Google Search & Updates
Search Quality Rater Guidelines
A document Google uses to train human quality raters who evaluate search result quality.
CurrentLast updated: 2026-09-16
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Definition
Google Search & UpdatesThe Search Quality Rater Guidelines is a document Google uses to train human quality raters — people who evaluate the quality of search results. The guidelines define E-E-A-T, YMYL, and other quality concepts. While raters do not directly affect rankings, their evaluations inform algorithm updates.
Why it matters
The guidelines reveal how Google thinks about content quality. Understanding them helps align content with Google's quality expectations.
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