Search engine technology is always evolving and Google is no different with its newly introduced Preferred Sources.
The new feature, which has already rolled out in the US and India, allows users to personalise their results in Google Search so they can choose which news outlets they want to see more often in the Top Stories section.
It goes beyond Google’s ranking algorithms and lets you “star” or select your favourite sites.
Google then prioritises those sources when showing relevant news results to its users’ queries.
Now you know what it is, you might wonder how to use it and how it could benefit you when searching via Google.
Why you should favourite your local Newsquest title as a Preferred Source on Google
When Newsquest titles are set up as Preferred Sources, readers can expect to stay up to date with the latest breaking news in their area and receive an in-depth analysis of everything from court and crime to sport and travel.
Coverage extends to road closures and train cancellations as well as general traffic incidents and what's on in their area, including community events, concerts and gigs.
Readers will also be able to support their local businesses with news of the latest retail and food and drink openings.
How to use Preferred Sources in Google Search to personalise search results
You can follow the step-by-step instructions in our video or read through them in this article.
When you search for a trending topic using Google, you’ll see a star icon next to the Top Stories header.
Click the star, then search and select your preferred sources (e.g. BBC, Sky News, or local titles).
After refreshing, Google will show more stories from those sources in the Top Stories carousel and a dedicated section called “from your sources” below Top Stories.
You can add as many sources to your favourites as you’d like and you can manage or remove them anytime via your search personalisation settings.
What is Spotlighting Subscriptions?
Google is also introducing Spotlighting Subscriptions which highlights links from your paid news subscriptions within your search results.
Alongside Preferred Sources, you will see the trusted content from platforms you subscribe to and want to see within search.
Share