Google has begun rolling out its February Discover Core Update, a dedicated algorithm adjustment for the Google Discover feed (separate from traditional search ranking changes). The update aims to enhance the quality and relevance of content shown in personalised feeds by prioritising more locally relevant and expert content while downgrading clickbait style material.
Potential impacts:
- Local content can gain traction: Content tailored to specific regions or audiences is more likely to appear in Discover.
- Clickbait de-prioritised: Exaggerated content and engagement-bait tactics are more likely to lose Discover visibility.
- Depth and expertise rewarded: Original, authoritative and topically focused content is more likely to surface in feeds.
Key takeaway: Prioritising original reporting, topic-focused expertise and honest, accurate content will position any site to benefit as Google Discover’s feed evolves over the coming months.
