News websites they trust in their search results. Learn how to customize your Google News experience.">
Mountain View, California – Google has unveiled a new tool designed to give Users greater control over the News sources appearing at the top of their Search results. The feature, known as “Preferred Sources,” allows individuals to actively influence which websites are showcased in the “Top stories” section, addressing growing concerns about information quality and source reliability.
what are Google’s Preferred Sources?
Table of Contents
- 1. what are Google’s Preferred Sources?
- 2. How to Designate Your Google Preferred Sources
- 3. Understanding the Evolving News Landscape
- 4. frequently Asked Questions about Google Preferred Sources
- 5. What are the key benefits of becoming a Google Preferred Source for NBC 7 San Diego?
- 6. guide to Adding NBC 7 san Diego as a Google Preferred Source
- 7. Understanding Google Preferred Sources & Google News Initiative
- 8. Eligibility Requirements for NBC 7 San Diego
- 9. Step-by-Step Application Process
- 10. Technical SEO Considerations for NBC 7 San Diego
- 11. Content Best Practices for Google News
The “Preferred Sources” functionality functions as a customization layer for the “Top stories” module within Google Search. By designating specific sites as “preferred,” Users signal to Google that they want to see content from those sources more frequently, particularly when that content is newly published and pertinent to their Search queries. This change comes after a period of testing and refinement, according to company announcements.
the rollout began on August 12th, initially reaching Users in the United States and India. Google anticipates expanding the feature’s availability to additional regions in the coming months. The move aligns with broader industry trends focused on empowering Users and promoting a more clear News ecosystem. A recent report by the Pew Research Center found that 64% of Americans believe social media companies have too much influence over the News people see.
How to Designate Your Google Preferred Sources
Google provides two straightforward methods for adding websites to your preferred sources list. The first involves directly interacting with the “top stories” section within Google Search. When a “Top stories” box appears after a News-related search, Users can click an icon resembling stacked cards with a star.A window will then appear, prompting them to Search for and select their favourite sites. Previously selected sources will be readily visible under the label “Your sources.”
Alternatively, Users can manage their preferred sources directly through Google’s settings panel. Simply navigate to Google.com/preferences/source to access a dedicated interface for adding, removing, and managing preferred websites. This direct access provides a centralized location for fine-tuning your News preferences.
Did You Know? Google’s algorithm continually evolves, but “Preferred Sources” offers a unique level of User control over the News feed.
Here’s a rapid comparison of the two methods:
| Method | Access Point | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| From search Results | “Top Stories” Box | Adding sources contextually, while searching. |
| Google Settings | Google.com/preferences/source | Managing all preferred sources in one place. |
Pro tip: Regularly review your preferred sources list to ensure it reflects your current News interests and trust in specific outlets.
Are you concerned about the accuracy of News you find online? Do you think giving Users more control over their News feeds is a positive step?
Understanding the Evolving News Landscape
The rise of misinformation and the increasing fragmentation of the News media have led to a growing demand for tools that empower Users to curate their own News experiences. Google’s “Preferred Sources” feature is just one example of a broader trend toward personalization and User control in the digital News ecosystem. Other platforms are exploring similar features, and News literacy initiatives are gaining traction globally. Staying informed about the sources of your news and critically evaluating the information you encounter are essential skills in the modern world.
frequently Asked Questions about Google Preferred Sources
- What are Google Preferred sources? Google Preferred Sources is a feature that allows Users to prioritize trusted News websites in their Google Search results.
- how does Google’s Preferred Sources feature work? By designating websites as “preferred,” You signal to Google that You want to see content from those sources more often.
- Is the Preferred Sources feature available everywhere? Initially, the feature was released in the United States and India, with plans for broader global rollout.
- Can I remove a source from my Preferred Sources list? Yes,You can easily manage and update your list at google.com/preferences/source.
- Does adding a source guarantee it will appear in every Search result? No, it increases the likelihood of seeing content from that source when it publishes fresh content related to Your Search.
- how does this differ from simply following a publication on social media? This is integrated directly into Google Search results, impacting the “Top stories” section, while social media relies on algorithmic feeds within their platforms.
- Is there a limit to how many sources I can add? Google has not publicly specified a limit to the number of preferred sources You can add.
Share your thoughts on Google’s new feature in the comments below! What news sources do you trust, and will you be adding them to your Preferred Sources list?
What are the key benefits of becoming a Google Preferred Source for NBC 7 San Diego?
guide to Adding NBC 7 san Diego as a Google Preferred Source
Becoming a Google Preferred Source for news organizations like NBC 7 San Diego offers significant benefits in terms of visibility and trust within Google News and Search results.This guide details the process, requirements, and best practices for getting NBC 7 San Diego recognized as a preferred source. This is crucial for local news SEO and increasing organic traffic.
Understanding Google Preferred Sources & Google News Initiative
Google’s Preferred Sources program, part of the broader Google News Initiative, aims to highlight authoritative news publishers. This isn’t simply about being in Google News; it’s about being prioritized within it. Google identifies these sources based on factors like journalistic standards, accuracy, and openness. Being a preferred source can lead to increased prominence in Top Stories carousels and other high-visibility placements.related terms include “google News Publisher Center,” “news SEO,” and “local news ranking.”
Eligibility Requirements for NBC 7 San Diego
Before initiating the application process, ensure NBC 7 San Diego meets Google’s core requirements. These are subject to change, so regularly checking the official Google News Initiative documentation is vital.
Journalistic Standards: A demonstrated commitment to ethical journalism, fact-checking, and corrections policies.
Original Reporting: A focus on original reporting, rather than simply aggregating content from other sources. This is a key differentiator for Google.
transparency: Clear disclosure of ownership, funding, and editorial policies.
Website Quality: A well-maintained, mobile-amiable website with clear navigation and a secure (HTTPS) connection. Page speed is also a critical factor.
Structured Data Markup: Implementation of Schema.org markup for news articles, including NewsArticle schema. This helps Google understand the content on your pages.
Google News Policies Compliance: Strict adherence to Google News policies regarding content quality and prohibited content.
Step-by-Step Application Process
The process of adding NBC 7 San Diego as a Google Preferred Source involves several key steps.
- Google News Publisher Center Setup: If not already done, create and verify your publication within the Google News Publisher Center (https://publishercenter.google.com/). This is the central hub for managing your presence in Google News.
- Complete the Publisher Details: Provide accurate and comprehensive information about NBC 7 San Diego, including contact details, ownership information, and editorial guidelines.
- Submit Your Website for Indexing: Ensure your website is properly indexed by Google. Use Google search Console to submit your sitemap and monitor indexing status.
- Implement Structured Data: Add
NewsArticleschema markup to all news articles on NBC 7 San Diego’s website. Use Google’s Rich Results Test (https://search.google.com/test/rich-results) to validate the implementation. - Apply for Google Preferred sources: Within the Google News Publisher Center, locate the section for applying to be a Google Preferred Source.This typically involves a detailed questionnaire about your journalistic practices.
- Provide Supporting Documentation: Be prepared to provide supporting documentation, such as:
Editorial guidelines
Fact-checking policies
Corrections policies
Ownership information
Contact information for key editorial staff
- Monitor Application Status: Google will review your application and may request additional information. Monitor the status within the Google News Publisher Center.
Technical SEO Considerations for NBC 7 San Diego
Beyond the application process, several technical SEO factors can considerably impact your chances of being recognized as a Google Preferred Source and improving your ranking in Google News.
AMP (accelerated Mobile Pages): While not strictly required, implementing AMP can improve page speed on mobile devices, which is a ranking factor.
Mobile-First Indexing: ensure your website is fully optimized for mobile-first indexing.Google primarily uses the mobile version of your website for indexing and ranking.
Core Web Vitals: Focus on improving your Core Web Vitals scores (Largest Contentful Paint, First Input Delay, Cumulative Layout Shift). These metrics measure user experience and are ranking factors.
Internal Linking: Implement a strong internal linking structure to help Google understand the relationships between your articles.
sitemap Submission: Regularly submit your sitemap to Google search Console.
Robots.txt: ensure your robots.txt file isn’t blocking Google from crawling important pages.
Content Best Practices for Google News
the quality and relevance of your content are paramount.
Originality: Prioritize original reporting and analysis.
Accuracy: Fact-check all information thoroughly.
Timeliness: Publish news articles promptly.
* Local Focus: For NBC 7 San Diego, emphasize local
