This article explores the underestimated potential of Google Discover as a dominant traffic source. The article decodes Google Discover’s operation, emphasizes 10 strategic tips—ranging from headline optimization to content formats—and offers insights for publishers to navigate and capitalize on this influential platform, fostering increased visibility and engagement.
How to acquire Traffic from Google Discover
In the dynamic landscape of online traffic, Google Discover is emerging as a powerhouse, outpacing traditional sources like Google Search and Facebook for many news websites. Despite its pivotal role, publishers often underestimate its impact due to challenges in accurately calculating traffic through tools like Google Analytics. Understanding and capitalizing on the full potential of this traffic source remains a puzzle for those aware of its significance.
What is Google Discover, and How Does It Operate?
Google Discover stands as a personalized mobile news feed, a curated stream of content tailored to individual interests and Google Search history. The magic happens through the amalgamation of search behavior data, including previous searches, and insights gleaned from Google Chrome and YouTube – a combination that sculpts a news feed reflecting users’ unique preferences.
Comparisons with the Facebook Feed are inevitable, but the critical difference lies in the autonomy of Google Discover. Unlike Facebook, where the news feed is crafted based on liked pages, Google Discover distills user interests directly from their search and browsing behaviors.
Where can I find my Google Discover Newsfeed?
For Android users, the Google Discover Newsfeed takes center stage, easily accessible by a simple swipe right from the home screen. The convenience extends to both Android and iOS devices through the Google Search app, where a click on the Google Discover menu item unveils the personalized news feed. The Chrome Browser is another gateway to this dynamic content stream.
The omnipresence of Google Discover across various platforms positions it as an increasingly influential source of news consumption. As users become accustomed to encountering their personalized newsfeed in multiple digital spaces, the audience engaging with Google Discover continues to grow steadily, presenting an untapped opportunity for publishers looking to expand their reach.
10 Tips On How To Get More Traffic In Google Discover:
In the realm of online content, Google Discover has emerged as a significant source of traffic for news websites, surpassing Google Search and Facebook for many. However, despite its growing influence, some publishers overlook the potential benefits of optimizing for Google Discover, often due to the challenges in accurately tracking its traffic through tools like Google Analytics.
Crafting compelling headlines is pivotal for increasing Google Discover traffic. While Google’s Publisher policies discourage clickbait, there is room for creating engaging headlines that prompt users to click. Research indicates that slightly clickbaity headlines perform better on Google Discover than factual ones. Experimenting with headline testing features in content management systems allows publishers to refine and understand headline performance.
2. Adhere to Google’s News Policy:
While experimentation is encouraged, it is crucial to adhere to Google’s News policy. Publishers should avoid misleading, sexually explicit, or hateful content, as it goes against Google’s guidelines. Negative sentiment in content can significantly impact rankings on Google Discover. Since the Helpful Content Update in August 2023, Google also penalizes websites for publishing articles deemed unhelpful. Headlines that promise more than the article delivers may lead to sanctions.
3. Use High-Quality Images:
Images play a crucial role in Google Discover success. Publishers often overlook the importance of selecting compelling, high-quality images. These visuals can significantly impact an article’s success on Google Discover.
Considerations for image selection include:
- High resolution: Ensure images are at least 1,200 pixels on the smallest side.
- People-centric images: Including individuals in images, especially those expressing strong emotions, increases click-through rates.
- Image editing: Stand out by editing images to spark curiosity, such as adding stickers or labels.
4. Focus on Authority Topics:
Understanding the topics for which Google recognizes a website as authoritative is instrumental in boosting Google Discover traffic. By identifying themes where a site excels, publishers can strategically produce more content in those areas, increasing the chances of being featured in Discover. Using Google Search Console metrics provides insights into consistently high-performing topics driving organic traffic.
5. Maximize Image Preview for Visibility:
Implementing the Max Image Preview tag can significantly enhance visibility in the Google Discover feed. Google recommends this meta tag to instruct the display of the largest image when an article appears in the Discover news feed. By including the Max Image Preview tag, publishers ensure that articles are presented with prominent images, enhancing click-through rates.
6. Prioritize Loading Speed:
Page speed is a critical factor in Google Discover and Google Search rankings. Prioritizing fast-loading pages, including the use of Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP), contributes to better performance. To increase loading speed, publishers can use tools like the Google Pagespeed tool to analyze and improve page speed.
7. Emphasize Transparency:
Transparency is a key element in Google’s News Policy. Publishers are encouraged to showcase the team behind the website, provide comprehensive author bios, and maintain a contact page.
Key considerations for transparency include:
- About Us page: Offer detailed information about the company and network behind the content.
- Author bios: Provide comprehensive biographies for every author to build trust.
- Contact page: Ensure easy access for users to reach out.
8. Experiment with Content Formats:
Diversifying content formats is crucial for success on Google Discover. Research suggests that articles with lists perform well, and experimenting with formats like Google Web Stories and video content can yield positive results.
Key points for content experimentation:
- Lists: Articles containing lists tend to perform well.
- Web Stories: Explore the use of Google Web Stories, displayed in a dedicated carousel in Google Discover.
- Video content: Articles featuring videos, especially around live events, often perform well.
9. Refresh Evergreen Content:
Maintaining evergreen content requires regular updates to ensure relevance and continued traffic generation. Refreshing timeless content has shown positive results in attracting traffic from Google Discover.
10. Utilize Social Media:
Engagement on social media platforms, including Facebook and Twitter, correlates with success on Google Discover. Higher engagement levels indicate user interest and positively impact visibility in Google Discover feeds. Cross-platform engagement, including newsletters and web push notifications, can further contribute to increased Google Discover traffic.
Implementing these strategies strategically can significantly enhance a website’s visibility on Google Discover, leading to increased traffic and engagement. Publishers are encouraged to continuously refine their approach based on evolving trends and user behavior on the platform.
