Google Discover is revolutionizing the way users discover new content on the internet. Instead of actively searching for information, users receive a personalized feed of content tailored to their interests and habits. For Croatian businesses and content creators, this represents an incredible opportunity to increase traffic and reach for free – if they know how to properly optimize their content.
In this guide, we'll reveal everything you need to know about the Google Discover platform, how its algorithm works, and, most importantly, how you can optimize your content to appear in front of millions of users - completely free.
What is Google Discover and why is it important for your business?
Google Discover is a personalized feed that appears in the Google app, on the home page of the Chrome browser on mobile devices, and when users visit Google.com without entering a search. The platform uses advanced algorithms to predict content that may be of interest to the user based on their previous activity.
Unlike traditional SEO where users search for specific information, Discover proactively suggests content. This fundamental difference means that your content can reach an audience that might never seek out your products or services.
The statistics speak for themselves – Google Discover reaches over 800 million users per month, and content that appears in the feed can see a traffic boost of up to 1000% in a single day. For businesses that deal with digital marketing, this represents a huge opportunity for exponential growth.
How the Google Discover algorithm works
Personalization as a foundation
The Google Discover algorithm analyzes a number of user behaviors including search history, location, language, previously visited pages, time spent on different types of content, and interactions with previous Discover content.
The algorithm also takes into account current trends and popularity of topics in the user's region. For the Croatian market, this means that local content and topics relevant to the Croatian audience have priority.
Ranking factors in the Discover feed
Content quality remains the most important factor. Google prioritizes content that demonstrates EAT (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) principles. Pages with high Domain Authority and a long history of quality content have a better chance of appearing.
The timeliness of the content also plays a key role. Fresh content covering trending topics appears far more often in the Discover feed than outdated content.
Content optimization for Google Discover
Creating engaging visual content
High-quality images are key to success in Google Discover. Use images at least 1200 pixels wide with an aspect ratio of 16:9 or 4:3. Avoid generic stock photos - original images perform significantly better.
Each image must be relevant to the content and visually appealing. Google especially favors images that show people, products or locations related to the topic of the article.
Optimizing titles for maximum impact
Headlines in Google Discover must be both SEO-optimized and emotionally engaging. Use numbers, strong emotional language and the promise of concrete benefits. Examples that work well: “7 Ways to…”, “Discover the Secret of…”, “Exclusive: How to…”
The optimal title length is between 50-60 characters for mobile devices, where most Discover content is consumed.
Content strategies that Google rewards
Focus on evergreen topics with a current twist. An article about “SEO trends” may be evergreen, but adding “for 2025” makes it instantly relevant.
Depth of content is also important – superficial articles rarely appear in the Discover feed. Aim for articles of at least 1,000 words that cover the topic thoroughly.
Technical optimization for Discover
Core Web Vitals and Page Speed
Google Discover prioritizes pages with excellent Core Web Vitals metrics. Optimize LCP (Largest Contentful Paint) to be under 2.5 seconds, FID (First Input Delay) to be under 100 milliseconds, and CLS (Cumulative Layout Shift) to be under 0.1.
Use Google PageSpeed Insights to identify issues and implement recommended optimizations. Loading speed directly affects user experience and Discover ranking.
Structured data implementation
Implement Article schema markup for all your blog articles. This helps Google understand the structure of your content and increases your chances of appearing in the Discover feed.
Add information about author, publication date, organization and relevant topics through structured data.
Strategies for different industries
Local content for the Croatian market
Create content that resonates with Croatian audiences – use local examples, mention Croatian cities and regions, cover topics relevant to the domestic market. Google Discover favors geographically relevant content.
Combine local insights with global trends for maximum impact. On our blog you can find additional examples of how to localize content for better performance.
B2B content strategy
For B2B companies, focus on educational content that solves the specific problems of your target group. Case studies, how-to guides and industry insights perform particularly well.
Use data and statistics to support your claims – Google’s Discover algorithm values fact-based content with authoritative sources.
Analysis and measurement of success
Google Search Console insights
Google Search Console provides detailed data on the performance of your content in the Discover feed. Analyze impressions, clicks and CTR to understand what types of content your audience values the most.
Track trends over time and identify recurring patterns in successful content.
Key Performance Indicators
In addition to basic metrics, monitor engagement signals such as time on page, bounce rate and conversion rate for traffic coming from the Discover feed. This data helps to optimize the future content strategy.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Clickbait vs. quality content
Avoid excessive clickbait that doesn't deliver the promised value. Google's algorithm is getting better at recognizing and penalizing content that doesn't meet user expectations.
Instead, focus on headlines that are catchy but accurately represent the content of the article.
Inconsistent publishing
Sporadic publishing can negatively impact your Discover performance. Develop a consistent publishing schedule and stick to it.
Google favors publishers who regularly publish quality content – aim for at least 2-3 articles per week.
Future trends and adjustments
Video content in the Discover feed
Google is gradually increasing the proportion of video content in the Discover feed. Consider creating short, informative videos that complement your text articles.
Optimize video thumbnails, titles, and descriptions for the Discover platform using the same principles as for text content.
AI and personalization
Advances in artificial intelligence are making the Discover algorithm increasingly personalized. Customize your strategy by creating diversified content that can satisfy different user preferences.
Practical steps to get started
Audit of existing content
Analyze your existing content through Google Search Console and identify articles that already have Discover traffic. Analyze what makes those articles successful and apply those insights to new content.
Content calendar development
Create a monthly content calendar that combines evergreen topics with trending topics. Use Google Trends to identify currently popular topics in your industry.
For more complex Discover strategies and professional optimization, consider consulting with experts for SEO optimization who can personalize the approach specifically for your business goals.
Monetize Discover traffic
Conversion optimization
Discover traffic often has different characteristics than traditional SEO traffic. Optimize your landing pages and conversion funnels for users who come from the Discover feed.
Implement clear call-to-action elements and lead magnets that are relevant to the content through which users reached your site.
Conclusion
Google Discover represents a paradigm shift in the way users consume content online. For businesses that want to stay relevant and competitive, optimizing for Discover is not an option – it’s a necessity.
The key to success lies in combining high-quality, engaging content with technical optimization and understanding user needs. Start implementing these strategies gradually, monitor performance, and continuously optimize your approach.
Google Discover can transform your digital presence and drive exponential organic traffic growth. Invest time in understanding the platform and implementing best practices – the results will follow.
For more information on optimizing your digital strategy for Google Discover and other channels, contact us for a personalized approach that will maximize your online potential.
