Why not included in Google News

[Gemini23]

A few months ago I emailed Google to ask whether my website (which in my opinion includes newsworthy items)could be included in the Google News pages. Google replied to say that too many of my 'news items' were about my website alone and not enough 'off-site' content.

Over a few months I duly went to work on raising the quality of the news content on my website and re-submitted a request to Google News. I mentioned a couple of other websites that do nothing but have their own links within any 'news' content. I received the reply today from Google News.

"We still cannot include your site in Google News. Although we're unable to provide specific information at this time,we sincerely appreciate your interest in Google News and your willingness
to provide us with your articles. As we mentioned in our previous email,we'll log your site for future consideration.

Thanks for your interest in Google News.

Regards,
The Google News Team"

So much for 'openess'! Seems like a closed club.

[tedster]

I had heard that Google News was tightening up their criteria - but not stating the reason is certainly a bit frustrating. Do you have any idea what the problem might be? Size of your editorial staff? Breadth of topic coverage?

[Gemini23]

I don't know. I would not have a problem if they told me as then I could work on it. But to simply say they are unable to is very frustrating.

[goodroi]

when universal serps became more common many webmasters applied to get into google news. once they got in they started abusing the system. google news is now alot harder to get into and stay into.

i understand it can be frustrating for you. you should realize the situation they are in. the google news team has countless unqualified webmasters applying & reapplying in an effort to take advantage of the universal serps. the google news team is trying to protect the quality of google news. thus it is not easy for them to give the personal touch to every communication.

here are some helpful tips to improve the chances of being accepted:
-have a team of authors
-have a bio page for your authors
-have a large archive of news articles
-include a 3 digit number in all your news urls
-make all news urls permanent
-only publish original content
-have a professional looking design (yes it helps)
-have a media kit

[Gemini23]

Hi Goodroi,

A very useful list of tips which I can tick most boxes but not all... as such I don't have a problem not being listed but just like to know why so I can do something about it. A couple on your list raise an eyebrow.. "only publish original content" within my 'niche' the websites that are listed in Google News ALL promote their own products. ALL of them also 'respin' articles (which is common in my niche) as they are often 'descriptions' that are provided by suppliers. It seems to be the industry norm. Although I always try to write my own content - sometimes spending hours puttng together what I think is good content - for the usual serps.. only to find that the 1st page is full of the same content.... strange I know... the Media Kit is interesting and one that I need to improve on! I will keep working at it and contact Google again in a few months.. thanks for advice...

[goodroi]

my list of suggestions are intended to improve your chances and are not necessarily required by google news. you want to convince the google human reviewer that your website is valuable and would make google news better.

i would advise against looking at your competition that is already listed in google news. google news has recently raised their inclusion standard. also they have been revisiting websites that are included and kicking out many.

[cloudtap]

Does anyone have a FULL list of things to add to your content and site, including all requirements, compiled together into one cheat sheet?

[Gemini23]

Cloudtap,

Having been in contact with Google News and had feedback here I think the suggestions from Goodroi are pretty much spot on!