Getting Into Google News: List Your Website and Get Noticed!

Have you ever tried looking for breaking stories and headlines on Google News? It seems more and more businesses are realizing the potential of this popular news search segment from Google. If you haven’t listed your website on Google News, it’s time to do so.

Let’s discuss the guidelines and reasons for adding your site, along with the benefits you can get.

Why List Your Site on Google News?

Google News has over 60% share of the total number of people who access and read news online. There are plenty of reasons for adding your site, but allow us to cite some of the most important ones.

Making your news content appear on Google News Top Stories, or at least getting it indexed and crawled, means a lot for your business. This is particularly helpful if you’re a publisher who aims to deliver useful and engaging content on a regular basis. Gaining a spot in Google News search results increases your visibility, expands your reach, and boosts your traffic. If you want to make the most out of the newsworthy content you create, this is a good way to go.

Getting Started

Understanding the basics is the first step. Google News aims to provide an easy way to access useful and timely news information from anywhere using any device. Google has set some guidelines, which you must read, understand, and follow. The search giant discusses the areas in which businesses and publishers must focus on, and provides a quick way to apply for inclusion. Breaking any of these ‘rules’ will cost you a chance to get included in the Google News index.

Some of the basic guidelines include labeling news content properly and giving each story a descriptive URL that reflects the content topic. Google bots should be able to access the domain that hosts your content. When it comes to quality, the Webmaster Quality Guidelines is your best resource.

Important Tips and Reminders

It is important to note that Google News accepts news content only, no exceptions. You can’t get all of your pages in – don’t even think about it. Leave your marketing or PR-based content to online distribution sites or any other platforms you’re currently using. Google News is for industry-specific news content only, definitely not for business advertisement or anything promotional. Tips and advice, job advertisements, weather, and share prices also won’t make it to the listing.

Your content must be well written, timely, relevant, and useful. Expertise and trust signals increase your chances of getting into the huge repository. Help Google find and display your content on search results by creating and submitting a unique news sitemap.

Image Source: https://www.googlenewsplugin.com/google-news-sitemap-generator/

You may also use Accelerated Mobile Pages or AMPs to deliver your content fast. Your target audience will thank you for that. Proper use of Google News metatags also helps Google better understand what your content is all about and display it on search results relevant to the query made by the user.

Getting your site listed on Google News will give your digital marketing efforts a great boost. It’s another opportunity to support your success in search. Use it in conjunction with other strategies that you have and you’ll stay on the right track.

Did you find this post helpful? If you have questions about Google News and the way you can make the most of it, let us know by leaving a comment or by calling us. RefractROI, the leading SEO firm in Denver, will provide you with up-to-date information, tips, and professional advice.

Featured image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/spencereholtaway/3376961077