Is Your Company Blog Eligible for Google News?
In today’s digital age, having your company blog featured in Google News can be a game-changer for driving traffic and establishing your brand as a reliable source of information. But the question remains: can a company blog make its way into the prestigious Google News feed? In this article, we will explore the eligibility criteria for company blogs to be included in Google News and provide you with actionable tips to increase your chances of getting featured.
Understanding Google News and its Benefits
Before we delve into the specifics, let’s first understand what Google News is and why it is crucial for your company blog to be a part of it. Google News is a platform where users can access the latest news articles from various sources. It provides a tremendous opportunity to reach a wider audience, drive traffic to your website, and potentially increase your advertising revenue.
Google’s Perspective on Company Blogs in Google News
To answer the burning question, we turn to Google’s very own John Mueller. In a recent Google Office Hours session, Mueller clarified that while he works on Search and not directly on Google News, there doesn’t seem to be anything in Google News’ content policies that excludes company blogs. However, to get a definitive answer, Mueller recommends reaching out to the News publisher help community or checking the performance reports in Search Console to see if your pages are already being shown in Google News.
Content Policies for Google News
Although Google News doesn’t have specific guidelines for company blogs, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the general content policies to ensure your blog meets the requirements. These policies include:
Clear Dates and Bylines
To ensure transparency and credibility, each news article should have clear publication dates and bylines. This helps readers understand when the article was published and who authored it.
Information about Authors, Publication, and Publisher
Providing detailed information about the authors, publication, and publisher adds authenticity to your blog. It allows readers to assess the credibility of the content and builds trust.
Information about the Company or Network
Including information about your company or network behind the content helps readers understand the context and background of your blog. It adds a layer of transparency and establishes your authority.
Contact Information
Having contact information readily available on your blog is crucial for readers who may want to reach out for further inquiries or collaborations. It demonstrates your willingness to engage with your audience and build relationships.
While these guidelines are not explicitly tailored for company blogs, adhering to them can increase your chances of getting into Google News.
Getting Your Company Blog into Google News
Now that we understand the criteria, let’s explore how you can increase your chances of getting your company blog featured in Google News.
1. Produce High-Quality News Content
To be considered for Google News, your company blog must publish high-quality news content. This means focusing on timely and relevant topics, providing accurate and well-researched information, and presenting it in a professional manner. Make sure your articles are well-written, free from grammatical errors, and follow journalistic standards.
2. Optimize Your Blog for Google News
Optimizing your blog for Google News can significantly improve your chances of getting featured. Here are some tips:
- Use clear and descriptive headlines: Craft attention-grabbing headlines that accurately represent the content of your article.
- Include relevant keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords in your headlines and throughout your content to increase visibility in search results.
- Use structured data markup: Implement structured data markup, such as the NewsArticle schema, to help Google understand the structure and relevance of your content.
- Include images and videos: Visual elements enhance the user experience and make your articles more engaging. Ensure that your images and videos are high-quality and relevant to the content.
- Optimize load time: Google prioritizes websites with fast load times. Make sure your blog is optimized for speed to improve user experience and search engine rankings.
3. Submit Your Blog to Google Publisher Center
To actively pursue inclusion in Google News, consider submitting your company blog to the Google Publisher Center. This platform allows you to submit your URL for consideration and provides valuable insights into your website’s performance in Google News.
4. Build External Credibility
Establishing external credibility can strengthen your case for inclusion in Google News. Here’s how:
- Collaborate with reputable news sources: Partnering with established news sources can lend credibility to your blog. Guest posting or contributing articles to respected publications can increase your visibility and enhance your reputation.
- Earn backlinks from authoritative websites: Having backlinks from authoritative websites shows Google that your content is trustworthy and valuable. Focus on building relationships with relevant industry websites and aim for quality backlinks.
See first source: Search Engine Journal
FAQ
What is Google News, and why is it important for a company blog to be featured in it?
Google News is a platform where users can access the latest news articles from various sources. Being featured in Google News is crucial for a company blog as it provides an opportunity to reach a wider audience, drive traffic to your website, and potentially increase advertising revenue.
Does Google News have specific content policies for company blogs?
Google News does not have specific content policies tailored for company blogs. However, there are general content policies that apply to all content in Google News, such as clear dates and bylines, author and publisher information, and contact information.
What are the general content policies for Google News?
- Google News’ general content policies include:
- Clear publication dates and bylines.
- Detailed information about authors, publication, and publisher.
- Information about the company or network behind the content.
- Providing contact information for reader inquiries and collaborations.
How can I increase my chances of getting my company blog featured in Google News?
To increase your chances of being featured in Google News, follow these tips:
- Produce high-quality news content that is timely, accurate, and well-researched.
- Optimize your blog for Google News by using clear headlines, relevant keywords, structured data markup, and visual elements.
- Submit your blog to Google Publisher Center for consideration.
- Build external credibility by collaborating with reputable news sources and earning backlinks from authoritative websites.
What is the importance of optimizing my blog for Google News?
Optimizing your blog for Google News increases its visibility and chances of being featured. Clear headlines, relevant keywords, structured data markup, and fast load times improve your blog’s user experience and search engine rankings.
How can I submit my company blog to Google Publisher Center?
You can submit your blog to Google Publisher Center by creating an account and providing the necessary information, including your website’s URL. Once submitted, Google will review your blog for potential inclusion in Google News.
Can company blogs from various industries be featured in Google News?
Yes, company blogs from different industries can be featured in Google News, as long as they meet Google’s content policies and provide high-quality news content. Real-life examples show that even security and software companies have successfully been featured in Google News.
Do I need to be a traditional news website to get featured in Google News?
No, you do not need to be a traditional news website to get featured in Google News. As long as your company blog produces high-quality news content that meets Google’s criteria, you have the potential to be included in the Google News feed.
Featured Image Credit: Photo by Taras Shypka; Unsplash – Thank you!