WordPress SEO for Google Discover

Google Discover is a personalized content feed on mobile devices that shows articles, news, and blog posts based on user interests. Unlike traditional search results, Discover doesn’t rely on specific queries—it surfaces content proactively.

For WordPress site owners, getting featured in Google Discover can mean huge spikes in traffic and visibility.

This guide will explain how WordPress SEO for Google Discover works, what requirements you need to meet, and practical steps to optimize your site.

What is Google Discover?

Google Discover is a mobile feed inside the Google app and Chrome browser. It shows users:

• News articles

• Blog posts

• Evergreen content

• Videos and visual stories

Content is chosen based on user interests, search history, and engagement patterns.

Why Optimize for Google Discover?

• 📈 Massive Traffic – Discover can drive tens of thousands of clicks in a short time.

• 🌎 Brand Visibility – Your WordPress content can reach new audiences across Canada and globally.

• 🔎 Diversified Traffic – Not limited to keyword searches.

• 📰 Content Authority – Being featured increases trust and recognition.

Requirements for Google Discover

Google provides some guidelines for eligibility:

1. Mobile-Friendly Website – WordPress must be responsive and fast.

2. HTTPS Secure Connection – SSL certificates are mandatory.

3. High-Quality Images – At least 1200 px wide, ideally featured images.

4. Unique & Relevant Content – Articles should provide value beyond standard search content.

5. No Clickbait – Misleading titles reduce visibility in Discover.

Step 1: Optimize WordPress Content for Discover

• Use compelling headlines that spark curiosity but remain accurate.

• Write evergreen + trending content (guides, tutorials, industry news).

• Keep a balance between timely news and long-lasting content.

• Add structured data (Schema.org) for better indexing.

Step 2: Use High-Quality Visuals

Google Discover is visual-first. To stand out:

• Use large featured images (minimum 1200 px).

• Avoid stock images; use unique photos or graphics.

• Ensure images are compressed but high-resolution for mobile.

• Enable AMP or Web Stories for visual-rich experiences.

Step 3: Improve WordPress Technical SEO

• Install SEO plugins (Yoast, Rank Math, All in One SEO).

• Optimize Core Web Vitals: loading speed, interactivity, visual stability.

• Use caching plugins (LiteSpeed, WP Rocket) for faster performance.

• Enable lazy loading for images.

• Use a CDN (Cloudflare, Bunny.net, AWS CloudFront) to deliver content faster across Canada and worldwide.

Step 4: Build E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)

Google Discover favors authoritative content. To improve E-A-T:

• Add author bios with credentials.

• Use About Us and Contact pages for trust signals.

• Cite reputable sources within your articles.

• Encourage backlinks from trusted sites.

Step 5: Track Discover Traffic

You can track your Discover performance in Google Search Console under the Discover tab. It shows:

• Impressions

• Clicks

• Average CTR

• Top-performing articles

This data helps refine your content strategy.

Best Practices

• Publish consistently to stay relevant.

• Cover niche topics your audience follows.

• Use clear, engaging meta descriptions.

• Avoid excessive ads or intrusive pop-ups.

• Focus on quality over quantity of posts.

FAQ

1. Can any WordPress site appear in Google Discover?
Yes, as long as it follows Google’s content policies and optimization guidelines.

2. Do I need AMP for Google Discover?
Not mandatory, but AMP and Web Stories often perform better.

3. What type of content works best?
Trending news, how-to guides, evergreen articles, and visually rich posts.

4. Does Google Discover work in Canada?
Yes. It’s available in the Google app and Chrome for Canadian users.

5. How long does it take to appear in Discover?
There’s no guarantee, but optimized, timely content can show up within hours.