How To Grow Your Traffic With Google Discover [Ep. 106]
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*A big thanks to Travelpayouts for sponsoring this episode on Google Discover traffic
Want to learn how to grow your traffic with Google Discover?
Well, you’re in luck, as in this episode of The Profitable Travel Blogger Podcast, we’ll be going over how to use Google Discover to grow your blog traffic!
Our guest for the episode is travel blogger Laura Peters Abalos, who has been able to triple her organic blog readers by using Google Discover strategies. Today, she’ll be sharing her best tips to help you do the same.
By the end of this episode, you’ll understand:
- The types of content that perform best on Google Discover
- How to optimize your blog posts to get picked up by Google Discover
- Tips for capitalizing on Google Discover traffic
- A step-by-step workflow for creating Google Discover content
- And more!
In short, if you’re looking for new ways to grow your blog traffic and get your content seen, you won’t want to miss this episode!
How To Grow Your Traffic With Google Discover [Podcast Episode Audio]
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Free Resources To Help You Grow On Google Discover
Google Page Annotation Guide from Travelpayouts
Have you heard about Google’s new Page Annotation feature? It’s designed to enhance how content appears in Google Discover—but it might not work for everyone.
If you’re wondering how this update could impact your site, Travelpayouts has published a detailed guide explaining how it works, what it means for your visibility, and how to take control of your content.
Plus, if it doesn’t align with your goals, they’ll show you step-by-step how to opt-out. If you’re serious about optimizing your Google Discover strategy, this is a must-read.
➡️ Click here to get Travelpayouts’ in-depth Google Page Annotations guide!
Free Blogging Resources + Google Discover Cheat Sheet
To help you really jumpstart your blogging success, I’ve added 55+ blogging resources like printables, video tutorials, and workbooks into a FREE resource library for travel bloggers.
This includes a Google Discover Cheat Sheet based on this episode.
These resources are meant to help you grow your traffic, community, and income faster and with less overwhelm!
➡️ Click here for the free Travel Blogger Resource Library.
See Success With Google Discover With These Helpful Tools:
ChatGPT. Generate catchy headlines and blog ideas based on trending topics to help you optimize your content for Google Discover’s personalized feed.
Google Search Console. Track your Google Discover traffic and analyze which posts are performing well, helping you refine your strategy for better results.
Shutterstock. Using paid stock photo libraries can help you source beautiful visuals, which is important for ranking on Google Discover, and can help you avoid copyright infringement.
Grow Your Google Discover Traffic [Episode Transcript]
The following is a summary of the podcast episode sharing how to use Google Discover to grow blog traffic. It is transcribed as best as possible, with paraphrasing included. For the full strategy, make sure to listen to the audio or video version of the podcast above.
As bloggers, we’re always looking for new ways to increase our pageviews, especially as diversifying our traffic sources is as important as ever.
While traditional SEO helps us rank in organic search results, there’s another powerful tool many overlook.
Enter Google Discover, a personalized content feed that appears on mobile devices and shows content—including blog posts—to users based on their interests, browsing history, and search behavior.
But, how do you get your content seen and clicked on the platform?
That is exactly what our guest, Laura Peters Abalos of Mike & Laura Travel, will be breaking down for us.
Laura has been able to triple her organic blog readers by using Google Discover strategies. And today she’ll be sharing her best tips to help you do the same!
🎉 Also, don’t forget to grab access to my FREE Travel Blogger Resource Library. Get access to 55+ resources that can help turn your blog into a profitable business—including a Google Discover Cheat Sheet based on today’s episode!
1) Thank you so much for taking the time to share your tips! To start, can you share more about yourself, your business, and what led you to start exploring Google Discover as a traffic source?
My name is Laura Peters-Abelos, and I’ve been a travel blogger since 2014. However, it wasn’t until around 2019 that things really took off for me, once I started learning about SEO, affiliate marketing, Pinterest, and email marketing.
These became game changers in growing my traffic and income. I then created a course called Scale Your Travel Blog, where I teach other bloggers how to grow their own traffic and income. Additionally, I’m the host of the Travel Blogging Summits, where we bring together top bloggers and marketing experts to share strategies and collaborate.
As for Google Discover, I started exploring it as a traffic source when I noticed a huge spike in my traffic one day. This surge wasn’t just from traditional Google Search but from Google Discover. It led to tens of thousands of clicks, especially on certain posts that had a unique angle.
I realized that Google Discover and Google Search are very different, so I started experimenting and figured out how to create content that resonates with Discover’s audience.
The results have been amazing—Google Discover has been instrumental in driving traffic, helping me increase revenue through ads and affiliate marketing, and weathering algorithm updates with more sustainable traffic.
2) Can you explain what Google Discover is, how it works for bloggers, and what types of content tend to perform best compared to regular search engine results?
Google Discover is a personalized feed of content that’s pushed to users based on their interests, rather than something they actively search for.
It’s similar to how YouTube suggests videos on your homepage that you didn’t search for but find intriguing.
For bloggers, Google Discover works differently from traditional search engines like Google Search. While Google Search focuses on answering specific queries, Google Discover is all about grabbing attention with fresh, timely, and visually appealing content.
It’s more about enticing people to click on your content than providing detailed answers to specific questions.
Content that performs well on Google Discover includes:
- Trending topics or current events (e.g., travel-related posts about Paris during the Paris Olympics)
- Unique angles on popular subjects
- Evergreen content that feels fresh, like “hidden gems in a trending destination”
In short, Google Discover favors content that sparks curiosity and engagement, with less emphasis on SEO-driven informational posts.
3) What are the key elements bloggers should focus on to optimize their content for Google Discover?
To optimize content for Google Discover, bloggers should focus on the following key elements:
a) Headline: Your headline is crucial—it needs to be attention-grabbing and curiosity-driven. Look at successful Google Discover posts for inspiration. You can even use AI tools like ChatGPT to help generate headline ideas based on successful examples.
b) Visuals: High-quality, enticing images are essential. Horizontal, high-resolution images (around 1,200 pixels wide) work best. If you don’t have original photos, consider stock image libraries like Shutterstock.
c) Mobile Friendliness: Since many users access Google Discover on their phones, make sure your blog posts are mobile-friendly. Check this in Google Search Console.
d) Engagement: Engagement signals (like sharing your post via email or social media) help increase the likelihood of being picked up by Google Discover. Sharing on platforms like Pinterest, Flipboard, or even Threads can boost visibility.
4) How do timeliness or trending topics impact a blog post’s chances of being featured on Google Discover, and how can bloggers identify trends worth covering?
Timeliness is crucial for Google Discover. Content tied to trending topics or current events is more likely to get noticed. For example, posts about popular events like elections or the Olympics can drive traffic, especially if they’re timely and relevant.
To identify trends worth covering, follow these steps:
- Monitor the news through sources like Yahoo, Flipboard, or YouTube for trending topics.
- Analyze your own content in Google Search Console. See which posts are already doing well on Discover and look for patterns to repeat.
- Use AI tools like ChatGPT to generate content ideas based on trending articles that have performed well for you.
By keeping an eye on current events and topics that resonate with your audience, you can create timely content that stands out on Google Discover.
5) Do you create a separate content plan for Google Discover?
I don’t create an entirely separate content plan for Google Discover, but I do adjust my approach.
Since Google Discover posts tend to be more sensational and attention-grabbing, I combine my Google Discover strategy with my Pinterest content plan. Both platforms favor more engaging, visually appealing content compared to traditional SEO-focused blog posts.
When deciding what to share, I focus on a mix of:
- Evergreen content that ties into current trends
- Seasonal topics like Valentine’s Day or Spring Break
- Trending topics that relate to my niche, such as travel news or popular events
I also test different content types and pay attention to what works well on both Google Discover and Pinterest. This helps me refine my approach over time.
6) What does your process look like for creating a Google Discover post from idea to publish?
Here’s how I create a Google Discover post from start to finish:
a) Research Trends: I begin by monitoring news sources, social media platforms like Threads, and YouTube for trending topics. Once I spot something relevant, I brainstorm ways to tie it into my niche—travel in my case. This helps me generate ideas that are timely and have the potential to perform well.
b) Generate Headline Ideas: Next, I use AI tools like ChatGPT to help generate headline ideas based on the successful style of Google Discover posts. I pay attention to how posts are phrased and use that style to create 10 headline options for my topic. After reviewing them, I select the one that seems the most engaging.
c) Create an Outline: I keep the outline simple, focusing on 800-1500 words. Google Discover posts tend to be shorter than traditional SEO posts, so I don’t overcomplicate the structure. The outline includes a few key sections that flow naturally, without too many headings or subtopics.
d) Write the Post: Once the outline is ready, I write the post, ensuring it’s visually appealing with high-quality images. I use horizontal, high-resolution images (around 1,200 pixels wide) to catch readers’ attention. I also make sure the post is mobile-friendly since many users access Google Discover on their phones.
e) Publish and Share: After writing, I publish the post and index it on Google Search Console. Then, I share it through my email list and social media channels, like Facebook. Sharing on these platforms helps increase initial engagement, which can help boost the chances of the post being picked up by Google Discover.
f) Monitor Performance: I monitor how the post performs, especially on Google Discover. Sometimes it takes a while for the post to gain traction. If it doesn’t perform well initially, I update it, share it again on social, or adjust the content as needed. Google Discover traffic can be unpredictable, but consistency and engagement are key.
7) How can bloggers identify if their traffic is coming from Google Discover in Google Analytics?
Google Discover traffic is a bit tricky to identify directly in Google Analytics, as it often shows up as “organic search” rather than a separate traffic source. However, there are other ways to pinpoint it:
Google Search Console: The best way to track Google Discover traffic is through Google Search Console. Under the Performance tab, you’ll see a section labeled Discover. If you’ve been featured on Google Discover, you’ll find metrics on the traffic it’s driven, including clicks, impressions, and the specific posts that performed well.
Watch for Traffic Spikes: In Google Analytics, if you notice a sudden spike in organic traffic, it could be from Google Discover, though this isn’t guaranteed. If the spike is large and from posts that aren’t ranking highly on traditional search engines, it’s a good indicator that Google Discover could be the source.
8) Once a blogger has a blog post ranking in Google Discover, what can they do to help it rank longer or capitalize on the traffic?
Google Discover traffic tends to fade quickly, so it’s important to capitalize on it while it lasts. Here’s how to make the most of it:
a) Internal Linking: Link to other related blog posts within the post that’s doing well. This helps keep readers engaged and boosts traffic to other parts of your site.
b) Affiliate Links: If possible, include affiliate links in the post. For example, if you’re writing about a destination, you can link to accommodation options or tours. Even if the topic doesn’t naturally lend itself to affiliate products, get creative with your affiliate links and add a “Travel Resources” section with relevant links, such as your favorite booking sites or travel insurance providers.
c) Email Marketing: Add the post to your email marketing strategy. Send it to your email list with a compelling subject line to drive even more traffic. Consider using exit-intent pop-ups on the page to capture email addresses for future engagement.
d) Repurpose Content: Repurpose the content for other platforms like Pinterest or Facebook to keep the momentum going. This helps maintain visibility even after the initial Discover traffic slows down.
e) Update and Re-share: If the post doesn’t continue to perform after a while, update it with new information or relevant seasonal content. Re-share it on social media or include it in future newsletters.
By acting quickly and leveraging these tactics, you can maximize the value of your Google Discover traffic and ensure a longer-lasting impact.
9) What are some common mistakes bloggers make when trying to appear on Google Discover?
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when trying to get your content featured on Google Discover:
a) Not Analyzing What Works: Bloggers often throw out content hoping something will stick, but the key is analyzing what’s already working. Study successful posts on Google Discover, especially those related to your niche, and replicate their headline style, visuals, and topic approach.
b) Ignoring Engagement: Engagement is critical for Google Discover. Sharing your content on social media, email, and other platforms helps increase its chances of being picked up. Many bloggers overlook this, but without it, your post may not get the initial traffic needed to gain traction.
c) Overlooking Visuals: High-quality, visually engaging images are a must for Google Discover. Some bloggers neglect this, opting for lower-quality images or skipping visuals altogether. Great images can significantly increase your click-through rate.
d) Not Tailoring Content for Discover: Google Discover favors more sensational content, which differs from traditional SEO-driven blog posts. Bloggers often try to use the same content strategies for Discover as they do for Google Search, but Discover rewards content that’s more engaging and timely.
e) Skipping Trend Research: Ignoring trending topics or current events is a mistake. To succeed on Google Discover, it’s essential to create content that ties into what’s happening now, whether it’s global events or seasonal trends. By avoiding these mistakes and focusing on engagement, visuals, and timely content, you’ll have a better chance of seeing your posts featured on Google Discover.
10) Thank you so much for sharing your Google Discover tips! Before we sign off, can you let everyone know where they can find you?
Thank you!
Alright, now I hope you enjoyed this episode. I hope you feel inspired and empowered to grow your website traffic with Google Discover.
I also want to thank our sponsor, Travelpayouts, for helping to make this episode possible. Don’t forget to grab their in-depth guide to Google’s Page Annotation feature and how to turn it off if it isn’t for you.
Don’t forget to grab access to my free travel blogging resource library. There are a ton of resources in there on growing your community and increasing your blogging profits—including a Google Discover Cheat Sheet.
And of course, make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes sharing these bite-sized strategies for bloggers who want to turn their blogs into profitable full-time businesses.
Happy blogging!
Grow Your Blog Traffic With These Helpful Past Episodes:
How To Create A Pinterest Strategy That Grows Your Traffic
How To Grow Your Flipboard Traffic Simply & Effectively
How To Get Featured In The Media & Grow Your Visibility
How To Update Website Content For Increased Traffic
How To Find High-Traffic Keywords With Competitor Research
12 Quick Wins For More Traffic & Income
7-Step Blog Post Promotion Checklist
How To Start A Blog & Make Money Step-By-Step
Click here for all profitable blogging podcast episodes.
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