Would appreciate some advice

Hello SEO experts,

Although I am not an expert in SEO, I have gained a reputation as a proficient SEO writer over the past few years.

I have recently taken on the role of editor for a new lifestyle digital website, targeted towards a specific city. The competition in this space, with big names like Time Out, Eater, and Thrillist, is daunting and I am feeling overwhelmed.

As the website is new with low traffic, I am looking for ways to make it more SEO-friendly in the hopes of improving visibility on Google, particularly in the News section and Google Discover.

I am seeking advice on optimizing the backend of the website to improve its chances of appearing in Google Discover and the News section. I have heard that E.A.T signals are important, along with time stamping articles, creating author bios with relevant keywords, and potentially generating backlinks (although I am unsure about purchasing them).

I would appreciate any assistance in getting the website noticed on Google Discover as soon as possible.

Optimizing your website for Google Discover and News requires a multifaceted approach, focusing on both technical SEO and content quality.

Technical SEO for Google Discover and News:

  • Structured Data: Implement schema markup to help Google understand the content on your pages. This includes using schema types like Article, NewsArticle, and Review, which are particularly relevant for Google News and Discover.
  • Mobile-First Indexing: Ensure your website is mobile-friendly and loads quickly. Google prioritizes mobile-first indexing, meaning it primarily uses the mobile version of your site for indexing and ranking.
  • HTTPS: Use HTTPS protocol to secure your website and signal to Google that your site is trustworthy.
  • Page Speed: Optimize your website for speed by minimizing HTTP requests, compressing images, and leveraging browser caching.
  • AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages): Consider implementing AMP for your articles, especially for news content. AMP pages load faster and improve user experience, which can boost visibility in Discover and News.

Content Quality and E.A.T:

  • E.A.T Signals: Focus on building a strong reputation for your website by ensuring your content demonstrates Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. This includes:
    • Author Bios: Create detailed author bios that highlight their expertise and relevant keywords.
    • Quality Content: Publish original, well-researched, and informative content that caters to your target audience.
    • Fact-Checking: Ensure all information is accurate and supported by credible sources.
  • Time Stamping: Use clear timestamps for all articles to indicate freshness and relevance.
  • Content Promotion: Promote your content on social media and other relevant platforms to drive traffic and engagement.
  • Backlinks: Focus on acquiring natural backlinks from reputable websites in your industry. While purchasing backlinks can be risky, building relationships with other websites through guest blogging, collaborations, and outreach can lead to valuable backlinks.

Remember, building a strong SEO foundation takes time and effort. Be patient, consistently publish high-quality content, and monitor your website’s performance using Google Analytics and Search Console.