Google’s Preferred Sources feature rolls out to users in the U.S. and India after being tested in Labs—lets individual users highlight and prioritize the news sites. When users opt in, they can tap the star icon beside the Top Stories section, choose their favorite outlets, and see those sources appear more prominently in Top Stories and a dedicated “From your sources” carousel.
For marketers, SEOs, and site owners, this opens up a new avenue for targeted visibility. Encouraging loyal readers to mark your site as a preferred source could drive more consistent exposure in Top Stories. Google’s early Lab data shows users tend to choose four or more preferred sources, making it a meaningful opportunity for sites to secure repeat impressions and clicks. While the feature doesn’t replace algorithmic rankings, it gives publishers an edge in reaching highly engaged audiences.
No word on if Google will ever implement the feature that most users want: The ability to block some sites from never showing in results. This is our 27th year of asking and being denied.
As the CEO and founder of Pubcon and WebmasterWorld., Brett Tabke has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of online marketing and search engine optimization. His journey in the computer industry has spanned over three decades and has made him a pioneering force behind digital evolution. Full Bio
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