Why you should make The Local one of your preferred sources on Google

Preferred sources is a feature that lets you, as a logged-in Google user, prioritise what publications you’d like to appear in search results. 

We have added a button on each article page (scroll up to see it above the introduction) that allows you to easily add one or more of The Local's sites as a preferred source.

Alternatively all you need to do is click on your favoured country site(s) below and then tick the box to add The Local. You may need to sign into your Google account in the process.

• The Local Austria
• The Local Sweden
• The Local Italy
• The Local Germany
• The Local Spain
• The Local France
• The Local Norway
• The Local Denmark
• The Local Europe
• The Local Switzerland

Why add The Local as a preferred source?

In recent years Google has changed its algorithm to favour sites such as Reddit and Quora, at the expense of independent news sites like The Local.

There has also been an influx of aggregator websites that lift The Local's original content and present it as their own. Then there's the AI platforms taking advantage of our journalism and using it for their own interfaces.

This all impacts our chances of having a future as an independent news site for foreign residents in Europe, staffed by experienced journalists.

But you can help.

Once you’ve selected one or more of The Local's sites (and any other preferred media outlets) you can expect to see our stories in your search results, leaving you less at the mercy of Google's algorithm. 

By adding us as one of your preferred sources you will help The Local continue to cover all the important issues for foreign residents across Europe.

The Preferred Sources feature was originally launched only for English-language users worldwide but is now available for most languages worldwide.

There are also other ways you can help The Local continue our mission to provide relevant, original and up to date news for foreign residents living around Europe.

You can sign up to our daily newsletters, download our app which is available on Apple and Android phones and you can become a member and get access to all our coverage. Remember, you can cancel anytime.