How to Get Your Blog Featured on Google News?

Getting your blog featured on Google News can feel like cracking a mysterious code. While many articles give you the usual advice, there are some lesser-known, yet crucial steps that can significantly boost your chances. These steps go beyond just following the basics and tapping into strategies that few bloggers talk about. So, if you’re serious about making it on Google News, here’s your exclusive, behind-the-scenes guide.

Why Google News Matters More Than Ever?

Google News is not just another traffic source—it’s a stamp of credibility. Being featured on this platform can instantly elevate your blog, positioning it next to some of the most reputable news outlets in the world. But it’s not just about the traffic. The authority and trust that come with being on Google News can lead to long-term growth, open new opportunities, and potentially make your blog a go-to source for information in your niche.

However, getting in isn’t easy. Google News has high standards, and the competition is fierce. This is why most blogs fail to get in, despite following the general guidelines. But don’t worry—there’s a way to stand out. Here’s how.

Step 1: Develop a “Newsworthy” Voice

This might be the most overlooked piece of advice. Google News isn’t just about publishing articles; it’s about publishing news. To get featured, your blog must be seen as a “news” source. You must consistently create content that’s timely, relevant, and tied to current events or trends. This means your blog should not only focus on opinion pieces but also tackle trending stories, breaking news, or in-depth analysis of ongoing events.

By creating content around emerging news or offering exclusive insights, your blog will signal to Google News that you’re a source of fresh, timely, and original information. This is why news sites are always in the mix—they’re quick to report on hot topics and provide unique angles.

Step 2: Get Your Content Indexed with Google News Specific Guidelines

Google News doesn’t crawl websites like Google’s regular search engine. For your content to even have a chance to be included, you need to ensure it’s indexed specifically for Google News. This requires a news sitemap. Unlike a regular XML sitemap, a news sitemap must meet specific criteria, such as only including articles published in the last two days.

Additionally, ensure that your posts are tagged properly. Use the appropriate schema markup and ensure every article is categorized under the correct “news” type. This is a technical step, but without it, Google News may not even know your content exists, let alone trust its quality.

Step 3: Establish Clear, Authoritative Authors

Google News looks for authoritative voices when considering a blog for inclusion. This means every article should have a byline with a clearly defined author. Don’t just write “admin” or leave the author blank. The key here is transparency—Google wants to know who’s writing the content and whether they are qualified to speak on the topic.

This is an especially important step for blogs that want to be seen as reliable news sources. Establish an author profile for every contributor on your blog, complete with credentials, a bio, and links to past works. This makes your blog appear more credible and trustworthy to both readers and Google.

Step 4: Implement the Correct Content Structure & Navigation

A polished, user-friendly design isn’t just for looks; it’s crucial for Google News. Your blog needs to have a clear, structured content layout that makes it easy for both readers and search engines to navigate. You need to create a news-style layout where the most important stories are front and center, and the older posts are archived in an accessible way.

Also, don’t forget your category pages—Google News loves to see well-organized categories that indicate what your blog covers. Whether it’s technology, politics, health, or business, Google News needs to understand what niche your content falls into. Using breadcrumbs and a clean, minimalist design will give your blog that news publication feel Google values.

Step 5: Create Trust Signals: About Us and Contact Information

This is another often-missed step that can be the deciding factor in whether Google News accepts your blog or not. You need to build trust signals all over your site. This includes a well-written About Us page, Contact Us page, and editorial policy that’s easy to find. Google wants to know that there’s a real team behind the content and that your blog is committed to ethical journalism standards.

Transparency is key. If you don’t have an “About Us” section or clear editorial guidelines, Google News might think your blog lacks authority and is not trustworthy enough to be featured on the platform.

Step 6: Technical SEO for Google News: Speed, Mobile Optimization, and Security

Your blog needs to be as technically sound as it is content-rich. If your site is slow to load, difficult to navigate on mobile devices, or doesn’t have an SSL certificate, Google News may reject it. Here’s what you need to check:

1. Page Speed: Google News prioritizes fast-loading pages. A delay of even a few seconds could hurt your chances.
2. Mobile Optimization: Most users access news on their phones. Your site must be fully mobile-responsive.
3. HTTPS/SSL: Security is vital. Google prefers secure websites (those with “https://” in the URL) and may reject sites that aren’t secure.

Step 7: Consistency and Frequency of Publishing

Getting on Google News isn’t just about creating one great article. It’s about demonstrating consistent and frequent publishing. Blogs that update regularly with fresh news content are more likely to be recognized by Google News. If your blog has been stagnant with long gaps between posts, it may raise a red flag.

To improve your chances, aim to publish multiple articles a week—ideally on breaking topics or trending news. The more relevant, timely, and frequent your posts are, the more likely Google News will trust you as a credible news source.

Step 8: Submit and Wait (But Keep Improving)

Once you feel your blog meets all these criteria, it’s time to apply via the Google Publisher Center. After submission, the waiting game begins. But remember, getting approved isn’t instant. Google News may take weeks to evaluate your site, and sometimes they might come back with feedback or suggestions for improvement. Don’t be discouraged. If you’re not accepted initially, review your content and site, make necessary adjustments, and resubmit after a few months.

Final Thoughts: Patience Pays Off

Getting your blog on Google News isn’t an overnight process. It takes effort, patience, and a genuine commitment to delivering high-quality, trustworthy content. By following these real, lesser-known steps, you’ll not only increase your chances of getting featured but also build a blog that has the authority to stand alongside the biggest names in journalism.

Disclaimer: The steps in this article are based on the most recent practices for getting a blog included in Google News. Google’s algorithms and guidelines may evolve over time, so always stay updated on the latest information from Google. This article aims to provide helpful insights and is not officially affiliated with Google.