What is the Golden Rule of SEO?

If you’re just diving into the world of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), you’ve likely come across all sorts of tips and tricks, rules and recommendations.

It can feel overwhelming – but in my experience, if you can keep one guiding principle front and centre, you can’t go too far wrong!

So what is this guiding principle? I call it the Golden Rule …

The Golden Rule of SEO –
Optimise for people, not for Google.

Now, you might be thinking, “Wait a minute! Isn’t SEO all about pleasing Google?” Well, yes – but here’s the twist:

Google’s ultimate goal is to deliver the best possible experience to its users. That means if you’re creating content that genuinely helps people, Google will reward you by ranking your site higher. (Yes, they say so themselves in the official Google guidelines!)

Think of Google as the matchmaker between your business and your potential customers. Your job is to create content that answers their questions, solves their problems, or engages their interest. Google’s algorithms are getting smarter every day, and they focus on serving high-quality, relevant, and user-friendly content.

How to Write for People

So, exactly how do you write web content for ‘people’? A few quick tips:

• Use simple, clear language that your audience can easily understand.
• Address common questions or pain points directly.
• Write conversationally to make your content relatable.
• Use headings, bullet points, and visuals to break up text and improve readability.
• Write with clarity – no jargon or overly technical terms.

Now, here’s the Silver Rule!

While the golden rule of SEO is all about people-first content, the “silver rule” is just as important: EEAT.

EEAT stands for Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, and Trust. It’s a framework Google uses to evaluate the quality of content on a website. Here’s how it works:

1. Expertise: Demonstrate deep knowledge in your field. Are you qualified? Have you studied the topic? Do you have years of experience?
2. Experience: Show that you’ve lived or worked through the topic you’re writing about. For example, if you’re a chef sharing recipes, your hands-on kitchen experience matters!
3. Authoritativeness: Build your credibility. Google wants to know if others see you as a trusted source. Think reviews, backlinks, and recommendations.
4. Trust: The cornerstone of any relationship, including the one you have with your audience. Always be transparent, accurate, and authentic.

How to Nail EEAT on Your Website

Here are some practical tips to help your tick all the EEAT boxes:

• Include Author Bios: Add bios for your content creators, highlighting their qualifications and experience. This shows visitors (and Google) that your site’s content is created by real experts.
• Interview or Quote Experts: Can’t claim expertise on a topic yourself? No worries. Bring in someone who can. Interviewing or quoting experts adds credibility.
• Link to Quality Sources: Don’t be afraid to link out to reputable sites where it makes sense. This boosts your own site’s authority. For professional industries like healthcare, use resources like Google Scholar to reference academic research or peer-reviewed articles.

At the end of the day, SEO isn’t just about algorithms and keywords. It’s about people. If you create content that truly resonates with your audience, solves their problems, and earns their trust, Google will notice.

So, next time you’re working on your website, ask yourself: “Am I making this better for my audience?” If the answer is yes, you’re already on the right track.

Keen to fast-track your SEO with the experts? Contact the team at Front Page SEO today and let’s chat!