Most business owners I speak to have never heard of Google Discover. That’s a problem.
While everyone’s chasing rankings on Google Search, Discover quietly delivers traffic to content that never needed to rank in the first place. It doesn’t rely on keywords. It doesn’t wait for someone to type a query. It just shows up — on your phone, in the Google app, before you’ve even thought about looking.
And when it works, it really works. You could even hit the jackpot and pick up 30,000 impressions in five days. No ads. Just the right content, at the right time.
If you’re serious about building a brand that outlasts algorithm changes and gets discovered before the search happens, Google Discover needs to be part of your content strategy.
What Is Google Discover?
If you use an Android phone or the Google app on iPhone, you’ve seen Discover, a personalised feed with articles, videos, and updates that match your interests. It’s predictive, not reactive. It shows content before the user searches — based on behaviour, browsing history, location, and interests.
So instead of competing for search rankings, you get in front of your audience when they’re passively browsing. That’s a huge opportunity, especially for businesses that publish content regularly.
How to Get Featured on Google Discover
No gaming the system, no submit button. Only creating content that the audience craves and Google wants to serve up. Here’s how to do it for your audience:
1) Write for real people, not search engines
Discover isn’t driven by keywords. If your headline is stuffed with SEO, it’s not getting picked up.
Do this instead:
- Use headlines that speak directly to the reader’s curiosity or concern.
- Make sure your content answers the headline — no clickbait.
- Think in terms of helpfulness, clarity, and interest. Would you read it?
2) Focus on timeliness and relevance
Discover loves content that’s fresh. That could mean seasonal guides, trending topics, or responses to recent events.
Examples:
- “How to Lower Your Power Bill This Winter”
- “EOFY Tips Every Small Business Owner Should Know”
- “Is Your Super Ready for the 2025 Rule Changes?”
3) Use high-quality, original images
This is sacrosanct. Discover is visual. If your featured image is low-res or looks like generic stock, you’ve already lost.
Do this instead:
- Use large images — at least 1200px wide.
- Add proper max-image-preview:large settings.
- Choose bold, relevant visuals that stand out in a feed.
4) Show real expertise
Google is picky about content quality. The more credible the author and site, the better your chances.
What to include:
- Author bios that prove subject matter expertise.
- Signals of trust: credentials, case studies, external links to reputable sources.
- A consistent voice across your content — Google knows who’s legit.
5) Make it mobile fiirst
Discover is 100 per cent mobile. Slow sites, cluttered layouts, and tiny fonts are a fast pass to nowhere.
Checklist:
- Your content should load in under 3 seconds.
- Font size should be readable without zooming.
- Avoid pop-ups that interrupt the experience.
6) Publish often and track everything
Consistency matters. The more useful content you publish, the more signals Google has to work with.
How to track:
- Use Google Search Console’s Discover performance report.
- Look at what’s getting picked up — and what isn’t.
- Adjust your headlines, timing, and topics based on what performs.
Why Google Discover Matters
Google is shifting towards predictive search. Discover, Perspectives, and AI Overviews all point to one thing: traditional search results are no longer the only game in town. If your content strategy only focuses on what people type, you’ll miss where people scroll. That’s why Discover isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a vitally important feed to future-proof your visibility by helping you showing up before your competitors are even in the running.
