confusing. External links can sometimes be referenced as outbound links, backlinks, or hyperlinks. You may also hear “internal link”, we’ll get to that.

Let’s clarify.

An external link is a hyperlink that forwards the user to a different page.

So, if you have an external link to Webster Dictionary for a definition of some sort, once a user clicks that external link, they will be redirected to the Webster Dictionary page.

A couple things about external links:

Internal links are also valuable for SEO. An internal link is when you are referencing another page on your own site. Whenever you use an internal link, you’re telling Google that you are competent in multiple things!
External links can be placed in text, or within images! Most likely, you will want to stick an external link into the standard text.
Simplified recommends that you have an external link pop up in a new tab. We recommend this because it leaves more time for the potential client to stay on your site.

Like I said before, external links are good for SEO. BUT, we want to make sure these links are credible. If they’re not credible, Google’s trust in your site will go down. It’s like a research paper, but for your site! How exciting.

When you’re considering credibility, consider these things:

1. Check the sources!

Does the site you’re linking to have it’s own research process? Does it reference a different research process? Are there any articles or studies or authors listed?

2. Double check the domain of the website

Domains say a lot about a site. In summary, .com, .net, .org, .gov, .edu are primarily credible domains. Secondly, io, .biz, .cn, .surf, are primarily not credible domains. Double check any information coming from these sites.

3. Screening Process for Submissions

Sometimes, websites have submissions available for tweaking information on the site. This is not inherently bad, but keep a look out on who is able to create submissions, and how many times. What does the screening process look like for them? Wikipedia is one of these tricky sites, allowing multiple submissions with a lack of screening. Sometimes, well-meaning users introduce inaccuracies. Double check any information coming from a site like this.

4. Search for information to back up what you’ve found

Verify a site’s legitimacy by comparing it to other sites. If you find a source that contradicts your original source, you may want to further investigate!

Great! If you’ve vetted your external link through this process, get that external link on your page for some SEO juice!

About the Author

Jewel is currently part of the Simplified team as a Mental Health Specialist at Simplified SEO Consulting. She helps private practice owners find their ideal client by optimizing their websites and providing direct support to clients. Jewel loves the gratification when she sees a therapist’s data increasing and their phones buzzing. As a person who values mental health amongst other things, she loves knowing that Simplified’s services help therapists and patients find each other to improve mental health in the world.

Jewel is currently in her Master’s in Social Work program at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare. She also interns every week at a Kansas City psychiatric hospital. When she has the time, she loves to read, volunteer, spend time with friends, and travel.

February 22, 2022/0 Comments/by Jewel Fivecoat

SEO Basics, SEO Tips

Does SEO Work for Law Firms? Debunking Myths and Unveiling the Truth

In today’s digital landscape, the question “Does SEO work for law firms?” holds significant implications. The realm of legal services is no longer confined to word-of-mouth referrals and traditional advertising methods. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the intricacies of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) for law firms, debunk common misconceptions, and reveal the undeniable impact that a well-executed SEO strategy can have on your legal practice’s online presence.

Understanding the Basics of SEO

SEO is more than just a buzzword; it’s a fundamental pillar of modern digital marketing. At its core, SEO involves a series of techniques and strategies aimed at enhancing a website’s visibility on search engines like Google. When someone searches for legal services, an effective SEO strategy ensures that your law firm’s website ranks prominently on the search engine results page (SERP). This visibility is crucial because it connects potential clients with the solutions they’re seeking.

Myth #1: Legal Industry Isn’t Suited for SEO

One common misconception is that the legal field is too niche for SEO to yield significant results. However, this belief overlooks the fact that legal services are frequently sought after through online searches. Clients are now accustomed to using search engines to find answers to their legal questions, making SEO an indispensable tool for law firms to meet this demand. By targeting best keywords for lawyers related to your legal specialization, you can position your firm as a relevant and accessible resource.

Myth #2: Word of Mouth Suffices, No Need for Online Visibility

While personal recommendations remain a valuable source of referrals for law firms, the modern consumer journey has expanded beyond word of mouth. Today, clients are inclined to research extensively before making decisions. This research often involves online searches to explore legal options and gather information. A robust online presence not only supplements word-of-mouth referrals but also ensures that your firm is discoverable precisely when potential clients are actively seeking legal guidance.

The Power of Informed Decision-Making

Legal matters are intricate, and clients seek confidence in their decisions. Especially for personal injury attorneys. By providing insightful and informative content on your website, you can assist potential clients in making informed choices. Publishing blog posts, articles, and resources that address common legal concerns and explain complex concepts showcases your expertise. This, in turn, builds trust, positioning your firm as a knowledgeable authority in the legal landscape.

SEO Tailored for Law Firms: What Works

Effective SEO for law firms goes beyond generic strategies. It involves tailoring your approach to align with the unique aspects of the legal industry. Local SEO is essential, as legal services are often location-specific. Optimizing your website for location-based keywords ensures that your firm appears in local searches, attracting clients within your geographical reach. Moreover, integrating long-tail keywords that reflect your legal specialization enhances the likelihood of connecting with individuals actively seeking your specific services.

Factors Influencing SEO Success for Law Firms

Several factors contribute to the success of SEO for law firms. First and foremost, high-quality content is paramount. Crafting content that educates, informs, and addresses common legal questions not only engages your audience but also demonstrates your expertise to search engines. Additionally, building authoritative backlinks from reputable legal sources and related industries validates your firm’s credibility in the eyes of both potential clients and search algorithms. Ensuring that your website is mobile-friendly and user-focused further contributes to improved SEO rankings.

What is the best form of advertisement for a lawyer?

In the realm of legal advertising, a diversified approach yields the best results. While traditional forms of advertising such as word of mouth, referrals, and networking remain essential, the digital age has introduced new avenues. Leveraging the power of the internet through online visibility, content marketing, and strategic advertising can significantly expand your law firm’s reach and attract clients who are actively seeking your expertise.

Do law firms need SEO?

You might be asking, do law firms need SEO to thrive in today’s competitive digital landscape. As potential clients increasingly turn to search engines to find legal services, having a robust online presence is no longer optional—it’s imperative. SEO for law firms ensures that your firm’s website appears prominently when individuals search for legal solutions, thereby increasing the likelihood of engagement and conversion. It’s not just about being visible; it’s about being the trusted solution that potential clients discover when they need it most.

Unlocking SEO’s Potential for Law Firms

In conclusion, the question “Does SEO work for law firms?” is answered with a resounding yes. A well-crafted SEO strategy tailored to the legal industry’s nuances can elevate your firm’s online visibility, credibility, and engagement. By dispelling myths and embracing the power of SEO, law firms can establish a digital footprint that resonates with clients seeking reliable legal services. Whether it’s localized SEO, informative content creation, or building authoritative connections, every aspect of SEO contributes to the growth and success of your practice in the digital age.

Are you ready to watch your law firm grow?

Drive more client traffic and cases to your firm by using Simplified SEO Consulting! We’re ready to help your personal injury law firm grow by discovering the key to online success with SEO. Don’t miss out on potential clients, follow these simple steps:

Schedule a consultation here!
Meet with one of our dedicated SEO Specialists.
Watch your personal injury law firm grow and reach more clients.

Other Services Simplified SEO Consulting Offers:

Simplified SEO Consulting offers a range of services to help you improve your website’s online presence. We offer Done For You SEO Services and DIY Online SEO Courses, which are customized to enhance your search engine rankings and attract your ideal clients. We also have a 12-week Done With You Intensive Program for comprehensive training. Our Content Networking service can help you boost your online presence and attract more of your ideal clients. Check out our blog for more tips and guides on SEO.

February 20, 2022/0 Comments/by Danica Wolf

Content, SEO Basics, SEO Tips, Training

Incorporating SEO keywords

You know you need to incorporate SEO keywords into your copy, but it feels so clunky and awkward. You’ve done SEO keyword research and have come up with what you want to rank for but are struggling to add those keywords in a way that flows and makes sense.

Copywriting for SEO doesn’t have to be difficult! I personally love the puzzle of adding keywords to my blog posts. As a mental health SEO copywriter at Simplified SEO Consulting, I have three tips for you as you work to add SEO keywords to your private practice website.

Write from the heart, use keywords later.

Writing with SEO in mind is important. However, if you want to reach your ideal clients for your private practice, copywriting which is authentic to you is even more important. You know your clients’ challenges and what they are facing. Pretend like you’re talking directly to someone you’re working with and write out what you want them to hear from you. Being honest and sincere is powerful.

While SEO copywriting can get people on your page, there isn’t a point unless those clicks convert to new clients. This is w

here writing from the heart comes in. Search engine optimization for psychotherapists can help you get more clients, but only if your content resonates with the people who land on your page.

Give yourself a day to reset your brain.

Writing from the heart is only the first step in incorporating SEO keywords naturally into your content. I find it helpful to write a blog post or webpage and then put it down for a day. Come back to it and find those places you can “sneak” in keywords. Switching up counseling and therapy for example can help you rank for both words! Your copy CAN have flow and style while still having great SEO. Sometimes you just need to get your brain out of therapist mode and into SEO mode. Think about what your ideal client might be typing into Google to find the help they are looking for. Put yourself in their shoes and remember that incorporating keywords into your copy and content is truly helping your ideal client. Perhaps they’re not ready for therapy yet, but are looking for a blog post that resonates. That is powerful!

Approach SEO keywords as a puzzle.

My personal favorite way to incorporate SEO keywords while copywriting is to approach it as a puzzle. Make it a word game where you try and fit in keywords wherever you can. When you approach it as a game and not a chore, that mindset shift makes a big difference in how frustrated you may get. I love the challenge of using as many keywords as possible, while still having the style and flow that I desire. There are so many words associated with counseling, see how many you can use! You likely enjoy word games (have you started playing Wordle yet, or is it just blowing up your Facebook feed?) so make SEO optimization simply another fun game to play!

Consider copywriting for SEO with Simplified SEO Consulting!

If you’re still struggling with incorporating keywords into your web content, it might be time to consider SEO copywriting from Simplified SEO Consulting. Our mental health SEO specialists love taking your words and optimizing them for SEO. If you don’t have the capacity to put words to a computer screen, fret not! We’ve got you covered at our SEO consulting firm specializing in SEO for therapists, psychiatrists & other mental health professionals. We love writing for mental health professionals like you.

February 8, 2022/0 Comments/by Mason Aid

Local SEO, SEO Tips

Demystifying Local SEO for Lawyers: A Comprehensive Guide

In today’s digital landscape, the online visibility of law firms, especially personal injury attorneys, is paramount. Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the key to enhancing a law firm’s digital presence within a specific geographic area. This comprehensive guide will explore the intricacies of local SEO, its significance for law firms, and how it can revolutionize your practice’s online visibility and credibility. Let’s dive into SEO for personal injury lawyers.

Understanding Local SEO in Digital Marketing

Think of local SEO as a digital roadmap for your law firm. In the vast terrain of the internet, it’s the compass that ensures your potential clients find you when they’re searching for legal services in their neighborhood.

Local SEO in digital marketing is a specialized strategy designed to optimize a business’s online presence, ensuring it ranks prominently in local search results. It involves a nuanced blend of techniques and optimizations that help businesses, including law firms, shine brightly when potential clients search for services within their geographical vicinity.

Decoding Local SEO for Lawyers

Imagine your law firm as a beacon in the night, guiding lost ships safely to the shore. That’s essentially what local SEO does for your legal practice—it ensures that individuals seeking legal services in your vicinity see your firm as a reliable lighthouse amidst the digital sea.

Local SEO for lawyers is a tailor-made approach aimed at boosting a law firm’s online visibility within its local community or service areas. It entails optimizing various facets of a law firm’s online presence to guarantee that individuals seeking legal services nearby find the firm’s website at the top of search results.

Why Local SEO Holds the Key for Law Firms

Local SEO is pivotal for law firms, and the reasons behind this assertion are compelling:

Connecting with Local Clients

In the world of law, regional expertise is your secret weapon. It’s like being a local tour guide who knows all the hidden gems in your town. Local SEO facilitates this connection by helping law firms reach clients actively seeking legal assistance nearby.

When someone in your community faces a legal challenge, they prefer a legal guide who understands the intricacies of their local area’s laws and regulations. Local SEO ensures that you’re the expert they find when they embark on their digital legal journey.

Establishing Trust and Credibility

Consistency is key when it comes to building trust. Think of your law firm as a trusted brand, like a well-known local diner. When potential clients consistently encounter your firm’s name in local search results, it fosters a sense of familiarity and reliability.

Furthermore, local SEO often involves managing and encouraging reviews on platforms such as Google My Business. These reviews act as the testimonials of the digital era, assuring potential clients that your firm is reputable and capable of handling their legal needs. This gradual buildup of trust can significantly influence their decision-making process, leading to increased inquiries and conversions.

Competing Effectively in the Local Arena

Imagine your local legal market as a bustling marketplace. There are dozens of stalls offering legal services, each trying to outshine the others. Local SEO is your way of standing out amidst the crowd, like a vibrant vendor with a unique product.

Law firms often grapple with intense competition within their local market. Local SEO provides a competitive edge by ensuring that your firm’s website captures the attention of individuals in need of legal services before others. It’s like being the magician who wows the audience with the first trick, ensuring they stay for the entire show.

Enhancing Online Reputation

Your online reputation is your digital legacy. It’s akin to the stories people tell about your firm around town. Local SEO strategies typically involve managing and encouraging reviews on platforms like Google My Business. Positive reviews from satisfied clients not only enhance your online reputation but also sway potential clients to choose your firm.

Positive online reviews act as digital word-of-mouth recommendations, much like a trusted friend telling someone which local restaurant serves the best pizza. They are more likely to trust a law firm with a history of satisfied clients.

Maximizing ROI for Your Digital Marketing Dollars

Local SEO offers an exceptional return on investment (ROI) by attracting clients actively seeking legal services. It’s like fishing in a pond teeming with hungry fish rather than casting your line into an empty ocean. These potential clients are more likely to convert into paying clients, maximizing your ROI.

Think of local SEO as the path to the treasure chest. It’s a journey that leads you to valuable leads, and the rewards keep pouring in.

The Significance of Consistent NAP Information for Personal Injury Attorneys and Law Firm Practices

Imagine you’re driving in an unfamiliar city, searching for a highly recommended restaurant. You’ve got the name and address, but the details are inconsistent—different addresses on the restaurant’s website, Google Maps, and a local directory. Frustrating, right? Now, let’s apply this scenario to the digital realm and the importance of consistent NAP information for personal injury attorneys and law firm practices.

What is NAP Information?

NAP stands for Name, Address, and Phone Number. In the context of local SEO, NAP information is your digital identity. It’s the information that potential clients and search engines use to identify and contact your law firm. Accurate and consistent NAP information across various online platforms is crucial for several reasons.

Builds Trust and Credibility

Consistency is the cornerstone of trust. Just as you’d expect a business to provide accurate and consistent information, potential clients hold the same expectations for law firms. Inconsistencies in your NAP information can raise doubts about your firm’s credibility and reliability. It’s like meeting someone who keeps changing their story—it leaves you skeptical.

When individuals encounter your law firm’s information across different platforms, such as your website, Google My Business, legal directories, and social media, they expect it to match. Consistency reinforces the legitimacy and reliability of your firm in their eyes. Trust is a delicate flower; inconsistency can make it wither.

Enhances Search Engine Understanding

Search engines, like Google, strive to provide accurate and reliable information to users. To do this, they rely on cues like NAP information to understand your law firm’s identity and location. Inconsistent NAP data can confuse search engines, leading to ranking issues and decreased visibility in local search results.

Think of it as giving conflicting directions to a lost traveler. One moment, you’re telling them to go north, and the next, you’re pointing them south. The result? Confusion and frustration. Search engines aim to avoid such confusion by rewarding businesses with consistent and reliable NAP information.

Minimizes Customer Confusion

Imagine a potential client discovering your law firm’s contact information on a legal directory. Excited to learn more, they visit your website but find a different phone number listed. Now they’re puzzled. Is this the same firm? Why are there conflicting phone numbers? It’s like encountering contradictory road signs—it makes the journey confusing and uncertain.

Consistent NAP information ensures that potential clients can easily reach out to your firm without any confusion. Whether they find you on Google, social media, or a legal directory, they know they’re contacting the same reliable source for legal assistance.

Strengthens Online Reputation

Positive online reviews are the digital equivalent of word-of-mouth recommendations. They play a significant role in your law firm’s online reputation. Encouraging satisfied clients to leave reviews on platforms like Google My Business is a common practice in local SEO. However, inconsistent NAP information can lead to reviews being attributed to the wrong business, diluting your online reputation.

Imagine receiving compliments for a delicious dish you didn’t prepare. It might feel nice, but it’s not helpful if you’re running a restaurant. Similarly, reviews meant for your firm should rightfully enhance your online reputation. Consistent NAP information ensures that positive reviews contribute to building your firm’s credibility and trustworthiness.

Prevents Potential Penalties

Inaccurate or inconsistent NAP information can result in search engines penalizing your law firm. These penalties can have a detrimental impact on your online visibility, causing your firm to slip in search rankings. It’s like receiving a traffic ticket for not following road signs correctly.

To avoid such penalties and maintain a strong online presence, it’s crucial to keep your NAP information consistent across all digital platforms.

NAP: The Digital Identity of Your Law Firm

Consistent NAP information is your law firm’s digital identity. It’s the contact information that potential clients and search engines rely on to find and assess your practice. Just as a solid foundation is essential for a building’s stability, consistent NAP information is vital for the stability and success of your law firm’s online presence.

By ensuring that your NAP information is accurate and consistent across all online directories, platforms, and your website, you not only build trust with potential clients but also convey to search engines that your law firm is reliable and credible. This consistency acts as a guiding beacon, leading clients to your firm and helping your practice stand out in local search results.

Does SEO Work for Law Firms in the USA?

Absolutely, SEO is remarkably effective for law firms in the USA. In the vast digital landscape, search engines are like the gatekeepers to legal services. When individuals require legal assistance, they turn to search engines to find the right attorney for their needs.

A well-executed SEO strategy significantly improves a law firm’s visibility in search results, ensuring that potential clients can easily discover and engage with the firm’s website. It’s like having a bright neon sign outside your law office, attracting passersby who need your legal expertise.

Moreover, SEO isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s a versatile tool that can be customized to specific practice areas and geographic locations, making it highly effective for law firms of all sizes and specializations. By optimizing your online presence and implementing proven SEO techniques, law firms in the USA can increase their online visibility, attract quality leads, and ultimately expand their client base.

A Local SEO Checklist for Lawyers

To succeed in your local SEO strategy for your personal injury law firm, consider the following checklist as your treasure map:

Google My Business Optimization

Ensure your Google My Business listing is accurate and complete. It should include your firm’s name, address, phone number, and hours of operation. Think of it as your digital storefront—the first thing potential clients see when they search for legal services.

Local Keyword Research

Identify relevant local keywords and phrases that potential clients might use when searching for legal services in your area. These keywords are like the clues that lead you to hidden treasures.

On-Page Optimization

Optimize your website’s meta tags, headings, and content with local keywords. Provide valuable information to your audience while incorporating these keywords seamlessly. It’s like sprinkling breadcrumbs that lead search engines and potential clients to your website.

Local Citations

Ensure your law firm’s information is consistent across online directories, websites, and social media platforms. Inaccurate or inconsistent information can harm your local SEO efforts. Think of it as ensuring that your contact details are the same everywhere online.

Online Reviews

Encourage satisfied clients to leave positive reviews on platforms like Google Business Profiles and Yelp, as appropriate and ethical for your business. Respond to reviews, whether positive or negative, professionally and promptly. Positive reviews are like golden coins—they enhance your reputation and attract more clients.

Local Link Building

Build authoritative backlinks from local sources, legal directories, and local business associations. These backlinks act as references, vouching for your firm’s credibility and expertise.

Consistent Content Creation

Regularly publish high-quality, locally-focused content on your website. Address legal topics and concerns relevant to your local audience. This content is like the stories you tell around a campfire—it keeps your audience engaged and coming back for more.

Monitor Results and Adjust Strategy

Continuously monitor your local SEO performance using tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console. Make data-driven adjustments to improve your results over time. It’s like having a compass that guides you in the right direction.

The Importance of an Individualized Approach to Law Firm SEO

Just like every case is unique, so is every law firm. That’s why there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to local SEO. Each firm has distinct practice areas, target audiences, and geographic focuses. Working with a trusted partner like Simplified SEO Consulting, who listens to your specific needs and tailors an individualized local SEO approach, is the key to success.

An experienced partner will understand your ideal clients, adapt to evolving search engine algorithms, and ensure that your law firm maximizes its online potential within your local community. It’s like having a legal strategy customized to the unique aspects of each case you handle.

Elevating Your Law Firm’s Digital Presence With Simplified SEO Consulting

In conclusion, local SEO isn’t just about being found; it’s about being the trusted choice for individuals seeking legal services in your area. With the right local SEO strategy, your law firm can rise above the competition, establish credibility, and connect with high-quality leads. This will result in the growth of your practice and solidify your position within your local community.

Trust Simplified SEO Consulting to navigate the complexities of digital marketing and legal services, ensuring your practice reaps the rewards of sustained success. Our team understands the intricacies of the legal landscape and the digital domain. Just as clients turn to you for legal guidance, entrust your local SEO strategy to professionals who can navigate the complex world of digital marketing, ensuring your practice flourishes and becomes synonymous with excellence in personal injury law.

In essence, local SEO is your treasure map to success in the digital age. It leads you to valuable leads, establishes your credibility, and ensures that your law firm shines brightly in your local community. With the right strategy and a trusted partner, your practice can achieve the recognition and success it deserves.

Elevate Your Personal Injury Law Firm with Local SEO!

Are you a personal injury lawyer looking to dominate your local market? Don’t miss out on potential clients! Use the power of Local SEO to boost your online presence and grow your firm. Stand out locally by ensure your law firm ranks at the top of local search results, making it easy for potential clients to find you. Ready to take your personal injury law practice to new heights? Follow these few steps!

Schedule a consultation here!
Meet with one of our great SEO Specialists.
Watch your Personal Injury Law Firm grow!

February 1, 2022/0 Comments/by Danica Wolf

Business Tips, SEO Tips

PSYPACT & SEO (Part 1: The Impact of PsyPACT)

What is PSYPACT?

You may be wondering what psypact is if you’re a psychologist in the counseling profession. This was approved back in February 2015 by the ASPPB Board of Directors. The goal is to offer online therapy services that extend past the boundary of normal state licensure. “PSYPACT is an interstate compact designed to allow licensed psychologists to practice telepsychology and conduct the temporary in‐person, face‐to‐face practice of psychology across state boundaries legally and ethically without necessitating that an individual becomes licensed in every state to practice”.

PsyPACT States

The current States Under PsyPACT:

Alabama – AL SB 102 (Enacted 3/18/2021)
Arizona – AZ HB 2503 (Enacted on 5/17/2016)
Arkansas – AR HB 1760 (Enacted 4/25/2021)
Colorado – CO HB 1017 (Enacted 4/12/2018)
Delaware – DE HB 172 (Enacted 6/27/2019)
District of Columbia – DC B 145 (Enacted 3/16/2021)
Georgia – GA HB 26 (Enacted 4/23/2019)
Illinois – IL HB 1853 (Enacted 8/22/2018)
Kansas – KS SB 170 (Enacted 5/17/2021)
Kentucky – KY HB 38 (Enacted 3/18/2021)
Maine – ME HB 631 (Enacted 6/22/2021)
Maryland – MD HB 970 (Enacted 5/18/2021)
Minnesota – MN SB 193 (Enacted 5/25/2021)
Missouri – MO HB 1719/MO SB 660 (Enacted 6/1/2018)
Nebraska – NE L 1034 (Enacted 4/23/2018)
Nevada – NV AB 429 (Enacted on 5/26/2017)
New Hampshire- NH SB 232 (Enacted 7/10/2019)
New Jersey – NJ A 4205/NJ S 2506 (Enacted 9/24/2021)
North Carolina – NC 361 (Enacted 7/1/2020)
Ohio – OH S 2 (Enacted 4/27/2021)
Oklahoma – OK HB 1057 (Enacted 4/29/2019)
Pennsylvania – PA SB 67 (Enacted 5/8/2020)
Tennessee – TN S 161 (Enacted 5/11/2021)
Texas – TX HB 1501 (Enacted 6/10/2019)
Utah – UT SB 106 (Enacted on 3/17/2017)
Virginia – VA SB 760 (Enacted 4/11/2020)
West Virginia – WV SB 668 (Enacted 4/21/2021)

To practice telepsychology using PsyPACT:

Apply for and obtain the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB)
E.Passport to practice telepsychology in PSYPACT states and pay associated certification fees.
Identify and notify ASPPB and the PSYPACT Commission of telepsychological practice into each PSYPACT state.
Complete continuing education requirements for E.Passport.
Annually renew the E.Passport

The Impact of PsyPACT if You Are Not A Psychologist

Currently, PsyPACT only covers psychologists. While we want to have a greater reach as LCSW and LPC’s and social justice and outreach is part of our ethics, currently, this does not apply to our field. However, we can hold onto the hope that if this is able to be enacted for psychologists, then one day it may allow for therapists to do the same. In the meantime, we have other avenues to support the people in our states and potentially, we can hold on to this hope for the future.

What is the Impact of PsyPACT on Clients?

The impact of allowing psychologists to offer psyPACT and online therapy across state lines is offering greater access to care for individuals. Clients will not have to worry about receiving the right care from a therapist if they have big life changes and move from state to state. Often referral and finding a good counselor can be complex when for clients and is an added stressor they do not need. This offers more flexibility. And, allows therapists to serve minorities and underserved populations who are concerned about getting support from a truly culturally diverse therapist.

In Part 2, we will learn about the strategy to take with SEO going forward with PsyPACT

Learn the Impact of PsyPACT and SEO Interact With US!

Are you a psychologist wanting to understand the strategy of psyPACT and SEO? We can help! Our skilled and passionate team of SEO specialists is here to make sure your SEO journey is tailored to your brand and identity. Simplified SEO Consulting would be excited to help you on your SEO journey. To get started with our service follow these simple steps:

Schedule a consult with our Client Success Specialist or Consult Team
Learn more about our wonderful team of SEO Specialists.
Start connecting better when you learn more about SEO for therapists

Other Services offered by Simplified SEO Consulting

Simplified SEO consulting offers a wide range of services that can help you begin working with your people. We offer. Done for You SEO Service packages, online courses, and SEO training opportunities. Our most popular course includes our “Top of Google” Online course, and we have 12 weeks (about 3 months) of intensive SEO for therapists who want to learn with a guide. Additionally, we are offering a limited-time SEO Mastermind group if you want a great training opportunity for a steal, this is for you. For those looking for a more specialized package, we also offer an SEO strategy package. To get started, schedule a consultation with our Client Success Specialist today!

About the Author:

As an SEO specialist at Simplified, Jasmine is an SEO services consultant and helps new clients become oriented to our services. If you are ready to begin SEO services, then get in touch and schedule your free consultation today!

Jasmine Jaquess is currently working towards her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University. Currently, she is seeing clients in practice as part of her practicum. She serves as the Client Success Specialist in new client consultations with Simplified SEO Consulting. Plus she is one of our Mental Health SEO Specialists. She specializes in platforms such as Squarespace and Wix. If you’re ready to see how Simplified can serve you, schedule your next consultation. As our Client Success Specialist, see how Jasmine can support your business needs!

February 1, 2022/0 Comments/by Jasmine Jaquess

SEO Tips

Discussing 3 Common Site Audit Errors

Murphys Law famously states “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.”

A graphic of web statistics on a computer screen. Learn more about SEO for counselors and how we can support your private practice website with online SEO training. 65202 While this (thankfully) isn’t exactly true, we may often feel like it is based on the many ways mess-ups can happen. This also rings true when it comes to SEO and creating or maintaining your own website. As your website grows in size and complexity, so do the ways that technical errors can occur. Some of these errors may be minor inconveniences. But, others may cause many negative effects on the health and architecture of your site.

In today’s post, we are going to be discussing some of the biggest technical errors that can affect your site. Plus, we will cover how these errors affect your site, and why you should take the time to focus on resolving them. So without further ado, let’s cover one of the most critical issues you may find on a site audit.

Site Audit Issue #1: 4xx Errors

Ideally, you wouldn’t be very familiar with the effects 4xx errors can have on websites. But, the reality is you’ve likely already encountered one of these before. They can occur on any website, including your own. These errors signify when the link or URL of a page isn’t working as intended. The reason why a link stops working can vary depending on many factors. But, they always appear as an error code.

Some of the most common 4xx error codes include:

403 “Forbidden” – When a person doesn’t have the correct permissions to access the page in question.
404 “Not Found” – When a URL isn’t available to Google, and it isn’t known if the URL will be available in the future.
410 “Gone” – When a URL has been permanently removed from Google.
401 “Unauthorized” – When an individual lacks the verification or login credentials to access a specific page.

Why should you resolve 4xx errors?

Regardless of which 4xx error you may be encountering, finding the solution for the broken link is an important part of maintaining your site’s health. These errors can cause entire pages of your site to be unavailable to potential visitors. Plus, Google can’t index pages if the robots can’t crawl them! As a result, your site may not get the SEO credit it deserves, even if you put a great deal of work into the content of your site.

One of the most efficient ways to resolve these errors is by creating redirects. Setting up redirects on your site will vary based on the builder you are using, but will usually involve using 3xx redirects. While this method is convenient, doing so may also result in slower navigation for the user on the site. I’d love to mention more about redirects, but that topic deserves its own blog post entirely! So, let’s move on to the second big error.

Site Audit Issue #2: Duplicate Content Errors

When we talk about “quality” content, we often refer to what any client can see on screen. But, this can also apply to the more technical parts of your site that may go unseen. These seen and unseen errors can have measurable effects on your site’s SEO. Duplicate content may appear as copies of:

Pages
Paragraphs and photos
Titles
Meta descriptions

Duplicate content itself occurs when the same content is present in more than one place on the web. Having duplicate content on your site won’t result in any specific penalties from Google. But, it can still make it hard for search engines to decide what content is the “right” content and should show up in the search results. Search engines like Google won’t rank every copy of the same content. So, it is up to you to help Google figure out which one should be included, and which should be excluded.

Fixing Duplicate content

By using a site auditor, you can have a much easier time finding exactly where the errors are hiding. But, fixing duplicate content actually starts with creating the content itself. Having original content is vital from both a client-facing and technical SEO perspective. By having this high-quality content, you will ensure that Google knows your site is active, maintained, and is seen as a more credible source.

While also having original content, you can fix duplicate content by setting up a redirect. This may be a 301 or rel=canonical redirect, and by using them you can determine which pages you want Google to focus on. There are also other, more technical ways of resolving duplicate content, but that deserves its own blog post as well!

Site Audit Issue #3: Broken Links

This refers to all the internal links connecting each page throughout your site. These links are vital to the make-up of your site architecture, and website authority. So, ensuring your site is clean of broken links is a must. If your page is littered with dead-end links, it does not serve as a good sign to Google. But, these may occur for a number of reasons, such as:

Updating a page’s URL
Pages getting lost or renamed during a site migration
Linking to content that has been removed
Typing in the wrong URL (or accidentally linking to a page that doesn’t actually exist).

If a link is broken on your site, it may be a sign that a page is no longer available. This may be due to something like a 404 or 410 error as mentioned above or might be a sign that a broken backlink is present on another site. This can cause even more SEO issues since losing these valuable links can harm not only your authority but also your expertise in the eyes of google. By fixing these issues, you are also indirectly helping to establish and maintain EAT with Google.

Fixing Broken Links

Finding broken links can be made simple by viewing a site audit. But, fixing them is another story. This can seem like a simple fix if only a few links are affected. In some cases, you may only need to the page where a single broken link is going. If so, you can go to that page, and update or remove said link. But, if a single link is present on a vast number of your pages, finding every instance of the broken link can soon become a problem. Luckily, creating redirects for the affected links can once again help you to resolve these types of issues. By creating a redirect for a broken link, you can give it a new URL that the site will recognize. Thus, making it easier for you to make larger, more sitewide changes instead of hunting for every instance of the error.

Closing Thoughts

I’ve mentioned how redirects can help solve a variety of site audit errors a few times in this blog. But, they are not the end all be all. They can help you to maintain and fine-tune your site but, they are not always the best solution for every situation. When addressing site audit errors, it is important to do your own research on how you can solve the issue using your specific website builder. The methods may differ based on the platform, but the principles remain the same. By following these principles, you can rest assured that your site is free of any catastrophic errors.

Begin SEO Services With Simplified SEO Consulting

We are very familiar with the many errors that can occur from a site audit. We are also happy to offer support in solving them. Our team of SEO specialists is trained in resolving these technical errors to help your site rank higher on Google. To start SEO services with Simplified SEO Consulting, please follow these simple steps:

Book a free consultation
Meet with an SEO specialist
Start improving the health of your site!

Other Services Offered with Simplified SEO Consulting

Our team is happy to support you in improving the health of your site. But, this isn’t the only service we offer. We also offer SEO services including our DIY Online SEO Courses, Done For You SEO services, and a Done With You 12-week Intensive SEO program. Feel free to visit our blog to learn more today!

About the Author

Sterling Humburg-Cage graduated from the University of Missouri with a BA in Psychology in 2020. He integrates what he learned in school into his work as an SEO Specialist with Simplified SEO Consulting. Sterling prides himself on helping current clients & alumni problems solve difficult SEO issues. He’s great at giving clients multiple options about how to approach a situation and responding quickly to client concerns. Since he started, Sterling has met frequently with our alumni and provided them extra problem-solving support, often going the extra mile to do outside research and make sure private practice owners have everything they need to rank well on search engines long term for the keywords their ideal clients are using!

January 25, 2022/0 Comments/by Sterling Humburg-Cage

Backlinks, Content, Guest Blog

3 Ways My Content Has Been Reused and It’s Been Good for SEO

As a busy business owner looking to scale, your time is very, very valuable. So, when I start talking about creating content to improve SEO it’s not uncommon that people start looking for ways to reuse that content. And I’m supportive of that….as long as it doesn’t hurt your SEO.

I’ve had a few times where people told me they wrote such an amazing blog post that they published it on two different websites they own. Or that they used it as a guest blog post for some big name website AND published the same content on their own website. Unfortunately, neither of these are particularly great for your SEO. Google likes to see fresh, new, relevant content.

But that doesn’t mean all is lost. You don’t have to totally create content from Scratch! Here are three ways content I’ve created has been re-used and it’s been helpful for SEO:

1) The Guest Blog Post that Re-Uses an Old Idea

I often talk about Guest Blog Posting and people start groaning. They worry about having time to write a bunch of unique blog posts. But there ARE some short cuts. One of my favorite things is to come up with a topic that can be applied to several different populations. Then, create an outline that can be reused and write a similar blog post for several different people.

I’ve done this a few times before and recently decided to do it again for this post. So, I found two similar articles I wrote years ago for my own private practice blog and then asked a couple colleagues if I could write a similar blog post but with a focus on a different population for their website. The result? Five different blog posts all talking about how to use the 6 levels of validation I learned back in my comprehensive DBT days but with five different populations. I actually wrote the three new articles in about an hour (even though they’re longer and I think actually better written than my original ones) because I already knew exactly what I was writing about. But none of them are exactly the same, so it should help all of our SEO. Take a look:

2) The Video that Becomes a Blog Post & Social Media Post

This is one of my favorites. As a practice owner, you can create a single video that can be uploaded to Youtube, used to write a summary as a blog post on the topic (make sure to embed the youtube video on the blog post as well) and then shared on Social Media. You only have to come up with the topic and describe it once, but it’s shared across all of these platforms.

3) The Podcast Episode that was Used in Three Places

In October, I spent an amazing few days in a retreat at Lake Lure with my Mastermind group. Four of us spent time doing everything from hiking, to networking, to quick sprints to knock out big projects and supporting each other as we presented at a virtual conference. The last day, my friend Gordon proposed we quickly record a podcast episode. We had a great time chatting about business and especially about how helpful it is to be part of a group like that while growing our businesses.

The other three members of our group each have their own podcast. So, Gordon graciously shared the recording with Whitney & Uriah. In turn, all three turned the recording into a podcast episode. Sure, each created their own introduction, but they didn’t have to recreate the podcast. Then, they each wrote their own show notes. Now, all three have these show notes out on their respective website. And even though it’s describing the same thing and much of their episodes are the same content, this is actually helping all of their SEO because those show notes (while similar and describing the same content) are unique to that specific website.

Want to see how this worked? Check out the show notes on each of their website, and make sure to listen in on our conversation as well!

Want to Learn More About Optimizing Your Private Practice Website?

If you’re ready to get serious about your SEO, we want to help you through the process. First of all, we believe that if you survived grad school you can certainly learn the basics of SEO. So, if you’re the DIY sort of person bootstrapping it through building your own business, you may be interested in our DIY SEO Courses or our flagship 12 Week SEO Intensive Program. Or….we just started our very first Small Group SEO Mastermind, but it filled up so quickly we’re already starting a list for people who are interested in joining one this Spring or Summer!

Now…just because we believe you CAN doesn’t mean you want to optimize your own website or even should. After all, we know your time is valuable as the business owner. So, we also offer “Done for You” SEO services. Interested in any of these options? If so, schedule a 30 minute consultation. In this meeting, we’ll chat a bit over Zoom to make sure we’re choosing the option that’s best for the next steps you are taking in your business.

About the Author

Jessica Tappana believes in the power of psychotherapy to transform lives. She’s passionate about the field of mental health. She’s also built two successful businesses-a private practice in Columbia, MO where she still see counseling clients of her own in addition to supporting a team of 9+ clinicians and also Simplified SEO Consulting where she stays actively involved but has an incredible team supporting practice owners all over the world. She sees both of these businesses as contributing to her overall mission of spreading great mental health. Also, she believes that by helping practice owners have full, stable practices they’ll be able to do their very best work by feeling less stressed and being able to focus on working with the clients who fit them the best. She also believes that empowering her clinicians in her practice allows them to do the very best work for her clients.

In addition to running her businesses, Jessica loves to spend time with her family and also connect with other clinicians. In fact, having the opportunity to meet so many clinicians around the country has been one of the best benefits to building her businesses the last few years! The other consultants mentioned above live in Georgia, Tennessee & California. Other practice owners who have become close friends live in Florida, Nevada, Colorado, Kentucky & so many other places. But this passion for the field of mental health and belief that we can grow our impact by growing our businesses has led to the opportunity to form these incredible friendships that she values and learns from every day.

January 11, 2022/0 Comments/by Jessica

SEO Tips

SEO for Therapists: Tips for Black Clinicians

Belonging, diversity, and inclusion on blocks with silhouette of man walking. Learn about seo for therapists with us. Copywriting for therapists wanting to begin marketing strategies for african american clients matters. Its time to connection and help the community around you. So you’re looking to invest in SEO for therapists because you’re trying to seek out therapy services offered to the black community. This is easier said than done. You may be wondering what BIPOC and POC are even searching for when it comes to mental health. After all, we are notorious for not seeking out mental health, and only in the past few years have we started to undo generational traumas, seek help, and begin to normalize needing help. With the change of the African American and black communities’ mindset, now we are seeing our fellow brothers and sisters reaching their hands out.

Now it is our job to meet them halfway. However, as a black clinician, you may be struggling to communicate your services for POC because you’re worried about using the right language and finding the right keywords. Should you be searching for “ find a black therapist near me”, or “ Therapy for African Americans”. With the change in diversity language and the need to niche down, it can be challenging to know what our people are out there searching for. Luckily SEO is here to help. Gaining the right clients is more than adding the right keywords. There is much more that needs to be done before you begin to connect with your ideal people. Learn more about SEO for therapists.

Tip #1: Do a Google search for the terms you want to rank for and see what you find

Sometimes people feel like they need a fancy system to do appropriate keyword research. However, a quick way for black clinicians to speak to their people is to look at Google itself. Have you ever typed in “ Black therapist near me”, or African American Marriage Counselor”? What you will find when you type in certain keywords, other suggestions will pop up. These are important to pay attention to. It means people are actually looking for these services. So if you are offering therapy for people of color and you’re not checking on what Google offers you’re missing out. This demonstrates an immediate need in your immediate market. This also means that if there is a need, there should be keywords and copy on your site related to these topics.

Tip # 2 Write About Issues That Matter to the Black and BIPOC Community

If you want to work with the black community to improve mental health, then you need to talk about the issues that affect them. That means if you’re dealing with high achieving women of color, talk about the stress, burnout, anxieties, fears, and struggles with relationships and boundaries. For black men, creating a safe space to deal with emotions and trauma alongside the stigma of needing help. Or, even addressing the touchy subject and impact of the pandemic, vaccines, and skepticism with Covid in the black community. We have a lot going on. What you can do to connect with your ideal clients is to make sure you’re not giving them fluff for how to deal with their mental health. Be real and show them real ways to overcome and move forward. That means blogging and writing quality service pages for your people.

Tip # 3 Display Diversity on Your Site

This means planning out the design of your site and photos to align with your ideal people. You may think that is simple, I mean you’re putting black and BIPOC people on your site. Right?! No, it means display us in all shades of the rainbow, all sizes, styles, and stages of life. Make sure you represent and do it well so that your people feel seen and heard every step of the way.

Tip # 4 Make Sure You’re Showing Your Niches on Your Website

We say this all the time, build out pages! However, it is so necessary to do this. You cannot just talk about anxiety, trauma, and relationships in the context of what they generally experience. That doesn’t help anyone unless you’re a group practice with many different focuses. However, if you’re looking for specific people you have to talk about the struggle of dealing with mental health in the context of the environment.

Tip # 5 Connect with the Community and Other Clinicians

Reach out to local schools and universities. Talk with community centers and initiatives in your area. The more you connect the better the community knows you’re available. Allowing people to know you’re a good referral source will help you in the long run. Additionally, if you’re looking to get backlinks and set up credibility with your domain, make sure you have good connections that can also give you a backlink for guest blogging. Make sure you’re making good use of your external resources, making yourself known, and seeing how you can support your community. If you need more support with this, let us help, we have worked with many clients from different niches and backgrounds and would love to help you reach your ideal people.

Start Making an Impact Effectively with SEO for Therapists!

Are you wondering how SEO for therapists will support your marketing strategy for African Americans? Our skilled and passionate team of SEO specialists is here to make sure your SEO journey is tailored to your brand and identity. Simplified SEO Consulting would be excited to help you on your SEO journey. To get started with our service follow these simple steps:

Schedule a consult with our Client Success Specialist or Consult Team
Learn more about our wonderful team of SEO Specialists.
Start connecting better when you learn more about SEO for therapists

Other Services offered by Simplified SEO Consulting

About the Author:

January 4, 2022/0 Comments/by Jasmine Jaquess

SEO Tips

Understanding the Importance of E.A.T in SEO

We love to talk about the best ways to improve your rankings, which is why today we are going to cover a popular buzzword that can help you get your site to reach your ideal client. Better yet, understanding how to excel in each of these aspects will help you to create high-quality content regardless of what your therapeutic specialty may be! Regardless of what your site is like, this blog will have helpful info! So, without further ado, let’s learn about EAT!

What does E.A.T Stand For?

E.A.T stands for Expertise, Authority (Authoritativeness), and Trust (Trustworthiness). In the past few years, this has become a vital ranking factor in the eyes of Google. In fact, it is one of the top three ranking factors in determining the quality of a page. Google determines the quality of a page based on the level of expertise you have on the topic, how you show your credentials, and how much trust Google (and clients) have in your site. For the sake of this post, we will focus only on the mental health field. But, it should be noted that E.A.T is an invaluable ranking factor regardless of the focus of your site. In short, we as humans must eat to survive, and the same goes for your website!

As a result, it becomes vital to understand how you can communicate each of these pillars to Google, and what can be done to improve your E.A.T with Google. But, we should first cover the number one question you likely have.

Why is E.A.T Important?

This ties to Google’s main goal of providing the best user experience that helps users find high-quality content that can answer whatever their query may be. This may come in the form of finding services that meet their needs, providing answers to commonly asked questions, or offering helpful information on a topic, just to name a few. If you can provide a great user experience while also incorporating E.A.T, you are well on your way to creating the high-quality content that Google wants to see in the search results! Since people are looking for so many different things, incorporating E.A.T across your site can manifest in a variety of ways.

Let’s Use A Depression Therapy Page as an Example

For someone to reach this page, they are likely looking for depression therapy, and wish to learn more about the service. As a result, you’ll want to include your credentials, info about what to expect from therapy, and your personal approach. By doing so, you are showing that you are qualified to offer this service, thus helping establish yourself as an expert on the topic. Google will love to see this, but expertise is only one factor.

For something like a blog post, incorporating E.A.T may look a bit different. If the post is centered around a more personal account of one’s experience with depression, it may not be necessary or appropriate to shoehorn in how you’re an expert on the topic. Instead, this could be used as an opportunity to connect with readers on a more human level and help establish trust.

How Can I Improve My Site’s E.A.T?

There are a variety of ways to accomplish this, which I will cover in just a bit. But, a good starting point is this: focus on creating content for the user, not Google. We often talk about the importance of optimizing for Google, but this has to be done with nuance. If you are only creating content to try and rank better on Google, you likely aren’t taking the user experience into account. If visitors to your site aren’t finding the results they need, they will likely look elsewhere. So, all the work you’ve done to improve your E.A.T may not be seen by anyone!

Google itself even outlines this in its webmaster guidelines to make pages primarily for users, not search engines. Ask yourself if the content you’re creating will actually help Google in offering high-quality answers to those searching for them. If your site does, well done! If not, don’t worry, we are going to cover each pillar of E.A.T individually, and suggest some ways you can improve them!

Expertise

As mentioned earlier, expertise involves having the experience necessary to offer the solutions or services that you offer. Many therapists already have a great amount of expertise, otherwise, they wouldn’t be allowed to offer their services! But, it is still vital to showcase what training you have that enables you to offer your services. You’ve done a lot to make it to this point, so feel free to brag about your accomplishments a bit!

When it comes to content, you can also improve your expertise by creating content your target audience is searching for. As previously stated, offering solutions that meet (and exceed) what visitors are looking for can go a long way in helping to establish yourself as an expert on a topic.

Authority

This is similar to expertise but differs in a few ways. Becoming an expert is important, but how you communicate that expertise matters as well. Authoritativeness involves how you show that you are an expert to outside sources. In short, it’s how Google ensures that other sites also see you as an expert. This can be accomplished in a number of ways including backlinks from other reputable websites, positive reviews on Yelp, and mentions from other authoritative sources. Improving your site’s authority can be done with a variety of tools as well. Things like the Moz Domain Authority can help you view the progress you’re making, and the current authority level of your site. Tools such as these can show you where there is room for improvement, and help you to do so.

Trust

Finally, we have trustworthiness. Google wants to ensure that visitors feel safe when visiting a site. So, they prioritize sites without spammy/scammy elements and seek content that offers trustworthy accurate information. This is another reason why user experience is so vital. If a visitor can’t easily navigate your site and find the answers they are looking for, they may not feel comfortable enough to continue learning about your services.

Improving your site’s trust can be done in a variety of ways. This can range from responding to reviews in a timely, appropriate fashion, or establishing and growing a brand. This is a great way to show how you are an expert on a topic, and what populations you are hoping to assist. Another way to improve trustworthiness is by providing testimonials from satisfied clients or mentions from other established websites, therapists, etc.

Final Thoughts

Learning to include E.A.T across your site may sound like a very big ask, but the rewards are worth the work. Taking the time to reflect on how you can come across as a trusted, recognized expert on a topic will serve you well in the long term, and help your site continue to rank well as Google continues to change.

Begin SEO Services with Simplified SEO Consulting

You don’t have to E.A.T all by yourself! Our team of SEO specialists is trained in recognizing ranking factors such as this and keeping up with the ever-evolving nature of Google. We would be happy to offer support in helping your site climb the Google rankings. To start SEO services with Simplified SEO Consulting, please follow these simple steps:

Book a free consultation
Meet with an SEO specialist
Start rising in the Google rankings!

Other Services Offered with Simplified SEO Consulting

Our team offers a variety of SEO services to support your unique practice. These include our DIY Online SEO Courses, Done For You SEO services, and a Done With You 12-week intensive SEO program. Please visit our blog to learn more!

About the Author

December 21, 2021/0 Comments/by Sterling Humburg-Cage