Table of Contents
Introduction
As the digital landscape evolves, staying updated with the latest trends and platforms is crucial. Google News and Google Discover are two such platforms that offer a golden opportunity for publishers and bloggers. By ensuring your site is listed on these platforms, you open doors to a broader audience. This guide delves deep into the process, technicalities, and best practices involved in submitting your site to both platforms.
Understanding Google News and Google Discover
Google News is a news aggregation app that compiles news from multiple online sources. For publishers, this means increased visibility and traffic.
Google Discover, on the other hand, is a mobile feature on Google Search. It offers users content related to their interests even without them searching for it. This predictive model makes it essential for sites aiming for higher organic reach.
Benefits of Getting Your Site on Google News and Google Discover
- Increased Visibility: Showcase your content to a global audience.
- Higher Traffic: Access to millions of users means a potential surge in website visits.
- Boosted Credibility: Being featured elevates your brand’s reputation.
- SEO Advantage: Enhanced organic reach can improve your site’s search rankings.
Prerequisites for Submission
Before diving into the submission process, ensure:
- Your website is news-oriented.
- You have a clear and consistent publishing history.
- You follow Google’s content policies and guidelines.
- The site is mobile-friendly and fast.
Step-by-Step Guide to Submit Your Site to Google News
1. Ensure Quality Content:
- Original, well-researched, and unbiased articles.
- Avoid duplicate or misleading content.
2. Technical Setup:
- Create a Google Publisher Center account.
- Verify your site ownership using Google Search Console.
<!-- Insert this verification tag within the <head> of your homepage --> <meta name="google-site-verification" content="YOUR_UNIQUE_VERIFICATION_STRING" />3. Configure News-specific sitemap:
- A sitemap specifically tailored for news articles.
- Include URLs, publication dates, and article titles.
Example:
<urlset xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9"> <url> <loc>http://www.example.com/article1</loc> <news:news> <news:publication_date>2023-10-12</news:publication_date> <news:title>Article 1 Title</news:title> </news:news> </url> <!-- Add more URLs similarly --> </urlset>4. Apply via Publisher Center:
- Click ‘Add Publication’.
- Fill out all required information.
- Wait for approval.
Step-by-Step Guide to Optimize for Google Discover
1. High-Quality Content:
- Create visually appealing, informative content.
- Use high-resolution images.
2. Mobile Optimization:
- Ensure responsive design.
- Test using Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test.
3. Implement Structured Data:
- Markup content using schema.org types.
- Test with Google’s Structured Data Testing Tool.
4. Stay Updated:
- Regularly check Google Search Console’s Discover performance report.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Navigating the terrains of Google News and Google Discover can occasionally present some roadblocks. Below, we’ve pinpointed some common issues users encounter and provided solutions to tackle them head-on.
Rejection from Google News
Problem: You’ve submitted your website to Google News, but it’s been rejected.
Solution:
- Review Google’s Content Policies: Google is particular about the quality and authenticity of news sources. Ensure your content is original, unbiased, and avoids misinformation.
- Consistent Publishing: Ensure you have a consistent publishing history. Intermittent or irregular posting can result in rejection.
- Technical Issues: Ensure your website’s technical aspects, such as load times and mobile responsiveness, are optimized.
Not Appearing on Google Discover
Problem: Your content is not being shown on Google Discover, even if it’s high quality.
Solution:
- User Engagement Metrics: Google Discover prioritizes content with strong user engagement. Work on improving your click-through rates, reducing bounce rates, and encouraging longer session durations.
- High-Quality Images: Use captivating, high-resolution images. Google Discover is a visually driven platform.
- Trending Topics: Cover current events or trending topics. Discover often showcases timely and relevant content.
Dips in Traffic from Google News
Problem: You notice a sudden or gradual drop in the traffic originating from Google News.
Solution:
- Content Freshness: Regularly update your content. Outdated news or information may not be favored.
- Check News Sitemap: Ensure that your news-specific sitemap is functioning correctly and reflects recent articles.
- Monitor Competitors: Stay aware of what similar sources are publishing. There might be a surge in similar content, leading to shared traffic.
Structured Data Errors
Problem: Google’s Structured Data Testing Tool indicates errors or issues.
Solution:
- Markup Validation: Ensure you’re using the correct schema.org markup. Validate your code with multiple tools.
- Update Outdated Markup: Structured data guidelines can evolve. Ensure you’re using the latest markup recommendations.
- Check for Conflicts: Plugins or themes might interfere with your structured data. Test by deactivating potential culprits.
Mobile Optimization Issues
Problem: Despite believing your site is mobile-optimized, you’re not seeing the expected results on mobile platforms.
Solution:
- Test Extensively: Use tools like Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test to identify potential issues.
- Responsive Design: Ensure your site’s design adjusts seamlessly across various devices.
- Check Load Times: Mobile users are often on-the-go. If your site takes too long to load, they might abandon it. Use tools like Google’s PageSpeed Insights to optimize load times.
In the world of digital publishing, facing challenges is inevitable. However, with the right approach and persistence, these challenges can be transformed into growth opportunities. Remember to stay updated with Google’s guidelines and continuously strive for quality and user satisfaction.
Conclusion
Submitting your site to Google News and optimizing for Google Discover can propel your content to the forefront of the digital landscape. With a meticulous approach, attention to guidelines, and commitment to quality, you can harness these platforms’ full potential.
