What Is YMYL & How Does It Affect SEO?

YMYL (Your Money or Your Life) is Google's algorithm that applies stricter evaluation standards to websites offering advice or services that could harm people financially, physically, or mentally. Affected industries include healthcare, financial services, home/auto safety, high-stakes e-commerce, and government agencies. These businesses must demonstrate E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trust) to rank well. Success requires qualified authors, verified credentials, a strong industry reputation, transparent contact information, HTTPS security, and cited sources. For YMYL businesses, trust is the foundation of digital marketing strategy—generic SEO tactics won't work.