Author role list
Overview
Author roles help plan content from the right perspective and support E-E-A-T signals. Different topics require different author credibility patterns.
Use this list when assigning content briefs, author bios, review workflows, and trust signals.
Recommended Author Roles
| Author Role | What It Means | Primary E-E-A-T Signal | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expert | A person with formal credentials or recognized qualifications | Expertise, authoritativeness | YMYL topics, technical analysis, definitive guides |
| Practitioner | A person with direct hands-on professional experience | Experience, trustworthiness | Case studies, tutorials, product reviews, implementation guides |
| Enthusiast | A passionate and knowledgeable hobbyist | Experience, expertise | Niche hobbies, community topics, gear comparisons |
| Journalist | An objective researcher who synthesizes credible sources and interviews experts | Trustworthiness, authoritativeness | Complex explainers, news topics, investigative articles |
| Learner | A beginner documenting a real learning journey | Experience | Beginner guides, learning logs, relatable TOFU content |
Practical Application
- Match the author role to the risk level of the topic.
- Use experts or practitioners for topics that affect health, money, safety, or major business decisions.
- Use journalists when the content requires research synthesis rather than first-hand experience.
- Use learner-led content when relatability and beginner empathy are important.
- Add reviewer or fact-checker credits when formal expertise is required.
Common Mistakes
- Using a generic author profile for every content type.
- Assigning beginner-perspective authors to high-risk YMYL content without expert review.
- Publishing expert content without visible credentials or proof.
- Treating author roles as labels instead of editorial requirements.