Google’s recently announced “preferred sources” feature is not exactly new. The feature, which allows searchers to designate websites as sources in AI Overviews and AI Mode, has been in the “Top stories” section of search results, which appears for time-sensitive or newsworthy topics.
While “Top stories” is more for news publications, being a preferred source inside AI Overviews and AI Mode would help any website.
Preferred Sources FAQs
How does Google’s “preferred sources” work?
Searchers who assign a site as a preferred source see a label next to its name in AI Mode and AI Overviews.
“Preferred” labels appear next to preferred sources in AI Mode and AI Overviews. Image: Google.
Many questions remain. For example:
- Will preferred sources show for topics vaguely related to the query?
Say I query “FIFA World Cup.” Would AI Overviews show an article on, for example, England’s Premier League from one of my preferred sources?
- Will Google elevate visibility in search results to popular “preferred sources” websites?
The answer, in my view, is likely yes, since Google has historically relied on user-generated input in its ranking signals.
Regardless, “preferred sources” is an opportunity to entice readers or customers to a site more often.
How do I invite visitors to assign my site as a preferred source?
The process is easy but not entirely intuitive.
The first step is to create your unique site URL. Google allows only domains and subdomains, not subdirectories such as example.com/folder. Add your domain here instead of “example.com”:
https://google.com/preferences/source?q=example.com
Users who log in to Google and click the URL will see a prompt to add your site as a preferred source. You can add the link to your newsletter and website.
The unintuitive part is the need to check the box next to a domain to add it.
It’s a good idea to explain the process while sharing the link. For example, “Add our site as a preferred source in Google. Click the link and then check the box next to our domain.”
(Add Practical Ecommerce as a preferred source here.)
Check the box on the right to add a preferred source.
Why is this important?
Through its many updates and announcements, Google has made clear its evolution to personalized search results. Its post announcing preferred sources included:
When you come to Search, you’re looking for information you can trust from the sources, websites, and creators you value most.
In short, being a preferred source means increased visibility in AI answers, more returning visitors, and likely greater trust within Google’s ecosystem.
