If you’ve ever swiped right on your phone’s home screen or opened the Google app, you’ve probably seen Google Discover. It’s that clever feed of articles, news, and videos that seems to know exactly what you’re interested in before you even search for it. For years, that space was mostly reserved for big news sites and major blogs. But things are changing.
Google has recently confirmed that it is surfacing social media posts more frequently within the Discover feed. For small business owners here in Nantwich (and across the UK!), this is a huge deal. It means the content you’re posting on social media now has a “second life” on the world’s biggest search engine.
What is Google Discover, and why should you care?
Unlike traditional Google search, where someone has to type in a query like “Social Media Management in Cheshire,” Discover is “query-less.” It uses AI to push content to people based on their hobbies, location, and interests.
Because Google is now pulling more social posts into this feed, your latest Instagram reel, LinkedIn update, or Facebook post could be popped right in front of a potential customer who isn’t even following you yet.
As a team of two who have been helping small businesses navigate these waters for 10 years, we know how much effort goes into every post. Seeing that effort rewarded with extra reach from Google is a win for the “little guys.”
How to get your posts onto the Google Discover feed
While there isn’t a “magic button” to get featured, Google’s latest updates give us some clear clues on how to increase your chances:
- High-Quality Visuals are Non-Negotiable Google Discover is a very visual platform. Posts with striking, high-resolution images (at least 1200px wide) are much more likely to be picked up. Avoid generic stock photos. Google loves original, “real-life” photos (just like we do!).
- Focus on “People-First” Content Google’s algorithm is getting better at spotting (and ignoring) clickbait. They want helpful, authentic content. Talk about your expertise, share a behind-the-scenes look at your business, or answer a common question your customers have.
- Location Matters For local businesses in places like Nantwich, mentions of your area can help. If you’re posting about a local event or a project you’ve done in Cheshire, make sure you mention it! Google uses location signals to show relevant content to people nearby.
- Engagement is the Signal Posts that get likes, shares, and comments on social media signal to Google that the content is “interesting.” This makes it a prime candidate for the Discover feed.
Why this is a win for the “Small but Mighty”
At SMR Social, our USP has always been that we’re a small, reliable team. We don’t have hundreds of clients because we want to make sure we have the time to actually look after the ones we have.
This update from Google plays right into that “boutique” hands-on approach. You don’t need a massive agency budget to show up on Discover; you just need to be consistent, authentic, and helpful to your audience.
Need a hand with your social strategy?
If the idea of keeping up with Google updates while also trying to run your business feels like a lot, we get it! Between running SMR and chasing our two kids around to swimming lessons and school runs (and the rest!), we know exactly how precious time is for small business owners. Whether you want to understand how to make your social media work harder for your SEO, or you just want someone reliable to take the posting off your plate, we’re here to help.
Let’s have a chat about how we can get your business discovered.