Source: Search Engine Roundtable by barry@rustybrick.com (Barry Schwartz). Read the original article
TL;DR Summary of Google Fully Launches Preferred Sources Feature in Top Stories
Google’s Preferred Sources feature is now fully available in the US and India, allowing users to customize their Top Stories search results. Users can select favorite news outlets to see more relevant content, enhancing their search experience. Publishers can leverage this feature to drive more traffic by encouraging readers to add them as preferred sources. Activating the feature is simple and involves selecting sources via a star icon next to Top Stories.
Optimixed’s Overview: Enhancing News Discovery with Google’s Preferred Sources in Search
What is the Preferred Sources Feature?
Google’s Preferred Sources option within Top Stories enables users to tailor their news feed by choosing specific publishers they trust or prefer. This personalization empowers users with greater control over the news content they see when searching trending topics.
How to Use Preferred Sources
- Search for a current news topic on Google.
- Click the star icon located next to the “Top Stories” header.
- Search for and select your preferred news sources or outlets.
- Refresh the search results to see more stories from the chosen sources.
Benefits for Publishers and Users
- Users receive customized news feeds that highlight trusted or favorite outlets, improving relevance and satisfaction.
- Publishers gain an opportunity to increase traffic by encouraging readers to add them as preferred sources through direct links or website buttons.
- The feature supports discovery of local and niche news sites, broadening exposure for diverse publishers.
Additional Resources for Publishers
Google provides a dedicated publisher resource section to help news sites promote their inclusion in Preferred Sources. Publishers can use deeplinks and downloadable buttons to guide their audience in activating the feature, effectively boosting engagement and visibility within Google Search.
