Google launches new embed for publishers to boost content visibility

Google’s Preferred Sources button shown in its light and dark themes. — Image credit: Search Engine Journal

Google launched a new Preferred Sources embed Tuesday, allowing readers globally to add publications as preferred sources in a single action and immediately return to the original article.

The initiative aims to improve user experience and offers webmasters streamlined integration options, potentially increasing content visibility for eligible publications within Google‘s ecosystem.

The new embed allows users to influence their individual Google experience by highlighting content from chosen publications in features like AI Overviews and AI Mode, according to Google.

Publications must be eligible by appearing in Google’s source preferences tool, which supports integration across domains and subdomains but not subdirectories.

Google recommends a standard JavaScript implementation for the button, which automatically localizes to the reader’s browser language and returns them to the original page after selection.

For environments where JavaScript cannot be added, such as email or social media posts, a deeplink option is available, though it requires an additional user action compared to the direct embed.

Publishers can customize the button’s appearance with light or dark themes and specify languages, or allow it to default to the reader’s browser settings.

Liz Reid, a Google representative, said the new tool simplifies the process for both users and publishers, making it easier for readers to follow their preferred content creators.

To further assist publishers, Google has provided a WordPress widget code, allowing WordPress site administrators to easily add the Preferred Sources button and customize its theme and alignment.

The company stated in a guide that the simplified process aims to foster stronger connections between publishers and their audiences by making source preferences more accessible.

Source: Search Engine Journal