Is Your Blog News-Worthy? Go Viral with Google News

Cracking the Newsstand Code: Can Your Company Blog Make Google News Headlines?

Ever scrolled through the Google News app and thought, "Hey, my company blog could totally hang out there!" Well, wonder no more! We're diving deep into the world of Google News with insights straight from Google's John Mueller himself, answering the burning question: can your company blog land the coveted spot in the spotlight?

Straight from the Source: John Mueller Breaks it Down

In a recent Q&A, Mueller, a Search Advocate at Google, offered some clear-as-day guidelines for bloggers with Google News aspirations. The good news? Your company blog isn't automatically disqualified! In fact, Google strives for diversity in its News ecosystem, welcoming all sorts of voices and perspectives. So, what makes a blog tick-tock in Google's eyes?

The Golden Keys to Google News Glory:

1. Quality Content is King (and Queen, and Jester): This might seem obvious, but it's worth repeating. Google prizes fresh, accurate, and well-researched content that informs, engages, and sparks valuable conversations. Ditch the fluff and focus on genuine insights that cater to your specific audience's needs.

2. Know Your Niche, Own Your Expertise: Don't be a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none. Google rewards blogs that delve deeply into specific subject areas, establishing themselves as trusted sources within their niche. Whether it's tech trends, sustainable living, or the history of cheese graters, carve out your unique space and become the go-to expert.

3. Freshness Factor: New Blood, New Buzz: Google loves regularly updated content. Think of it like a delicious bakery – people keep coming back for the hot-out-of-the-oven goodies. Aim for consistent publishing, whether it's daily, weekly, or bi-weekly, and keep your content relevant and timely.

4. SEO Savvy: Speak Google's Language: While content reigns supreme, understanding basic Search Engine Optimization (SEO) can give your blog a boost. Use relevant keywords strategically, build backlinks from reputable websites, and optimize your website for mobile viewing. Remember, Google wants users to find your content easily, so make it discoverable!

5. Trustworthiness: Build a Fortress of Facts: In today's world of misinformation, credibility is crucial. Ensure your content is factually accurate, cite reliable sources, and avoid sensationalism or biased reporting. Google prioritizes trustworthy voices, so build a fortress of reliable information your readers can trust.

Bonus Points for Blog Brilliance:

• Engage with your audience: Foster discussions, respond to comments, and encourage a sense of community around your blog.

• Visualize your voice: Images, infographics, and even videos can elevate your content and make it more engaging.
• Optimize for mobile: More people access news on their phones than ever before. Make sure your blog is mobile-friendly and delivers a seamless user experience.
• Become a news source yourself: Partner with other media outlets, attend industry events, and actively seek out newsworthy content opportunities.

John Mueller’s Insights on Company Blogs in Google News

In a recent Google Office Hours session, the question of whether company blogs are eligible to appear in Google News was raised. Google News, a significant source of readership and advertising income, is generally populated with content from news websites. However, the potential for company blogs to be included was brought into question.

John Mueller, who works on Search at Google, responded to this query. He stated that while he can’t speak directly for Google News, he didn’t see anything in their content policies that specifically pertains to company blogs. He suggested that those interested should ask in the News publisher help community and check the performance reports in Search Console to see if their pages are already being shown in Google News.

So, Can Your Blog Walk the Google News Walk?

The answer is a resounding maybe! By following these guidelines and consistently focusing on high-quality, relevant content, your company blog has a real shot at joining the Google News party. Remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint. ‍♀️ Be patient, stay consistent, and keep creating top-notch content that makes your readers say "wow!"

Eligibility of Company Blogs for Google News

Here’s a pointwise summary of the article:

1. Google News: Google News can be a significant source of readers who are interested in reading published news, serving as a foundation for a steady stream of advertising income.

2. Company Blogs in Google News: The question of whether company blogs are eligible to appear in Google News was raised during Google Office Hours for December 2023.

3. John Mueller’s Response: John Mueller, who works on Search at Google, responded that while he can’t speak directly for Google News, he didn’t see anything specific to company blogs in their content policies. He recommended asking in the News publisher help community for more information and checking the performance reports in Search Console to see if pages are already being shown in Google News.

4. Google News Content Policies: Mueller noted that there isn’t anything specific to company blogs in the policies. However, those interested in getting into Google News should review the content policies, which include requirements for clear dates and bylines, information about the authors, publication, and publisher, information about the company or network behind the content, and contact information.

5. Getting Into Google News: It might be possible to get into Google News by passively publishing news content in a company blog, as Google can automatically discover news content. However, it could be beneficial to be more proactive by visiting Google’s publisher center and submitting a URL for consideration for inclusion into Google News.