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How to Get on Google Discover
Ed Coles
SEO Lead
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What is Google Discover?
Google Discover is a personalised content feed available on the Google app and mobile homepage. Instead of users actively searching, Discover proactively serves them content based on their interests, browsing history, and engagement patterns.
For publishers, brands, and marketers, getting featured on Google Discover can be a traffic goldmine. Unlike traditional search, where you compete for keywords, Discover puts your content directly in front of users who are likely to be interested—often resulting in huge spikes in visibility and engagement.
How to appear on Google Discover
Before a site can appear on Google Discover, it must meet some baseline requirements:
Google News approval isn’t mandatory, but helpful
While you don’t need to be a Google News-approved publisher, sites that already meet those standards often perform better on Discover.
EEATT signals (Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)
Google prioritises credible sources. This means citing experts, having clear author bylines, building domain authority, and avoiding thin or clickbait content.
Mobile optimisation is essential
Since Discover is a mobile-first experience, a responsive, fast-loading, mobile-friendly website is vital.
Key Ranking Factors
Google Discover doesn’t use traditional search rankings, but several elements influence what gets shown:
- Engaging headlines – Titles that spark curiosity without being misleading tend to perform best.
- High-quality visuals – Large, compelling images improve click-through rates. Google recommends images at least 1200px wide.
- Fresh, updated content – Recent updates, trending topics, and new posts are more likely to appear.
- Strong Visuals – Images and videos are a key part of Discover. Always include high-resolution images, ensure proper Open Graph and schema markup, and avoid generic stock photography when possible.
Write Evergreen + Trending Content
Discover rewards both current and timeless content. Cover trending stories for immediate spikes, while also investing in evergreen pieces that can resurface whenever the topic gains relevance again.
Improve Site Speed and UX
A slow site can kill your chances at discoverability. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to identify where your site is slow and then look to optimise loading times, compress images, and reduce unnecessary scripts. Remember, what’s good for the user is also good for Google. Having a smooth UX and simple user journey helps keep readers engaged, which in turn sends positive signals back to Google.
Ensure Mobile-First Design
Your site should be designed for mobile users first, not desktop. This includes readable font sizes, easy navigation, and touch-friendly design elements.
Conclusion & Actionable Checklist
Getting on Google Discover is all about aligning your content with what users want to engage with. Focus on quality, authority, and mobile-first experiences, and Discover can become a recurring traffic source. Below is a simple checklist to help you get started:
Google Discover Checklist:
- Ensure your site meets Google News and EEAT standards
- Optimise all content for mobile-first indexing
- Use high-quality, large visuals (1200px+)
- Create a mix of trending and evergreen content
- Write engaging, curiosity-driven headlines
- Improve site speed and UX for smooth user experiences
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