Source Transparency
Making it clear where information on a page came from.
Key takeaways
- Source Transparency is making it clear where information on a page came from.
- Link each important claim to its source, on the words it supports.
- Avoid: using 'studies show' with no study linked.
What is Source Transparency?
Source transparency includes inline citations, a references section, and named experts behind quoted opinions. It is the easiest way to lift EEAT scores quickly.
Why Source Transparency matters for EEAT in 2026
Showing where information comes from lets readers check it and gives engines confidence to rely on it. It's one of the simplest trust improvements to make.
For a wider view of where this fits, see our full EEAT glossary or explore the Strategy and Audits service we run for clients.
How to apply Source Transparency on your site
Knowing the concept is only half of it. Work through these steps in order to put Source Transparency into practice on your own pages:
- Link each important claim to its source, on the words it supports.
- Name the people behind quotes and opinions.
- Explain how you gathered any original data.
Common mistakes to avoid
Most sites that struggle with Source Transparency fall into the same traps. Check your pages against each of these before moving on:
- Using 'studies show' with no study linked.
- Quoting anonymous 'experts'.
- Hiding methodology for your own data.
Questions about Source Transparency
Making it clear where information on a page came from.
Showing where information comes from lets readers check it and gives engines confidence to rely on it. It's one of the simplest trust improvements to make.
Start here: link each important claim to its source, on the words it supports. Then name the people behind quotes and opinions.
The most common is using 'studies show' with no study linked. Another is quoting anonymous 'experts'.