Google has recently launched a new feature for users, named “Preferred Sources,” in its search results. The feature is now live in the US and India, allowing you to customize your experience so that you can see more about your favorite sites in the Top Stories.
With this new update, users can prioritize their favorite websites, including local news or a food blog, so they appear more frequently in Top Stories or in a specific “From Your Sources” section. This contributes as a top-notch change by the tech titan in what users love and want to see frequently. The scenario is clear wherein Google is shifting from a general ranking system to user-centric experiences.
How Does the Preferred Sources Work?
- When users search for a news topic, they can see a star icon placed next to the Top Stories section.
- After clicking on this section, the Preferred Sources menu opens, allowing users to access and browse their favorite websites.
- After selecting and refreshing the search results, it will showcase more stories.
- Users can manage and remove sources at any time they wish.
- You can check out the Preferences in a list under the “your sources” section.
Taking an Example: The Columbus Dispatch
As an example of The Columbus Dispatch, a popular Ohio newspaper, encouraging its audience to consider it as Preferred Source so that its local coverage of sports, political, and community news appears even more regularly in Google’s Top Stories.
This can help regional publishers sustain their relationship with loyal audiences and remain at the forefront of the fast-moving digital pace.
Why Does It Matter?
The goal of this new feature is helping people get the most reliable sources and eliminating the irrelevant ones. It’s an excellent opportunity for publishers to strengthen readers’ loyalty and boost visibility in search results.
Alongside, they can encourage readers to set them as preferred sources with the dedicated help center. However, on the other side, experts warn that relying on preferred sources may create echo chambers.
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