Jamieson Lee Hill, Video Game Story Writer and Data Centre Article Writer, June 1st, 2026

Introduction

The February and March Google Core Update was a game changer for businesses in the UK and worldwide. The importance of showing real experience with external authority signals from your sector came to the forefront. For many SMEs, they experienced a dip in traffic and visibility for their websites; the old ways of SEO keyword selection and focusing on your on-page and social media content marketing was no longer enough.

In this article I explore what the Google Core Update changed and what Google EEAT guidelines mean for businesses in the Fintech, EdTech and Gaming industries. 

These are three of the principal sectors that IP House London data centre serves with colocation services. We will also explain how you can effectively develop a media and community outreach strategy which aligns with the new changes from the Google Core Update.

AIO Summary

• The February and March 2026 Google Core Updates increased the importance of EEAT, Information Gain and off-page authority signals.
• Gaming, Fintech and EdTech companies are naturally well positioned because they already rely on community engagement, expertise and trust.
• Google increasingly values evidence of real-world experience, industry participation and recognition beyond a company's own website.
• Media coverage, expert commentary, podcasts, guest articles and community involvement can all strengthen authority signals.
• HARO and similar journalist request platforms provide opportunities for SMEs to demonstrate expertise and gain media visibility.
• Organisations that consistently educate, contribute and engage with their communities are likely to build stronger authority than those relying solely on content marketing.

How Did The February and March 2026 Google Core Updates Change Online Visibility?

The February and March 2026 Google updates continued a trend that many Search Engine Optimisation experts and marketing professionals have been observing for several years: Google is becoming better at identifying genuine expertise. Plus, Google rewards businesses that contribute something unique to their industries. The emphasis is on showing evidence that your company is a genuine participant within its industry rather than just publishing content about it. 

Up until now, many businesses have been practising content marketing and SEO to get their listings ranking high in search engines.

The strategy was to publish more articles, target more keywords, create more landing pages and eventually rankings should improve as the conventional wisdom. Now let’s not jump the gun, as those ‘on-page’ activities still very much matter. That is why we produce regular quality content for the IP House blog. But now there is also a matter of showing your real experience and credentials and getting authority signals from off-page organisations, podcasts, guest blogs etc to show you Experience- Expertise- Authority = Trust. This is what Google EEAT is about. In the next section we explore EEAT in depth. 

What Is Google EEAT And Why Does It Matter?

EEAT stands for Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness and Trustworthiness. It is Google's framework for evaluating whether content and organisations demonstrate genuine knowledge, credibility and trust.

Anybody can claim to be an expert online, but without evidence to prove it your website and content will no longer be as visible. This means:

• For Gaming companies, that evidence may include developer interviews, active player communities, successful launches and industry recognition.
• For EdTech providers, it may include qualified educators, learner success stories, research-backed content and practical educational resources.
• For Fintech businesses, it may include regulatory compliance, security standards, leadership visibility and expert commentary on industry developments.

What are the Key Themes From The February & March 2026 Google Updates?

• EEAT
• Information Gain
• Local Authority
• Off-Page Authority Signals
• Entity Recognition

EEAT (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness): Businesses that can demonstrate knowledge, credentials, case studies and industry involvement will get visibility in AI search engines and traditional ones. 

Information Gain: Google increasingly rewards content that adds something new to a topic rather than repeating what is already ranking. Original insights, unique opinions and first-hand experience matter more. One of the most significant themes from the March 2026 Core Update was Information Gain. Google increasingly appears to reward content that adds something new to a conversation rather than simply repeating information already ranking on page one. For SMEs this creates an opportunity because your real experiences, customer stories, lessons learned and industry insights are often impossible for larger publishers to replicate. 

Local Authority: Regional businesses are more likely to rank for local searches where they demonstrate strong local relevance. Local expertise is becoming a stronger competitive advantage.

Off-Page Authority Signals: Google appears to be paying more attention to what other websites, journalists, communities and customers say about a business. It is not just about your website and content marketing. 

Entity Recognition: Google continues improving its understanding of people, companies, brands and organisations as entities. Strong brand recognition and consistent mentions across the web help reinforce authority. Data consistency is essential across platforms. 

What does the Google Core Update mean for Gaming, Fintech and Edutech companies?

For Gaming, Fintech and EdTech companies, this Core Update created an opportunity. These sectors naturally generate communities, discussion, expertise and specialist knowledge. The organisations that can demonstrate those strengths publicly are often in a better position than businesses relying solely on traditional SEO techniques.

In practical terms, businesses should spend less time asking how many articles they need to publish and more time asking where their expertise is visible outside their own website. It doesn’t mean you should stop creating and publishing your own content on your business website. 

But it does mean that Google increasingly appears to reward organisations that are recognised by customers, communities, journalists and industry peers rather than just SMEs that churn out content marketing. 

Why Does Community Engagement Improve Authority?

Community outreach is the process of contributing to local, professional or online communities through support, education, events, expertise and participation.

For years, community building and SEO were often treated as separate disciplines. One belonged to branding and public relations while the other sat within marketing departments focused on rankings and traffic. That is no longer the case. 

Communities create trust. When people discuss your products, recommend your services, share your content or participate in your events, they generate signals that are difficult to manufacture artificially. Those conversations help establish reputation and credibility in ways that traditional advertising often struggles to achieve.

Why Are Gaming, Fintech And EdTech Companies Well Positioned to Serve their Communities?

Although these industries operate in different markets, they share one important characteristic: trust. Gaming companies depend on engaged communities. EdTech organisations depend on credibility and expertise. Fintech companies depend on confidence, transparency and trust.

These qualities happen to align closely with the types of signals Google increasingly appears to value.

Gaming companies have spent years building communities through Discord servers, Reddit discussions, livestreams, creator partnerships and direct engagement with players. Studios such as Larian Studios built enormous goodwill around Baldur's Gate 3 through transparency and regular communication with their community long before the game's official release.

The same principle applies to EdTech and Fintech. Educational communities gather around useful information, practical advice and professional development. Financial communities gather around expertise, trust and transparency. 

Platforms such as Reddit, Discord, LinkedIn and industry forums provide opportunities to participate in conversations that matter to your audience.

The objective is to become known as a useful and credible participant within your sector.

EdTech companies often succeed through education-first marketing. Organisations such as Duolingo and Khan Academy built authority by consistently helping learners rather than simply promoting products.

Fintech businesses face perhaps the greatest trust challenge of all. Companies such as Wise and Monzo built strong reputations through transparency, customer engagement and clear communication around complex financial topics.

These organisations did not simply publish content. They actively contributed to conversations within their industries.

What Can Businesses Learn From Real Media Experience?

One of the reasons I continue to advocate for media outreach is because I have experienced its value first-hand over the last 25 years. I have been interviewed by newspapers, websites, radio stations and television programmes on a wide range of subjects, including music projects, community festivals, football, travel and business topics.

(See End of Article for ‘A SELECTION OF MY MEDIA MENTIONS OVER THE YEARS’)

More recently, in a Facebook group I created a post of tips to help Aston Villa supporters travelling to Istanbul. It had 3000 interactions in 24 hours and then generated interviews with BBC radio, BBC television, ITV News and a range of online publications.It was a natural and spontaneous media explosion. My Facebook and Instagram stats jumped from 65k in a month to 825,000 in 30 days. Astounding and shows the power of traditional media.

This is the BBC News Article if you click here.

Most opportunities emerged through community involvement, relationship building and providing useful information when journalists needed local insight or expert opinion. The media coverage became a by-product of contribution rather than the primary objective.

That lesson applies directly to Gaming, Fintech and EdTech businesses. Many organisations assume media visibility comes after success, when in reality it often helps create success by building authority, credibility and recognition long before a customer reaches the buying stage.

Journalists regularly seek expert commentary on:

• AI and emerging technologies
• Skills development and workforce training
• Financial regulation and innovation
• Customer behaviour and market trends
• Leadership, growth and operational challenges

Businesses that consistently share useful expertise, participate in industry conversations and make themselves available as knowledgeable sources often gain the most visibility.

As Google and AI-driven search systems place increasing emphasis on authority signals, media outreach offers benefits that extend far beyond a single article or interview. These signals can include:

• Media mentions and interviews
• Expert quotes and commentary
• Podcast appearances
• Thought leadership content
• Branded mentions across the web

The businesses that consistently contribute useful insight and become recognised as trusted voices within their sector.

What is Help A Reporter Out (HARO)?

HARO is still surprisingly underused. Many businesses assume media coverage only happens to large brands with dedicated PR departments. In reality, journalists, podcasters and industry publications are constantly looking for expert opinions, practical examples and real-world experience from people actively working within their sectors.

For years, HARO (Help A Reporter Out) was one of the most popular ways for businesses to connect with journalists looking for commentary. Journalists still need informed opinions, useful examples and knowledgeable sources every day. 

Also, don’t discount radio because I have done local radio interviews that then get picked by National and International news. A casing point was in 2021 when I did a BBC Radio 5 Live set of interviews about the Red list countries. BBC National News then called me up and I did a TV interview on the main news.

Today, your media opportunities can often be found through:

• HARO
• Qwoted
• Featured
• LinkedIn journalist requests
• X/Twitter hashtags such as #journorequest
• Specialist industry communities
• Professional associations
• Podcast guest request networks

How Gaming Companies Build Long-Term Visibility

Gaming audiences are highly community-driven. Players do not simply buy games; they buy into worlds, creators and communities. As a result, successful studios build visibility long before launch through developer updates, creator engagement, community interaction and transparent communication.

These activities strengthen EEAT by demonstrating genuine expertise and audience trust. Studios such as Larian built strong loyalty around Baldur's Gate 3 through regular updates and community feedback, while Coffee Stain Studios generated visibility for titles like Goat Simulator and Valheim through creator engagement and organic discussion rather than relying solely on traditional advertising.

Gaming Stat

According to Newzoo, there will be approximately 3.6 billion gamers worldwide in 2025, highlighting the importance of community engagement, creator relationships and player trust in an increasingly competitive market.

Action Points For Gaming Companies

• Build a Discord community before launch.
• Document development publicly through updates and behind-the-scenes content.
• Create relationships with smaller creators instead of focusing only on major influencers.
• Encourage user-generated content and fan participation.
• Prepare a professional media kit for journalists and creators.
• Monitor HARO, Qwoted and journalist requests within the gaming sector.

Why EdTech Companies Must Educate Before Selling

EdTech companies operate in an environment where trust, expertise and measurable outcomes are critical. Schools, universities, businesses and learners increasingly expect evidence before making purchasing decisions, which is why many successful providers focus on education-first marketing.

Organisations such as Duolingo and Khan Academy have built authority by consistently solving problems, answering questions and creating useful learning experiences. Following the 2026 Google updates, educational organisations that demonstrate genuine expertise and provide practical value appear better positioned than those relying heavily on promotional content.

EdTech Stat

The global EdTech market was estimated at approximately $187 billion in 2025 and is projected to exceed $437 billion by 2033, making authority, expertise and trust increasingly important differentiators for providers. 

Action Points For EdTech Companies

• Publish practical educational resources regularly.
• Showcase measurable learner outcomes and case studies.
• Interview educators, trainers and learners.
• Host webinars, workshops and live Q&A sessions.
• Create communities where learners can interact.
• Monitor education-related journalist requests.

Why Trust Is Central To Fintech Marketing

Fintech companies face a unique challenge because trust is directly connected to money, security and personal information. Customers are naturally cautious. The strongest Fintech brands simplify complexity instead of hiding behind jargon. Simplicity breeds trust. 

Companies such as Wise and Monzo built authority through transparency, customer engagement and straightforward communication. They invested heavily in explaining complex topics clearly and helping customers understand financial systems.

After the 2026 Google updates this is now vital because search engines increasingly appear to reward organisations demonstrating expertise, transparency and trustworthiness.

Fintech Stat

Trust remains one of the most important factors in Fintech adoption. A 2025 industry survey found that 85% of consumers and 90% of small businesses reported high levels of trust in Fintech providers, with transparency and security cited as key drivers.

Action Points For Fintech Companies

• Explain complex financial topics in plain English.
• Publish visible security and compliance information.
• Create educational resources around fraud prevention and online safety.
• Increase leadership visibility through interviews and commentary.
• Comment on industry developments and regulatory changes.
• Participate in finance and technology communities.

Your Social Media Should Reflect Real Activity

A common mistake among SMEs is treating social media as a sales channel and nothing more.

People connect with organisations that feel active, human and involved in real life. That applies both offline and online.

Your content should reflect what your organisation is genuinely doing rather than simply what it wants to sell. Consider including:

• Community projects and events.
• Team activities and behind-the-scenes content.
• Helpful advice and educational resources.
• Industry insights and commentary.
• Partnerships and collaborations.
• Charity work and community initiatives.
• Customer success stories.

The goal is not to become an influencer. The goal is to become recognised, trusted and respected within your industry.

Businesses that consistently contribute online and offline often develop stronger networks, better referrals and higher levels of customer trust. The commercial benefits often arrive later as a result of reputation rather than direct promotion.

Why does Giving Back Still Matter in Business?

A lot of business owners spend years chasing visibility while overlooking one of the simplest growth strategies: being useful to people.

Businesses that support local events, help charities, share advice or contribute positively to their communities build trust over time. That trust often leads to recommendations, partnerships and new business opportunities. In 2026, this matters even more as AI Search increasingly considers reputation signals, media mentions, reviews and public discussion.

You do not need a huge budget to make an impact. Small, consistent actions often matter more.

That could include:

• Supporting a local sports club or charity.
• Helping at networking or business events.
• Offering free advice or workshops.
• Supporting schools or community projects.
• Collaborating with other local businesses.
• Sharing useful knowledge online.

Having worked across education, media, music, business and community projects for many years, I have consistently found that visibility follows contribution. The strongest opportunities often come from building relationships and reputation rather than actively chasing attention.

Get out there, make connections in the media and community, do random acts of kindness for the community in a natural and authentic way. You will see your brand reputation blossom and bloom. 

Key Takeaways

• Google increasingly rewards expertise that can be demonstrated, not simply claimed.
• Information Gain means original insights and real experiences matter more than generic content.
• Off-page authority signals such as media mentions, interviews and industry recognition are becoming increasingly important.
• Gaming companies can build visibility through community engagement and creator relationships.
• EdTech organisations benefit from education-first marketing and demonstrable expertise.
• Fintech companies build authority through transparency, trust and clear communication.
• Media outreach is no longer reserved for large organisations with PR departments.
• Community involvement helps create trust, reputation and long-term visibility.
• Businesses that contribute consistently to their industries are often rewarded with stronger authority and search visibility.
• The future of SEO is increasingly connected to reputation, expertise and real-world participation.

FAQs

What Is Google EEAT?

EEAT stands for Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness and Trustworthiness. It is Google's framework for assessing the credibility and reliability of content and organisations.

What Is Information Gain?

Information Gain refers to content that adds something new to a topic rather than repeating information already available elsewhere. Original insights, case studies and first-hand experience are increasingly valuable.

How Can Gaming Companies Improve EEAT?

Gaming companies can strengthen EEAT through active communities, developer transparency, creator partnerships, player engagement and visible industry participation.

How Can EdTech Companies Build Authority Online?

EdTech organisations can build authority by publishing useful educational resources, showcasing learner outcomes, sharing expert insight and participating in educational discussions.

How Can Fintech Companies Strengthen Trust Signals?

Fintech businesses can improve trust through transparent communication, visible compliance information, educational content and expert commentary on industry developments.

What Is HARO?

HARO (Help A Reporter Out) connects journalists with expert sources. It provides businesses with opportunities to contribute commentary, gain media coverage and build authority within their industries.

Does Community Engagement Help SEO?

Indirectly, yes. Community engagement creates trust, discussion, recommendations and brand mentions, all of which can strengthen the authority signals search engines increasingly appear to value.

Why Is Media Outreach Important After The 2026 Google Updates?

Media coverage provides external validation of expertise. Interviews, expert quotes, podcast appearances and branded mentions help build authority beyond your own website, which aligns closely with Google's increasing focus on EEAT and off-page signals.

If you need hosting and servers, IP House London Data Centre is a proud partner of Fintech, Edutech and Gaming Companies. Fill out the CONTACT FORM BELOW. Let’s Talk. 

READING SOURCES:

1. GOOGLE CORE UPDATE 2026 https://developers.google.com/search/blog/2026/02/discover-core-update
2. IP HOUSE LONDON BLOG https://www.ip-house.co.uk/blog
3. GOOGLE EEAT: https://developers.google.com/search/docs/fundamentals/creating-helpful-content
4. GAMING STAT: https://newzoo.com/resources/trend-reports/newzoo-global-games-market-report-2025?utm_source=chatgpt.com
5. EDUTECH STAT: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/education-technology-market
6. FINTECH STAT: https://www.ftassociation.org/new-state-of-fintech-survey-reveals-high-levels-of-satisfaction-value-and-trust-in-fintech/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

A SELECTION OF MY MEDIA MENTIONS OVER THE YEARS

WORCESTER NEWS https://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/7845454.a-real-tradition/https://www.malverngazette.co.uk/news/malvern/8137477.volcanic-ash-didnt-stop-jai-from-attending/

YAHOO SPORTS https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/ikta-villa-fans-joy-cup-053506725.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAAg7XoppZo-JhgkzkW80rFdKnm5eRP3vRUCPGXKa3MCl1UDlrzM_KVwOBdTGcxMoSLPXQyBYE-SFK10awvaZ48vz3dadmAZnknasV3kkbYDAj388Ks5GXv9CE7t7x4SSlzcdm7_gT-6nLxIbSvMa4VVBg5TJFi7uImq_PbkjQhfQ

BBC NEWS 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c775346n51vo

INDIE AND ROCK MUSIC WEBSITE MAGAZINE

https://ladyobscure.com/nexus-xiii-interview/

MUSIC MAGAZINE REVIEW

https://www.slapmag.co.uk/album-review-nexus-xiii-the-haunted-world/

NICHE TURKISH FOOTBALL NEWS SITE

https://www.besiktaspostasi.com/besiktas-yasayan-bir-aston-villali-uefa/

FUNDRAISING WEBSITE

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Jai-Hill1

MALVERN HILLS CAFE HISTORY

https://stannswell.co.uk/history/

FAMOUS FOOTBALL AGENT AND FAN (80k FOLLOWERS)

https://x.com/Anataeus/status/2056765837042651368