SEO Dictionary: Terms Starting with “E”

1. E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)
E-A-T is a concept used by Google to evaluate the quality of content, especially on topics related to health, finance, and other areas requiring a high level of accuracy. Websites with high levels of E-A-T are more likely to rank well in search results. Improving E-A-T involves showcasing the credentials of content creators, providing accurate information, and building a trustworthy online presence.

2. External Link
An external link is a hyperlink that points from one website to another. External links are important for SEO because they can drive traffic to your site and improve your site's credibility when other reputable sites link to it. Search engines view external links as a sign of trust and authority.

3. Engagement Rate
Engagement rate refers to the level of interaction that content receives from its audience. This can include likes, comments, shares, and time spent on a page. High engagement rates signal to search engines that the content is valuable and relevant, which can positively affect rankings.

4. Exact Match Domain (EMD)
An Exact Match Domain is a domain name that exactly matches a specific keyword or search phrase (e.g., "bestroofingcompany.com"). While EMDs were once heavily favored by search engines, their influence has decreased over time. However, a well-branded EMD with high-quality content can still perform well in search rankings.

5. Evergreen Content
Evergreen content is content that remains relevant and valuable over time, regardless of current events or trends. This type of content continues to attract traffic long after it is published and is a critical component of a long-term SEO strategy. Examples include how-to guides, tutorials, and FAQs.

6. Error 404
Error 404 is a common HTTP status code that indicates a webpage is not found. This can occur when a page has been deleted, moved, or the URL is mistyped. 404 errors can negatively impact SEO by leading to poor user experience. Implementing custom 404 pages and regularly checking for broken links can help mitigate this issue.

7. Editorial Link
An editorial link is a type of backlink that is naturally earned rather than solicited or paid for. These links are typically given by other websites when they find your content valuable and worth referencing. Editorial links are highly valued in SEO because they are often seen as more trustworthy and authoritative.

8. Entity
In SEO, an entity is a specific and unique thing or concept that is distinct and identifiable. Google’s search algorithms increasingly rely on entities to understand and rank content based on its relevance to particular topics or queries. Optimizing for entities involves creating clear, specific, and relevant content around well-defined subjects.

9. Exact Match Keyword
An exact match keyword is a search query that exactly matches the keyword or phrase being targeted by an SEO or PPC campaign. For example, if the target keyword is "roof repair services," an exact match would be "roof repair services" without any additional words. Exact match keywords can lead to highly targeted traffic but may limit reach if used exclusively.

10. Exit Rate
Exit rate refers to the percentage of visitors who leave a website from a specific page, regardless of how many pages they have viewed during their visit. Unlike bounce rate, which measures single-page visits, exit rate provides insight into which pages are the last seen before users leave. High exit rates on key pages can indicate content or user experience issues.