Google users have been complaining about the dropping quality of search results for the last few years, but a new feature aims to fix just that. The tech giant has introduced a new feature called “Preferred Sources” that enables users to curate their search results.
In a blog post, Google said that the new feature allows users to add their favourite websites, which will appear in Search’s “Top Stories” section. For those unaware, the Top Stories section displays a bunch of relevant articles from around the web and appears when users search for something related to a recent or ongoing trend.
The Top Stories section will also be filled with fresh articles published from your favourite news outlets and blogs on the search results page. As it turns out, news from your “preferred sources” will also be included in a new “from your sources” section. The feature, which was in testing since June, is now available for Google users living in India and the United States. Since Google is gradually rolling out the new feature, you may have to wait a few days before it is available for your account.
Here’s how you can add tell Google about your preferred sources. (Express Photo)
How do I select “Preferred Sources” in Google Search?
1. To set your Preferred Sources in Google Search, simply search for a topic that’s in the news and click on the icon that appears to the right of the “Top Stories” section.
2. This will open an overlay where you will be able to search for sources. In the ‘Search for sources’ text box, enter the name of the publication or the news outlet.
3. Once done, hit the “Reload results” button that appears at the bottom of the overlay, and Google will now show you results from your preferred sources in the “Top Stories” section.
Now, stories from your preferred sources will appear more frequently in your Top Stories section as well as in the dedicated “From your sources” section on the search results page. One thing to note is that content from other websites will still appear in search results. Also, you can choose an unlimited number of preferred sources.
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Google said more than half of the users who had early access to the new feature added more than four sources. The new functionality is useful for readers who often get bombarded with low-quality content when looking for something on the internet. And with AI search engines now driving 96 per cent less traffic to news websites and blogs, the new feature might also help publications increase engagement and traffic.
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