Google continuously develops its search engine, recently unveiling a feature called Preferred Sources.
This tool is now live in the United States and India, enabling users to customize their search results by selecting which news publishers they wish to see more frequently in the Top Stories area.
Unlike Google’s standard ranking systems, this feature permits users to bookmark or mark their preferred websites.
These selected sources then receive priority when displaying relevant news content in response to user queries.
Having learned about this feature, you might want to understand how to use it and what advantages it offers when searching on Google.
Reasons to add your local Newsquest publication as a Preferred Source on Google
By setting Newsquest publications as Preferred Sources, readers can remain informed about breaking news in their community and access comprehensive coverage spanning court proceedings, crime reports, sports, and travel matters.
The reporting also includes information about road closures, train cancellations, general traffic situations, and local activities such as community events, concerts, and performances.
Additionally, readers can discover updates about new retail establishments and dining options in their area, helping support local businesses.
Instructions for utilizing Preferred Sources in Google Search to customize your results
Follow the step-by-step guidance available in our video or continue reading below.
When conducting a search for a popular topic on Google, a star symbol appears beside the Top Stories section heading.
Select the star, then find and choose your preferred sources such as BBC, Sky News, or local publications.
Once refreshed, Google will display additional stories from those sources in the Top Stories section, along with a specific area labeled “from your sources” positioned beneath Top Stories.
Users may add as many sources to their favorites as desired and can manage or delete them at any time through their search personalization settings.
What is Spotlighting Subscriptions?
Google is additionally rolling out Spotlighting Subscriptions, which surfaces links from your paid news subscriptions within your search results.
Alongside Preferred Sources, you will also see reliable content from platforms to which you subscribe and want to see appearing in your search results.