Getting Traffic from Google Discover

I’ll never forget the day I stumbled upon Google Discover. It was like finding a hidden treasure trove of untapped traffic! As an SEO enthusiast, I was always on the lookout for new ways to drive visitors to my clients’ websites. But Discover, oh Discover, this was a game-changer.

At first, I’ll admit, I was a bit skeptical. I mean, how could this mysterious, personalized feed of content be a reliable source of traffic? Wasn’t SEO all about optimizing for specific keywords and outranking the competition? Well, let me tell you, my friends, Discover is a whole different beast.

See, Discover is all about tapping into the unique interests and behaviors of your target audience. It’s not about keywords or competition – it’s about understanding what your audience craves and serving it up to them on a silver platter. And let me tell you, when you get it right, the results can be absolutely mind-blowing.

Google’s own documentation explains that Discover is all about “showing people content related to their interests, based on their Web and App Activity.” In other words, it’s a personalized feed that caters to each individual user’s unique preferences and browsing habits.

So, how do you harness the power of this magical traffic source? Well, buckle up, because I’m about to share some of the top tips and tricks I’ve learned from my extensive experience working with clients on their Discover strategies.

Understand the Volatility of Discover Traffic

First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand that Discover traffic can be, well, a bit of a rollercoaster ride. One day, you could be raking in thousands of visitors, and the next, your numbers could plummet. It’s the nature of the beast, as they say.

Google has been upfront about this, explaining that Discover traffic can fluctuate for a variety of reasons, from changes in user interests to algorithm updates. So, it’s important to set realistic expectations and not rely on Discover as your sole source of traffic.

Think of it like a bonus – a delightful little surprise that can add some extra oomph to your overall traffic strategy. But don’t be too devastated if those numbers take a dip. It’s all part of the Discover game.

Optimize Your Content for Discover Eligibility

Okay, now that we’ve got the volatility out of the way, let’s talk about getting your content eligible for Discover. The good news is that if your content is already indexed by Google, you’re halfway there. But there are a few key things you need to keep in mind.

First and foremost, your images need to be on point. Google recommends using large, high-quality images that are at least 1200 pixels wide. And don’t just slap any old image on there – choose something that’s going to capture your audience’s attention and make them want to click.

I’ve seen some of my clients absolutely crush it with custom-designed, eye-catching images that just scream, “Click me!” They’ve played around with things like overlays, emotive expressions, and even multi-panel setups to create a truly irresistible visual experience.

But it’s not just about the images – your content needs to be engaging, informative, and, most importantly, aligned with your audience’s interests. Google Discover is all about personalization, so the more you can tap into the unique passions and preferences of your target users, the better.

Leverage the Power of Headlines and Visuals

Speaking of engagement, let’s talk about the secret sauce of Discover success: headlines and visuals. These two elements are the make-or-break factors when it comes to driving those all-important clicks.

Research has shown that somewhat “clickbaity” headlines (without being overtly misleading, of course) can work wonders in Discover. Think about it – your content is competing with a never-ending scroll of enticing options, so you need to find a way to stand out.

But don’t worry, you don’t have to resort to cheap tricks. Just focus on piquing your audience’s curiosity and tapping into their emotions. Use strong, emotive language, and don’t be afraid to get a little bit cheeky. After all, Discover is all about creating a personalized experience, and a bit of personality can go a long way.

And remember, that eye-catching image we talked about earlier? It’s not just there to look pretty – it’s a crucial part of the Discover equation. Google recommends using large, high-quality images that are going to make your content stand out in that sea of options.

Understand Your Audience’s Interests and Affinities

Now, I know I’ve been throwing a lot of technical jargon and best practices at you, but the truth is, the key to Discover success lies in understanding your audience. Discover is all about tapping into the unique interests and affinities of each individual user, so the more you can get inside their heads, the better.

Start by taking a deep dive into your Google Search Console data and identifying the topics and entities that are driving the most Discover traffic to your site. Are there certain themes or subjects that seem to resonate particularly well with your audience? Make a note of those and double down on creating more content along those lines.

You can also use social listening tools like Sprout or Buzzsumo to stay on top of the latest trends and conversations in your industry. Staying in touch with your audience’s evolving interests is key to keeping your Discover strategy fresh and relevant.

And don’t forget to create a dedicated Google persona that matches your target audience’s interests, follows, and search history. This will give you a prime vantage point to see what your ideal users are seeing in their Discover feeds, and you can use that intel to inform your content strategy.

Embrace the Volatility and Stay Flexible

Alright, now that you’ve got the technical side of things down, it’s time to embrace the wild ride that is Google Discover. As I mentioned earlier, traffic from Discover can be incredibly volatile, with huge spikes and sudden drops. But that’s all part of the fun, right?

The key is to stay flexible and adaptable. Pay close attention to your Discover performance over time, and be ready to tweak your strategy on the fly. Maybe a certain type of content is performing particularly well one month, and then the next, it’s fallen flat. Don’t be afraid to experiment, and don’t get too attached to any one approach.

And remember, Discover is not the be-all and end-all of your traffic strategy. It should be a complementary piece of the puzzle, not the entire foundation. Keep focusing on your core SEO efforts to drive sustainable, long-term traffic, and use Discover as a way to add a little extra oomph to your overall marketing efforts.

So, there you have it, folks – my top tips for harnessing the power of Google Discover. It’s a wild and wonderful world out there, and I can’t wait to see what kind of traffic-driving magic you’ll create. Happy Discovering!