How to set up google news for your website

Setting up Google News for your website involves several steps, which I'll outline below. Please note that Google News has specific guidelines and requirements for inclusion, so make sure to review those before proceeding.

Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Criteria

Before applying to Google News, ensure your website meets the following criteria:

  1. Content quality: Your website must publish high-quality, original content that is relevant to a specific geographic region or topic.
  2. Frequency of updates: Your website must be updated regularly, with a minimum of 50 articles per year.
  3. Content format: Your website must publish articles, news stories, or other types of content that are similar to those found in traditional news sources.

Step 2: Create a Google News Sitemap

A Google News sitemap is an XML file that helps Google understand your website's structure and content. To create a sitemap:

  1. Choose a sitemap generator: You can use online tools like Sitemap Generator or Sitemap Protocol to create a sitemap.
  2. Include essential elements: Your sitemap should include the following elements:
    • <url> tags for each article, including the article's title, publication date, and URL.
    • <news> tags to indicate that the content is news-related.
    • <language> tags to specify the language of your content.
  3. Submit your sitemap: Upload your sitemap to your website's root directory and submit it to Google Search Console.

Step 3: Optimize Your Website for Google News

To increase your chances of being accepted into Google News, optimize your website for search engines:

  1. Use descriptive titles and meta descriptions: Ensure your article titles and meta descriptions accurately reflect the content of each article.
  2. Use header tags: Organize your content using header tags (H1, H2, H3, etc.) to help search engines understand your article's structure.
  3. Use keywords: Include relevant keywords in your article's content, but avoid keyword stuffing.
  4. Use a consistent URL structure: Use a consistent URL structure for your articles, including the date and title of each article.

Step 4: Apply to Google News

Once you've optimized your website, apply to Google News:

  1. Fill out the application form: Go to the Google News application form and fill out the required information, including your website's URL, contact information, and a brief description of your content.
  2. Submit your application: Submit your application and wait for Google's review process.

Step 5: Monitor and Improve

After your application is reviewed, monitor your website's performance in Google News and make improvements as needed:

  1. Track your website's performance: Use Google Analytics and Search Console to track your website's traffic, engagement, and search engine rankings.
  2. Improve your content: Continuously create high-quality, engaging content that meets the needs of your audience.
  3. Address any issues: If you receive any notifications from Google about issues with your website, address them promptly to avoid being removed from Google News.

Remember, being accepted into Google News is not a guarantee, and Google reserves the right to reject or remove any website that does not meet its guidelines and requirements.