What is YMYL?

YMYL stands for “Your Money or Your Life.” It is a term used by Google to categorize web pages that could impact a person’s financial stability, health, safety, or overall well-being. YMYL content is held to a higher standard because misinformation or low-quality content in these areas can have serious consequences for users.

What is YMYL in SEO?

In the context of SEO, YMYL refers to the optimization practices specific to YMYL content. Google evaluates YMYL pages with greater scrutiny and requires them to demonstrate high levels of expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness (E-E-A-T). Websites that produce YMYL content must ensure that their information is accurate, reliable, and presented by qualified individuals.

What is YMYL Content?

YMYL content includes any information that can affect a person’s decision-making in critical areas of their life. This type of content requires careful handling and thorough vetting to ensure its credibility. Examples of YMYL content include medical advice, financial guidance, legal information, and safety tips.

YMYL Niches

YMYL niches encompass various fields where the information provided can significantly impact users’ lives. Here are some key YMYL niches:

1. Health and Medical Information:

• Includes content related to medical conditions, treatments, medications, and health advice.
• Example: Articles on symptoms of a disease, treatment options, or nutritional advice.

1. Financial Information:

• Covers topics like investing, loans, banking, and financial planning.
• Example: Guides on retirement planning, stock market investments, or loan advice.

1. Legal Information:

• Involves content about laws, legal rights, and legal advice.
• Example: Information on legal procedures, rights, and regulations.

1. Safety Information:

• Includes advice on personal safety, home security, and emergency procedures.
• Example: Articles on fire safety tips, home security measures, or emergency preparedness.

1. News and Current Events:

• Reporting on significant events, political news, and societal issues.
• Example: News articles on current affairs, election coverage, or public health updates.

1. E-commerce and Online Transactions:

• Involves content related to online shopping, payment methods, and transaction security.
• Example: Reviews of online stores, secure payment practices, or online shopping tips.

YMYL Examples

Health and Medical Information:

• Example: An article on the symptoms and treatments of diabetes written by a certified medical professional. It includes references to peer-reviewed studies and guidelines from reputable health organizations.

Financial Information:

• Example: A blog post on retirement planning strategies authored by a certified financial planner. It provides detailed advice, supported by data and references to established financial institutions.

Legal Information:

• Example: A guide on filing for bankruptcy created by a licensed attorney. It includes step-by-step instructions and cites relevant legal statutes.

Safety Information:

• Example: An article on home fire safety tips written by a firefighter or fire safety expert. It offers practical advice and cites authoritative sources like the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Key Points to Remember

Do:

• Ensure content is created or reviewed by qualified experts in the field.
• Provide accurate, up-to-date information supported by credible sources.
• Use clear and understandable language to enhance readability.
• Maintain transparency by disclosing author credentials and affiliations.

Don’t:

• Avoid using unverified or inaccurate information.
• Don’t present content without proper credentials or expertise.
• Avoid misleading or sensationalized information that can harm users.

By adhering to YMYL and E-E-A-T principles, you can create high-quality, trustworthy content that not only improves your SEO performance but also provides valuable and reliable information to your audience. Remember, producing YMYL content is a significant responsibility, and maintaining its quality and credibility is essential. YMYL niches must follow Google EEAT Guidelines to Rank on Google SERP.

Related: What is EAT and how does it help rank in Google SERP?