Understanding YMYL: Sites Your Money, Your Life, and their definition

Through our SEO Agency Optimize 360

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In the world of referencing (SEO), there is a key concept called "YMYL", or "Your Money, Your Life".

This category covers pages and websites that have a direct impact on users' lives, in terms of their finances, health, happiness and well-being.

In this article, we'll explore the YMYL concept in detail and find out what it means, as well as its importance in today's SEO environment.

What is YMYL?

The term YMYL is an acronym that literally means Your Money or>Your Life" . This concept was introduced by Google to designate certain web pages and content that have a strong influence on the quality of life of Internet users.

These pages generally cover essential subjects such as finance, health, safety, legal issues or happiness and well-being.

Why is YMYL important for SEO?

The main reason why YMYL plays a crucial role in search engine optimisation (SEO) is linked to the fact that Google pays particular attention to the quality and reliability of the content published on these types of site.

Since the information contained on these pages can have a significant impact on the lives of the people who consult them, it is essential for Google to ensure that it comes from reliable and respectable sources.

What's more, YMYL sites are often considered by users to be 'authorities' in their field. It is therefore vital for these sites to provide quality, relevant content in order to gain the public's trust and improve their visibility on the web.

Specific rules for YMYL sites

To assess the quality of YMYL sites, Google uses a series of precise criteria to judge the expertise, authority and reliability (E-A-T) of the content proposed by these pages. These criteria include :

• • Expertise The author's level of knowledge and expertise on the subject in question
  • The authority Recognition of the site or the author in relation to their field of expertise. This may be reflected, for example, by the presence of backlinks quality links to your site from recognised sites, or through the author's reputation (demonstrated by mentions or references on other sites).
  • Reliability The truthfulness and relevance of the information communicated to Internet users. Establishing tangible, verifiable proof and systematically quoting your sources can go a long way towards boosting the credibility of your content.

What types of content are covered by YMYL?

As mentioned above, YMYL sites cover a wide range of subjects that have an impact on users' quality of life. Broadly speaking, here are some examples of content categories considered to be YMYL:

Health and well-being

Information relating to health and well-being, whether it's medical advice, diet or physical exercise, can have a major effect on the lives of the people who consult it. It is therefore particularly important that this information is reliable and relevant.

Finance and investment

Money is a crucial aspect of everyone's life, and for this reason it is vital that users can receive appropriate advice on how to manage their finances, invest, or even set up their own business. Sites specialising in this area must therefore ensure that they provide high-quality, rigorously verified content.

Legal advice

Legislation varies from country to country, and can be complex and difficult to understand. When Internet users are looking for information in this area, it is essential that it is correct, adapted to their situation and complies with the law.

Safety and protection

Security is a sensitive subject that concerns everyone. Whether it's to protect computer data, privacy or personal property, it's crucial that the information and advice shared is accurate and reliable.

Education and employment

Education and employment have a direct impact on people's quality of life. It is therefore vital that information on these two issues is clear, accurate and based on reliable sources.