How to Get Your WordPress Site Into Google Discover (8 Tips)

Understanding Google Discover: Beyond Traditional SEO

Google Discover is a personalized content feed that appears on Google’s app and on Android devices, offering users content they might find interesting based on their Google activity. Unlike Google Search, which relies on users actively searching for information, Discover proactively pushes content to users who haven’t explicitly searched for it. This makes it a powerful channel for reaching a wider audience and driving traffic to your WordPress site.

Think of Google Discover as serendipitous discovery. It’s about connecting users with information they didn’t know they needed, but will find valuable. Because of this, the rules of engagement differ from traditional SEO. While SEO focuses on ranking for specific keywords, Discover emphasizes topical authority, user interest, and visually appealing content.

Why Google Discover Matters for Your WordPress Site

Getting your WordPress site into Google Discover can significantly boost traffic and visibility. Here’s why it matters:

• Increased traffic: Discover can send a substantial amount of traffic to your site, often exceeding traffic from traditional search.
• Broader reach: You can reach users who aren’t actively searching for your content, expanding your audience beyond your usual readership.
• Brand awareness: Discover helps expose your brand to a wider audience, increasing brand recognition and authority.
• Engagement and loyalty: By providing valuable and engaging content, you can attract new readers and build a loyal following.

Tip 1: Focus on High-Quality, Engaging Content

The foundation of getting into Google Discover is creating content that users find valuable, interesting, and engaging. Google prioritizes content that resonates with users, keeping them coming back for more.

• Write for humans, not just search engines: Create content that is informative, entertaining, and easy to read.
• Cover topics your audience cares about: Research your target audience’s interests and create content that addresses their needs and desires.
• Go deep on topics: Provide in-depth coverage of your chosen topics, establishing yourself as an authority in your niche.
• Tell stories: Use storytelling techniques to make your content more engaging and memorable.

Tip 2: Master the Art of Visuals

Visual appeal is crucial for success in Google Discover. Eye-catching images and videos are essential for capturing users’ attention and encouraging them to click through to your site.

• Use high-quality images: Invest in professional-quality photos or use stock photos that are relevant and visually appealing.
• Optimize images for Discover: Use images that are at least 1200 pixels wide and enable them by using the `max-image-preview:large` setting. This can be done by using an `amp-article` tag, or by setting that attribute in a `meta` tag.
• Consider using video: Video content is highly engaging and can significantly increase your chances of appearing in Discover.
• Create custom graphics: Design custom graphics that are unique to your brand and visually appealing.
• Ensure images are relevant and represent the content: Avoid using generic or irrelevant images.

Tip 3: Leverage Timeliness and Trends

Google Discover favors content that is timely and relevant to current events. Keeping up with trends and publishing content that addresses popular topics can increase your chances of appearing in the feed.

• Stay informed about current events: Follow news sources and social media to stay up-to-date on trending topics.
• Publish timely content: Create content that addresses current events or trends in your niche.
• Repurpose existing content: Update older content with fresh information and insights to make it more relevant.
• Use Google Trends: Research popular search queries to identify trending topics and create content around them.

Tip 4: Optimize for Mobile Friendliness

Given that Google Discover is primarily accessed on mobile devices, ensuring your WordPress site is mobile-friendly is paramount. A responsive design and fast loading times are crucial for a positive user experience.

• Use a responsive WordPress theme: Choose a theme that automatically adjusts to different screen sizes.
• Optimize images for mobile: Compress images to reduce file size and improve loading times on mobile devices.
• Improve website speed: Use caching plugins and optimize your code to reduce page load times.
• Test your site on mobile devices: Regularly test your site on different mobile devices to ensure it looks and functions properly.

Tip 5: Build Topical Authority

Establishing yourself as an authority on a particular topic can significantly improve your chances of appearing in Google Discover. By consistently publishing high-quality content on a specific subject, you can demonstrate your expertise to Google and attract a wider audience.

• Focus on a niche: Choose a specific niche and create content that caters to that audience.
• Publish consistently: Regularly publish new content to demonstrate your commitment to your chosen topic.
• Create pillar content: Develop comprehensive guides or articles that cover your chosen topic in depth.
• Link internally: Link to related content on your site to create a network of information and improve user engagement.

Tip 6: Optimize Titles and Descriptions

While Discover isn’t directly tied to keyword searches, captivating titles and compelling descriptions are vital for attracting clicks within the feed. These elements act as teasers, enticing users to learn more.

• Write compelling titles: Use strong keywords and create titles that pique users’ curiosity.
• Craft engaging descriptions: Write concise and informative descriptions that accurately represent the content of your article.
• Use emotional language: Incorporate emotional words and phrases to connect with readers on a deeper level.
• Test different titles and descriptions: Experiment with different variations to see which ones perform best.

Tip 7: Understand and Adhere to Google’s Discover Policies

Google has specific policies for content that appears in Discover. Violating these policies can result in your content being removed from the feed. Familiarize yourself with these guidelines and ensure your content adheres to them.

• Avoid clickbait: Don’t use misleading or sensationalized titles or descriptions to attract clicks.
• Don’t promote hate speech: Avoid publishing content that promotes hatred, discrimination, or violence.
• Don’t spread misinformation: Ensure the information you publish is accurate and reliable.
• Don’t promote illegal activities: Avoid publishing content that promotes illegal activities or products.
• Respect copyright laws: Ensure you have the rights to use all images and content on your site.

Tip 8: Monitor Your Performance and Adapt

Regularly monitor your performance in Google Discover to identify what’s working and what’s not. Use Google Search Console to track your Discover traffic and impressions, and adjust your strategy accordingly.

• Use Google Search Console: Track your Discover performance in Google Search Console.
• Analyze your data: Identify which types of content are performing best in Discover.
• Experiment with different strategies: Try new approaches and see what works for your audience.
• Stay patient: It takes time to build a presence in Google Discover, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately.
• Adapt to algorithm updates: Google’s algorithms are constantly evolving, so stay informed about updates and adjust your strategy accordingly.