Google Discover has become a game-changer for publishers, offering a personalized content feed that delivers articles, videos, and more based on user interests. Unlike traditional search results that rely on keyword-based queries, Google Discover curates content based on user behavior, preferences, and engagement history. If you want to tap into this massive source of traffic, you need to optimize your content accordingly.
After spending years analyzing Google Discover data and fine-tuning optimization strategies, I’ve compiled the 10 best ways to increase your chances of appearing in Google Discover.
1. Use Eye-Catching, High-Quality Visuals
Google Discover is highly visual, so images matter more than ever. Articles featuring large, high-resolution images (at least 1200 pixels wide) tend to perform better. Avoid using logos as featured images, and enable the max-image-preview:large setting in your meta tags to ensure Google can display full-size visuals. Analyze your top-performing images to identify what resonates most with your audience.
2. Write Emotionally Engaging Headlines
Headlines play a critical role in attracting clicks. Content that sparks curiosity, evokes emotions, or presents unique insights performs better. However, avoid clickbait-style headlines that mislead users, as this can hurt your credibility. Instead, focus on human interest stories, thought-provoking insights, and trending topics that align with Google’s content guidelines.
3. Keep Content Safe and Family-Friendly
Google Discover prioritizes content that appeals to a broad audience. Any material containing nudity, graphic violence, or suggestive elements is unlikely to be featured. Even borderline NSFW content can get your articles disqualified. To maximize visibility, stick to family-friendly content and ensure that your site doesn’t mix NSFW with regular content.
4. Align Content with User Interests
Google Discover thrives on personalization, meaning your content should match user interests. Use tools like Google Trends, Buzzsumo, and your own analytics to identify trending topics that your audience cares about. The more relevant your content is, the higher the chances of Google surfacing it to the right users.
5. Optimize for a Mobile-First Experience
Since Google Discover is primarily used on mobile devices, your website needs to be fully optimized for fast loading speeds, mobile responsiveness, and a clean user experience.
- Ensure fonts are readable, buttons are easy to tap, and content loads instantly.
- Google’s Core Web Vitals play a role in Discover rankings, so focus on improving metrics like Time to First Byte (TTFB) to enhance performance.
6. Keep Content Fresh and Relevant
Fresh content often gets higher priority in Google Discover, especially when it covers trending topics. While evergreen articles can still appear, updating older posts with new insights and republishing with a current timestamp can boost their chances of resurfacing.
7. Enable the “Follow” Feature with RSS and Structured Data
Google Discover allows users to follow their favorite publishers via Chrome and Android devices. To take advantage of this feature:
- Ensure your site has a valid RSS or Atom feed.
- Use structured data (schema.org/Organization & schema.org/WebSite) to help Google recognize your brand.
This feature helps you build direct relationships with readers and increase repeat visits.
8. Build a Loyal, Returning Audience
Google Discover prefers content from websites that users frequently engage with. To build a loyal audience:
- Encourage email subscriptions and push notifications.
- Increase direct traffic by promoting your content on social media.
- Boost user engagement through high-value, shareable content that keeps visitors coming back.
More engagement = higher chances of appearing in Discover.
9. Craft Compelling & Accurate Headlines
Your headline is your first impression, so make it count! Avoid misleading or overly exaggerated titles that might disappoint readers. Instead, focus on:
- ✅ Clear and engaging wording that represents the article accurately.
- ✅ Curiosity-driven but honest headlines.
- ✅ Using OG:title meta tags to improve Discover display formatting.
10. Track & Analyze Performance in Google Search Console
To refine your Google Discover strategy, monitor your Discover traffic report in Google Search Console. This data will help you:
- Identify top-performing pages.
- Understand click-through rates (CTR).
- Spot patterns and trends to improve your content strategy.
By consistently analyzing and tweaking your approach, you can increase your chances of appearing in Google Discover and drive more organic traffic to your site.
FAQs About Optimizing for Google Discover
What is Google Discover?
Google Discover is a personalized content feed that shows articles, videos, and other web content based on a user’s interests and browsing history rather than traditional keyword searches.
How does Google Discover select content?
Google Discover uses AI to analyze user behavior, interests, and engagement history to recommend content that aligns with their preferences.
Can I rank in Google Discover with SEO tactics?
Yes, but Discover optimization differs from traditional SEO. It focuses more on high-quality visuals, engaging content, user engagement, and structured data rather than just keyword rankings.
What type of content performs best on Google Discover?
Content with high-quality images, emotional appeal, trending topics, and strong engagement metrics tends to perform well. Articles should provide value and encourage curiosity.
Does Google Discover favor mobile-friendly websites?
Yes, Google Discover is primarily used on mobile devices. Having a fast, responsive, and mobile-optimized website improves your chances of appearing in the feed.
How can I track my performance in Google Discover?
You can check the Discover report in Google Search Console to see which articles are appearing, their click-through rates, and overall performance.
How important are images for Google Discover?
Extremely important! Large, high-resolution images (at least 1200px wide) significantly improve visibility and engagement in Discover.
Can updating old content help in Google Discover?
Yes, refreshing old content with updated information, new images, and a recent timestamp can increase its chances of being featured in Discover.
Final Thoughts
Optimizing for Google Discover isn’t just about SEO—it’s about delivering engaging, high-quality content that users genuinely want to see. By focusing on visual appeal, mobile experience, audience engagement, and structured data, you can improve your chances of success on this powerful platform.
Start implementing these strategies today, and watch your Google Discover traffic grow! 🚀
