Google Discover is a powerful platform for driving traffic to your content, but it comes with strict policies that must be adhered to. Recently, Google has updated its guidelines regarding policy violations in Google Discover, shedding light on the types of content that may be penalized or removed from this feed. Understanding these policies is crucial for publishers who rely on Discover to reach their audience.
What is Google Discover?
Google Discover is ‘query-less’ a personalized content feed that appears on mobile devices, showcasing articles, videos, and other content based on a user’s interests and search history. Unlike traditional search results, Discover doesn’t require users to input queries; instead, it proactively surfaces content that Google believes will be of interest.
For publishers, appearing in Google Discover can lead to significant spikes in traffic. However, getting your content featured isn’t just about good SEO—it’s also about adhering to Google’s content policies.
Overview of Google Discover Policy Violations
Google’s recent updates emphasize the importance of maintaining high-quality content that aligns with its policies. Violating these policies can result in reduced visibility in Discover or even removal from the feed altogether. Here are some key areas where violations commonly occur:
Misinformation and Deceptive Content: Google has made it clear that content containing misinformation, misleading claims, or deceptive practices is strictly prohibited. This includes fabricated stories, clickbait titles that misrepresent the content, and doctored images or videos.
Harmful and Dangerous Content: Content that promotes violence, hate speech, or any form of harmful behavior is also a major violation. This includes glorifying dangerous activities, promoting illegal substances, or inciting violence against individuals or groups.
Content Quality: Low-quality content, such as articles stuffed with keywords, excessive ads, or pages with little original content, can also be flagged. Google Discover prioritizes content that provides real value to users, so ensuring your content is well-written, informative, and engaging is essential.
Adult Content: Content that is sexually explicit or suggestive, or that promotes adult services, is not allowed in Google Discover. This includes not just the content itself but also the images and metadata associated with it.
Manipulative Media: Google is particularly vigilant about content that uses manipulative tactics to gain clicks or views. This includes misleading thumbnail images, fake play buttons, and exaggerated or sensational claims.
An X user, Gagan Ghotra posted on X , “Google is issuing Discover policy violations today. We got this for 7 publishers today – although I can’t share site URLs. But for all of the sample violating URLs which Google is highlighting – it’s a catchy headline/title which is a common practice to get better CTR from Discover.”
Not sure what to say about this because personally I don't even like to have crazy headlines/title but that works for getting crazy high CTR from Google Discover ........... https://t.co/exA04FOrDO
— Gagan Ghotra (@gaganghotra_) August 27, 2024
This specific violation talks about creating content with ‘Click-bait’ headlines which seems misleading. It could also include misleading thumbnail, fake play buttons or sensational claims.
Consequences of Policy Violations
If your content violates Google Discover’s policies, the consequences can be significant. Violating content may be demoted in the feed or removed entirely, leading to a substantial loss of traffic. In some cases, repeated violations can result in a broader site-level penalty, where all of your content is suppressed in Discover.
To avoid these penalties, it’s crucial to regularly review Google’s content policies and ensure your content meets their standards. Tools like Google Search Console can help you monitor your site’s performance in Discover and identify any issues that might arise.
Best Practices for Staying Compliant
To maximize your chances of appearing in Google Discover while avoiding policy violations, consider these best practices:
Focus on High-Quality Content: Prioritize content that provides real value to users. This includes well-researched articles, original reporting, and engaging multimedia elements.
Avoid Clickbait: Ensure that your headlines and thumbnails accurately represent the content. Misleading titles may lead to short-term gains in clicks but can result in long-term penalties.
Stay Informed: Google’s policies are subject to change, so it’s essential to stay informed about the latest updates. Regularly check Google’s guidelines and make adjustments to your content strategy as needed.
Monitor Your Content: Use Google Search Console and other analytics tools to keep an eye on how your content is performing in Discover. If you notice a sudden drop in traffic, investigate whether a policy violation might be the cause.
To avoid these penalties, it’s crucial to regularly review Google’s content policies and ensure your content meets their standards. Tools like Google Search Console can help you monitor your site’s performance in Discover and identify any issues that might arise.
Google Discover offers an incredible opportunity for publishers to reach new audiences, but it comes with strict content guidelines that must be followed. By understanding and adhering to these policies, you can ensure that your content remains visible in Discover, driving traffic and engagement without risking penalties.
