What is Google Discover and How to Get Featured?

What is Google Discover?

Google Discover is a personalised content feed integrated into Google’s mobile app, designed to show users content they might find interesting without them needing to search for it. Powered by machine learning and user behaviour, Discover tailors its feed based on topics users engage with, locations, and even the type of devices they use.

This innovative feature is a goldmine for content creators, as it offers the chance to reach users who didn’t even know they were looking for your content.

How Google Discover Works

At its core, Google Discover relies on:

• User Preferences: Interests selected by users in their Google account.
• Search History: Topics and types of searches conducted recently.
• Content Engagement: How similar content has performed in terms of clicks and shares.

Unlike Google Search, there are no keywords to target explicitly. Instead, content must align with user intent and relevance.

Why Getting Featured on Google Discover Matters

Getting your content on Google Discover isn’t just about visibility; it’s about organic growth. Here’s why it’s so impactful:

• Massive Audience Reach: Millions of users access Google Discover daily.
• Enhanced Engagement: Users are more likely to engage with content that aligns with their interests.
• SEO Boost: Content featured on Discover often sees a spike in traffic, signalling relevance to Google’s algorithm.

How to Optimise Your Content for Google Discover

Create High-Quality, Engaging Content

Google Discover favours quality over quantity. Articles that are visually appealing, informative, and resonate with users’ interests are more likely to be featured. Use:

• Engaging headlines that spark curiosity.
• Multimedia elements like images, videos, and infographics.
• Clear and concise language that appeals to a broad audience.

Focus on E-A-T (Expertise, Authority, Trustworthiness)

Content that establishes your expertise and authority in a subject area gains traction. Ensure you:

• Link to credible sources.
• Provide well-researched, accurate information.
• Build backlinks from reputable websites to enhance your authority.

Leverage Visuals

High-quality images and videos are critical for Discover. Follow these guidelines:

• Use images with a minimum resolution of 1200 pixels.
• Add descriptive alt text to each visual.
• Incorporate videos optimised for fast loading and mobile viewing.

Write Evergreen Content

Timeless, relevant topics are more likely to stay in Discover feeds longer. However, if you focus on trending news or seasonal content, update your articles regularly to stay fresh.

Technical Tips for Google Discover Optimisation

Use Structured Data

Implementing structured data helps Google understand your content better. Use schema markup for:

• Articles
• Recipes
• Reviews
• How-to guides

Optimise for Mobile

Google Discover prioritises mobile-first content. Ensure:

• Your site is responsive and fast.
• Images and videos load seamlessly on mobile devices.
• Your site is free of intrusive ads.

Submit to Google News

While not a direct factor, being listed on Google News can increase your chances of appearing on Discover, especially for news-heavy or timely content.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Keyword Stuffing: Google Discover doesn’t rely on keywords like search. Focus on relevance and engagement.
• Low-Quality Images: Poor visuals can disqualify your content from appearing.
• Neglecting SEO Basics: Titles, meta descriptions, and fast loading times still matter.

Measuring Success on Google Discover

Use Google Search Console to track Discover traffic. Look for metrics like:

• Impressions
• Click-through rates
• Average position

Analysing this data helps refine your strategy and identify content types that perform well.

FAQs

What type of content performs best on Google Discover?
Engaging, high-quality content with compelling visuals and broad appeal tends to perform well.

Is Google Discover free to use?
Yes, it’s a free tool provided by Google, and there’s no charge for appearing in Discover feeds.

How often should I update my content for Google Discover?
It’s good practice to review and update evergreen content periodically while keeping trending articles timely.

Does video content perform better on Google Discover?
Yes, visually rich content, especially videos, has a higher chance of engaging users and being featured.

Can small businesses benefit from Google Discover?
Absolutely. Google Discover offers a unique way for small businesses to reach potential customers without significant marketing budgets.

How long does it take to see results from Google Discover?
Results can vary, but high-quality, optimised content can appear in Discover feeds within days or even hours, especially if you request a crawl via Google Search Console.

Conclusion

Google Discover is a game-changer for content creators and businesses looking to expand their reach. By focusing on quality, relevance, and visual appeal, you can position your content in front of millions of users organically. Start optimising today, and let Google Discover work for you!