Content Quality & E-E-A-T Analysis

Google's "Who / How / Why" Test (canonical heuristic)

Before scoring E-E-A-T sub-factors, every page audit should pass Google's own three-question heuristic from the helpful-content guide:

Primary source: https://developers.google.com/search/docs/fundamentals/creating-helpful-content

When all three answers are weak, the page is at risk under the core ranking system's helpfulness signals (formerly the standalone Helpful Content System, merged into core during the March 2024 update).

E-E-A-T Framework (updated Sept 2025 QRG)

Read skills/seo/references/eeat-framework.md for full criteria.

Experience (first-hand signals)

• Original research, case studies, before/after results
• Personal anecdotes, process documentation
• Unique data, proprietary insights
• Photos/videos from direct experience

Expertise

• Author credentials, certifications, bio
• Professional background relevant to topic
• Technical depth appropriate for audience
• Accurate, well-sourced claims

Authoritativeness

• External citations, backlinks from authoritative sources
• Brand mentions, industry recognition
• Published in recognized outlets
• Cited by other experts

Trustworthiness

• Contact information, physical address
• Privacy policy, terms of service
• Customer testimonials, reviews
• Date stamps, transparent corrections
• Secure site (HTTPS)

Content Metrics

Word Count Analysis

Compare against page type minimums:

Important: These are topical coverage floors, not targets. Google has confirmed word count is NOT a direct ranking factor. The goal is comprehensive topical coverage; a 500-word page that thoroughly answers the query will outrank a 2,000-word page that doesn't. Use these as guidelines for adequate coverage depth, not rigid requirements.

Readability

• Flesch Reading Ease: target 60-70 for general audience

Note: Flesch Reading Ease is a useful proxy for content accessibility but is NOT a direct Google ranking factor. John Mueller has confirmed Google does not use basic readability scores for ranking. Yoast deprioritized Flesch scores in v19.3. Use readability analysis as a content quality indicator, not as an SEO metric to optimize directly.

• Grade level: match target audience
• Sentence length: average 15-20 words
• Paragraph length: 2-4 sentences

Keyword Optimization

• Primary keyword in title, H1, first 100 words
• Natural density (1-3%)
• Semantic variations present
• No keyword stuffing

Content Structure

• Logical heading hierarchy (H1 -> H2 -> H3)
• Scannable sections with descriptive headings
• Bullet/numbered lists where appropriate
• Table of contents for long-form content

Multimedia

• Relevant images with proper alt text
• Videos where appropriate
• Infographics for complex data
• Charts/graphs for statistics

Internal Linking

• 3-5 relevant internal links per 1000 words
• Descriptive anchor text
• Links to related content
• No orphan pages

External Linking

• Cite authoritative sources
• Open in new tab for user experience
• Reasonable count (not excessive)

AI Content Assessment (Sept 2025 QRG addition)

Google's raters now formally assess whether content appears AI-generated.

Acceptable AI Content

• Demonstrates genuine E-E-A-T
• Provides unique value
• Has human oversight and editing
• Contains original insights

Low-Quality AI Content Markers

• Generic phrasing, lack of specificity
• No original insight
• Repetitive structure across pages
• No author attribution
• Factual inaccuracies

Helpful Content System (March 2024): The Helpful Content System was merged into Google's core ranking algorithm during the March 2024 core update. It no longer operates as a standalone classifier. Helpfulness signals are now weighted within every core update. The same principles apply (people-first content, demonstrating E-E-A-T, satisfying user intent), but enforcement is continuous rather than through separate HCU updates.

AI Citation Readiness (GEO signals)

Optimize for AI search engines (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google AI Overviews):

• Clear, quotable statements with statistics/facts
• Structured data (especially for data points)
• Strong heading hierarchy (H1->H2->H3 flow)
• Answer-first formatting for key questions
• Tables and lists for comparative data
• Clear attribution and source citations

AI Search Visibility & GEO (2025-2026)

Google AI Mode is Google's conversational AI search surface — powered by Gemini 3.5 Flash since I/O 2026 (May 2026) and now past 1 billion monthly users globally. Unlike AI Overviews (which appear above organic results), AI Mode is a fully conversational experience with zero organic blue links, making AI citation the only visibility mechanism. It is a distinct citation engine from AI Overviews — the two share only ~14% of cited URLs — so optimize for both surfaces, not one (see the seo-geo skill).

Key optimization strategies for AI citation:

• Structured answers: Clear question-answer formats, definition patterns, and step-by-step instructions that AI systems can extract and cite
• First-party data: Original research, statistics, case studies, and unique datasets are highly cited by AI systems
• Schema markup: Article, FAQPage (Google retired FAQ rich results in May 2026, but the markup still aids AI parsing/entity resolution) or QAPage for genuine user Q&A, and structured content schemas help AI systems parse and attribute content
• Topical authority: AI systems preferentially cite sources that demonstrate deep expertise. Build content clusters, not isolated pages
• Entity clarity: Ensure brand, authors, and key concepts are clearly defined with structured data (Organization, Person schema)
• Multi-platform tracking: Monitor visibility across Google AI Overviews, AI Mode, ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Bing Copilot, not just traditional rankings. Treat AI citation as a standalone KPI alongside organic rankings and traffic.

Generative Engine Optimization (GEO): Per Google's AI optimization guide, "AEO" and "GEO" are rebranded labels for SEO — AI Overviews and AI Mode are grounded in the same ranking and quality systems as classic Search. The optimization signals that matter (quotability, attribution, heading hierarchy, freshness) are SEO fundamentals applied to AI-search surfaces, not a separate discipline. Cross-reference the seo-geo skill for detailed workflows; both surfaces share the primary-source synthesis in skills/seo-geo/references/google-ai-optimization-guide.md.

Content Freshness

• Publication date visible
• Last updated date if content has been revised
• Flag content older than 12 months without update for fast-changing topics

Output

Content Quality Score: XX/100

E-E-A-T Breakdown

AI Citation Readiness: XX/100

Issues Found

Recommendations

DataForSEO Integration (Optional)

If DataForSEO MCP tools are available, use kw_data_google_ads_search_volume for real keyword volume data, dataforseo_labs_bulk_keyword_difficulty for difficulty scores, dataforseo_labs_search_intent for intent classification, and content_analysis_summary for content quality analysis.

Error Handling

FLOW Framework Integration

For prompt-guided content optimization, use /seo flow optimize <url> and /seo flow win <url> — FLOW's optimize and win prompts provide structured E-E-A-T improvement and BOFU conversion workflows.

---

Supporting file: LICENSE.txt

MIT License - see repository root LICENSE file for complete terms.

Copyright (c) 2026 AgriciDaniel
https://github.com/AgriciDaniel/claude-seo

---

Supporting file: skills/seo-geo/references/google-ai-optimization-guide.md

Google AI Optimization Guide — primary-source synthesis (May 2026)

Google published a dedicated AI optimization guide under Search Central docs. Its position is the most-cited primary source for how AI Overviews and AI Mode interact with Search ranking. Every claude-seo audit that touches GEO should treat this doc as the canonical reference and reject community claims that contradict it.

Primary source: https://developers.google.com/search/docs/fundamentals/ai-optimization-guide

TL;DR

"Optimizing for generative AI search is still SEO from Google's perspective. AEO and GEO are rebranded labels for the same work." — Google, AI optimization guide

AI Overviews and AI Mode are grounded in the same ranking and quality systems as classic Search. Two AI techniques layer on top:

1. RAG / grounding — retrieves indexed pages, generates a response with clickable source links.
2. Query fan-out — issues multiple related sub-queries and pulls in additional results before answering.

Eligibility floor: a page must be indexed and eligible to be shown with a snippet in Google Search to appear in any AI feature. There is no separate "AI index". Everything that follows is SEO fundamentals applied through this lens.

The myth-busting section (most important)

Google explicitly says you do NOT need to:

What does matter, per Google: unique, non-commodity, first-hand content. Their example contrasts "7 Tips for First-Time Homebuyers" (commodity) with "Why We Waived the Inspection & Saved Money: A Look Inside the Sewer Line" (lived experience).

Cross-reference: the llms.txt myth is independently confirmed by [[llmstxt-evidence]] (Mueller, Illyes, SE Ranking 300k-domain study, OtterlyAI server-log audit). Both files must stay aligned.

The "creating helpful content" companion guide

The AI optimization guide links to Google's E-E-A-T guidance:

Primary source: https://developers.google.com/search/docs/fundamentals/creating-helpful-content

Key actionable test — Who / How / Why:

• Who created it — bylines expected where readers expect them; author background pages required for YMYL.
• How it was created — especially for AI-assisted content; disclose process where readers would reasonably ask.
• Why it exists — "to help people," not "to attract search clicks."

YMYL ("Your Money or Your Life") topics get extra weight: health, finance, safety. Sept 2025 QRG expanded YMYL to include political / social topics.

Google's listed warning signs to self-audit against:

• Writing to a target word count (there isn't one)
• Entering niches with no expertise just for traffic
• Faking publication-date freshness
• Mass content churn for "freshness" signals

AI content policy

Primary source: https://developers.google.com/search/blog/2023/02/google-search-and-ai-content (plus the Search Essentials spam policies)

Generative AI content is fine if it meets Search Essentials. It crosses into spam when used to scale low-value pages (QRG §4.6.5 scaled content abuse, §4.6.6 low-effort main content).

Two operational requirements with concrete enforcement surfaces:

1. Merchant Center — AI-generated product images: must carry IPTC DigitalSourceType: TrainedAlgorithmicMedia metadata. See skills/seo-images/SKILL.md for the audit + injection pattern.
2. AI-generated product titles and descriptions: must be separately specified and labeled as AI-generated in the merchant feed.

Forward-looking: agent-friendly pages and WebMCP

The AI optimization guide pivots near the end to AI agents — not just summarizers. Agents interact with sites through three channels: screenshots plus a vision model, raw HTML/DOM, and the browser accessibility tree.

Full audit criteria: skills/seo-technical/references/agent-friendly-pages.md.

The guide also name-drops WebMCP (proposed standard for direct site↔agent interaction) and UCP (Universal Commerce Protocol — Google + Shopify + Etsy + Walmart + Visa/Mastercard). UCP audit criteria: skills/seo-ecommerce/references/ucp-universal-commerce-protocol.md.

How claude-seo treats this guide

1. seo-geo audits cite this URL as the authoritative source whenever the user asks about AEO/GEO frameworks.
2. The myth-busting list above gates community-sourced AI-SEO recommendations — if a recommendation contradicts Google's stated position, flag it.
3. Where a third-party claim and Google contradict, claude-seo defers to Google and notes the contradiction explicitly.
4. seo-ecommerce and seo-images enforce the two operational requirements above for sites using AI to generate product content.

Last verified

2026-05-18. Re-check the source doc each quarter. Update this file whenever:

• Google publishes new myth-busting / clarification.
• Any of the linked policy docs revise eligibility or enforcement language.
• The UCP / WebMCP standards advance (currently early stage).

---

Supporting file: skills/seo/references/eeat-framework.md

E-E-A-T Evaluation Framework

Updated per Google Quality Rater Guidelines: September 11, 2025

Plus December 2025 Core Update Implications

Overview

E-E-A-T = Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness

Trustworthiness is the most important factor. It is assessed based on the other three signals plus direct trust indicators.

CRITICAL: December 2025 Core Update

E-E-A-T now applies to ALL competitive queries, not just YMYL.

The December 2025 core update was described as a "watershed moment" that:

• Extended E-E-A-T evaluation to virtually all competitive queries
• Made author attribution standards tighter across all categories
• Penalized anonymous or generic authorship even for non-YMYL content
• Significantly improved AI content quality detection

Impact by industry:

Key takeaway: Even entertainment and lifestyle content now requires demonstrated expertise. Generic content no longer ranks.

YMYL (Your Money or Your Life)

Topics requiring highest E-E-A-T standards (but E-E-A-T now matters everywhere):

• Health and safety
• Financial advice and transactions
• Legal information
• News and current events
• Elections and civic trust (added Sept 2025)
• Democratic processes (added Sept 2025)
• Groups of people (potential for harm)

---

Experience (Weight: 20%)

First-hand knowledge and personal involvement with the topic.

Signals to Check

• Author has demonstrable first-hand experience with the topic
• Content includes original photos, screenshots, or data
• Case studies or real-world examples with specific details
• Personal process documentation or methodology descriptions
• Before/after results or outcome data
• Specific anecdotes that couldn't be fabricated

Scoring

• Strong: Multiple first-hand experience signals, original content
• Moderate: Some personal experience evident
• Weak: Generic information, no personal touch
• None: Clearly AI-generated or scraped content

---

Expertise (Weight: 25%)

Formal qualifications, training, and demonstrated knowledge.

Signals to Check

• Author credentials relevant to topic (bio, certifications)
• Technical accuracy and depth appropriate for audience
• Claims supported by evidence or sources
• Specialized vocabulary used correctly
• Up-to-date with current developments in the field
• Byline with author name and credentials visible

Scoring

• Strong: Verified credentials, deep technical accuracy
• Moderate: Demonstrable knowledge, some credentials
• Weak: Surface-level information, no credentials
• None: Factual errors, misinformation

---

Authoritativeness (Weight: 25%)

Recognition by others as a go-to source.

Signals to Check

• Site recognized as authority in its niche
• Author recognized as expert (external citations, speaking, publications)
• Content cited by other authoritative sources
• Industry awards, certifications, or accreditations
• Consistent publication history in the topic area
• Featured in reputable media outlets
• Professional affiliations

Scoring

• Strong: Widely recognized authority, cited by others
• Moderate: Growing recognition, some external validation
• Weak: No external recognition
• None: Negative reputation, known for misinformation

---

Trustworthiness (Weight: 30%)

The most important factor, overall reliability and transparency.

Signals to Check

• Clear contact information (physical address, phone, email)
• Privacy policy and terms of service
• HTTPS with valid certificate
• Transparent about who creates content and why
• Customer reviews and testimonials
• Corrections and update history visible
• No deceptive practices (hidden ads, clickbait)
• Secure payment processing (for e-commerce)
• Return/refund policy visible

Scoring

• Strong: Full transparency, verified business, positive reputation
• Moderate: Good trust signals, minor gaps
• Weak: Missing key trust signals
• None: Deceptive practices, scam indicators

---

September 2025 QRG Updates

AI Content Assessment

Raters now formally evaluate whether content appears AI-generated:

• AI content is acceptable if it demonstrates genuine E-E-A-T
• Low-quality AI content (generic, no unique value) is penalized
• The presence of AI-generated content is not inherently penalizing
• What matters: does the content provide unique value regardless of creation method?

Markers of Low-Quality AI Content

• Generic phrasing without specificity
• Lack of original insight or unique perspective
• No first-hand experience signals
• Factual inaccuracies
• Repetitive structure across multiple pages
• No author attribution or expertise signals

New Spam Categories

• Expired domain abuse: Buying expired domains for their backlinks
• Site reputation abuse: Using reputable site to host low-quality content
• Scaled content abuse: Mass-producing content without value

AI Overview Evaluation

Raters assess quality of AI-generated summaries in search results.

RSL 1.0 (Really Simple Licensing)

New machine-readable content licensing standard (December 2025) for AI training:

• Backed by: Reddit, Yahoo, Medium, Quora, Cloudflare, Akamai, Creative Commons
• Allows publishers to specify AI licensing terms
• Augments robots.txt for AI-specific permissions

---

Experience Signals Are Critical Differentiators

The December 2025 update elevated the "Experience" dimension as a key differentiator:

• First-person narrative ("I tested this...", "In my experience...")
• Original photos and screenshots (not stock images)
• Specific examples with verifiable details
• Process documentation showing actual work done

Why: AI can generate expertise-sounding content but cannot fabricate genuine experience.

---

Overall Scoring Guide

---

Improvement Recommendations by Score

0-29 (Critical)

1. Add contact information and about page
2. Establish author identity with credentials
3. Implement HTTPS
4. Remove deceptive elements

30-49 (Major)

1. Add author bios with credentials
2. Include first-hand experience content
3. Get external citations/mentions
4. Add customer testimonials

50-69 (Moderate)

1. Deepen content with original research
2. Build topical authority through content clusters
3. Pursue industry recognition
4. Document processes and methodologies

70-89 (Minor)

1. Maintain freshness with regular updates
2. Expand author presence across platforms
3. Pursue speaking/publication opportunities
4. Add video/multimedia demonstrating expertise

90-100 (Maintenance)

1. Continue publishing high-quality content
2. Monitor and respond to reputation issues
3. Keep credentials and certifications current