Get Chosen As A Preferred Source On Google

Google’s new Preferred Sources feature is shaking up the world of online publishing. This game-changing update allows users to “star” their favorite news outlets, giving them prime placement in Top Stories.

At Emplibot, we’re excited about the potential this holds for publishers to boost their visibility and engagement. In this post, we’ll break down how to become a preferred source on Google and maximize your chances of being starred by readers.

What Is Google’s Preferred Sources Feature?

A New Tool for Personalized News Consumption

Google’s Preferred Sources feature empowers users to customize their Top Stories section. This tool allows readers to select their favorite news sites to see their content more often, giving them more control over the content they see. Publishers now have a unique opportunity to increase their visibility and engagement on Google’s search results pages.

How Users Select Preferred Sources

When users search for a news topic, they’ll notice an icon next to the Top Stories section. A click on this icon opens a menu where they can select their preferred sources. Articles from these chosen sources will then appear more prominently in the Top Stories section (when relevant content is available).

Initial Rollout and Future Expansion

Google has launched this feature in the United States and India (as of August 12, 2025). While the company hasn’t announced a specific timeline for global expansion, we expect it to reach other countries in the near future. This phased rollout gives publishers in these initial markets a competitive advantage to optimize their strategies.

Multiple Sources, Diverse Content

One of the most exciting aspects of this feature is the ability for users to add multiple outlets as preferred sources. This presents an excellent opportunity for publishers to compete for spots in users’ preferred lists.

Publishers should focus on creating high-quality, timely content that resonates with their target audience. Consistent delivery of value increases the chances of being selected as a preferred source by multiple users. Tools like Emplibot can help maintain this consistency by automating the content creation process, ensuring a steady stream of fresh, relevant articles.

The key to becoming a preferred source isn’t just about getting starred once. It’s about building a loyal readership that consistently turns to your content for information. Producing frequent, timely posts helps you stay top-of-mind for your audience and increases the likelihood of being chosen as a preferred source on Google.

As we explore the benefits of being a preferred source in the next section, you’ll see why this feature is a game-changer for publishers looking to boost their online presence and engagement.

Why Becoming a Preferred Source Matters

Skyrocketing Visibility

When users select your publication as a preferred source, your content gains prime real estate in their Top Stories section. This increased visibility translates to more eyeballs on your articles. Google’s Preferred Sources feature for Top Stories allows users to select preferred news sources by clicking a starred icon positioned to the right of the Top Stories. This boost in visibility can transform your traffic metrics.

Building a Loyal Readership

Preferred source status elevates you from just another link in search results to a go-to resource for your readers. This status fosters trust and familiarity. Consistent appearance in Top Stories nurtures a relationship that could lead to increased subscriptions or paid content opportunities.

Indirect SEO Benefits

Google hasn’t explicitly stated that preferred source status directly impacts overall search rankings. However, the indirect benefits are clear. Higher click-through rates and increased time on site (both likely outcomes of preferred source status) send positive signals to Google’s algorithm. These engagement metrics can contribute to improved rankings across the board, not just in the Top Stories section.

Content Strategy Optimization

To maximize these benefits, your content strategy should focus on creating articles that keep readers on your site longer. This approach involves producing comprehensive, well-researched pieces that encourage deeper engagement. The goal isn’t just to get clicks, but to provide value that keeps readers coming back for more.

Competitive Edge in the Digital Landscape

Securing a spot as a preferred source gives you a significant advantage over competitors who haven’t yet optimized for this feature. It positions your brand as a trusted authority in your niche, potentially leading to increased brand recognition and thought leadership status. This edge can be particularly valuable in crowded markets where standing out is a challenge.

As we move forward, let’s explore the practical steps you can take to increase your chances of becoming a preferred source on Google. These actionable strategies will help you leverage this new feature to its fullest potential.

How to Become a Preferred Source on Google

Optimize Your Website for User Action

Add a prominent call-to-action (CTA) banner across your website to encourage users to select you as a preferred source on Google. These CTAs should be visually appealing and strategically positioned. For instance, you could add a floating banner at the bottom of articles or place it in a visible location (such as the header or sidebar) with clear instructions on how to star your content. For example: “Love our content? Make us your preferred source on Google Search!” Include a brief explanation of the benefits, like “See more of our articles in your Top Stories.”

Increase Your Content Production

Frequency and timeliness are essential to become a preferred source. Try to publish multiple news-style posts daily, covering trending topics in your niche. This approach keeps your content fresh and relevant, which increases the chances of appearing in Top Stories. Emplibot can help automate this process, ensuring a steady stream of timely, high-quality content without overwhelming your team.

Use Structured Data

Implement Article or NewsArticle schema markup on your content pages. This structured data helps Google understand and categorize your content more effectively, potentially improving your visibility in search results and Top Stories. Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper can assist in implementing this technical SEO element correctly.

Build Site Credibility

Create clear and easily accessible masthead and contact pages. This transparency builds trust with both users and search engines. Include detailed information about your editorial team, content policies, and how to reach you.

Promote Across Multiple Channels

Advertise your Google preferred source status across all your communication channels. Send targeted emails to your subscriber list explaining how to star your content. Create social media posts with step-by-step instructions, possibly using visuals or short videos to guide users through the process.

To further enhance your chances of becoming a preferred source, follow our practical 9-step checklist and implement strategies to mobilize your audience effectively.

Final Thoughts

Google’s Preferred Sources feature transforms digital publishing, offering content creators a unique opportunity to increase visibility and engagement. This tool allows users to customize their news consumption, giving publishers a chance to secure a prime spot in readers’ Top Stories sections. The benefits of becoming a preferred source on Google include increased visibility, higher engagement rates, and potential improvements in overall search rankings.

Publishers must focus on creating high-quality, timely content consistently to leverage this opportunity fully. Emplibot can automate content creation, SEO optimization, and distribution across various platforms, enabling publishers to maintain a steady stream of engaging posts. This consistent output is essential for staying top-of-mind with readers and increasing the likelihood of being selected as a preferred source on Google.

The potential for increased traffic and engagement through this feature is significant. As users become more accustomed to customizing their news feeds, being a preferred source will likely become increasingly valuable. Publishers who act now to optimize their strategies and encourage their audience to “star” them on Google will position themselves to reap the benefits as this feature expands globally.