Authority and Trust Signals
AI systems evaluate source credibility before citing. Here's how to signal authority that AI recognizes.
Why Authority Matters
AI asking: "Should I trust this source enough to cite it?"
Your content needs to answer "yes" through visible authority signals.
Author Authority Signals
Display Credentials Prominently
Weak:
"Written by John Smith"
Strong:
"Written by John Smith, CRM Consultant | 15 years in enterprise software | Former Salesforce Solutions Architect"
Include on Every Page
- Author name (with link to bio)
- Professional title
- Relevant experience
- Credentials or certifications
Author Bio Format
[Name], [Title]
[Years of experience] in [relevant field]
[Notable credential or affiliation]
Organizational Authority
Clear About Page
Include:
- Company history and founding date
- Team expertise
- Industry recognition
- Client roster (where appropriate)
Trust Indicators
- Physical address
- Contact information
- Years in business
- Industry affiliations
Content Authority Signals
Cite Authoritative Sources
Weak:
"Studies show that CRM improves sales."
Strong:
"A 2024 Nucleus Research study found CRM improves sales by 29%."
Acceptable Sources
- Academic research and journals
- Industry analysts (Gartner, Forrester)
- Government statistics
- Original surveys with methodology
- Established news outlets
Source Citation Format
[Statistic] (Source Organization, Year)
E-E-A-T Signals
Google's E-E-A-T framework also influences AI trust:
- Experience: First-hand knowledge demonstrated
- Expertise: Professional credentials visible
- Authoritativeness: External recognition, citations
- Trustworthiness: Accuracy, transparency, no conflicts
Quick Authority Checklist
- Author name and credentials on all content
- Professional bio page exists
- About page shows company credibility
- Sources cited for all statistics
- No unverified claims
Key Takeaway
Authority is earned through visible expertise and accuracy. Show your credentials, cite your sources, and maintain perfect accuracy.
Full training: Our GEO course covers comprehensive authority building.