Google has expanded Preferred Sources, a Search feature that lets people choose websites they want to see more often. For South African businesses that publish useful website content, this is a simple addition worth considering.
It will not replace SEO, hosting performance, good website structure or helpful content. But it does give readers and customers a clear way to tell Google: “I trust this website.”
What is Google Preferred Sources?
Preferred Sources is a personalisation feature in Google Search. When a user selects a website as a preferred source, Google says content from that site is more likely to appear for that user in Top Stories, highlighted with a “preferred” badge. Google has also announced support for Preferred Sources in AI Overviews and AI Mode where those features are available.
In plain English: if someone values your website, they can choose it in Google. Your content can then stand out more clearly for that person when relevant results are shown.
Why this matters for business websites
Many business websites are still treated as static brochures. But the websites that build long-term search visibility usually publish helpful content: guides, updates, answers, industry advice and practical resources.
For a local business, professional service, guesthouse, e-commerce shop or hospitality brand, Preferred Sources can support that relationship with regular readers. It gives people another follow-style action, similar in spirit to subscribing to a newsletter or following a social profile.
How to add the Preferred Sources link
Google’s documentation gives this deeplink format:
https://google.com/preferences/source?q=yourdomain.co.zaFor Host Unique, that link is:
Add Host Unique as a Preferred Source on Google
For your own website, replace the domain with your domain or eligible subdomain:
<a href="https://google.com/preferences/source?q=yourbusiness.co.za" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Add us as a Preferred Source on Google</a>Where should the button go?
The best placement is near other trust and follow actions, not as an intrusive popup. Consider adding it:
- At the bottom of blog posts or articles.
- Next to newsletter signup and social media buttons.
- On a resources, news or insights page.
- In a website footer section for regular readers.
- In email newsletters that point people back to the website.
Check eligibility first
Google says only domain-level and subdomain-level sites are eligible in the source preferences tool. A folder such as example.co.za/blog is not eligible on its own. Before adding the CTA everywhere, open Google’s source preferences tool and search for your site.
If your site does not appear yet, keep improving the basics: publish fresh content, make sure Google can crawl and index your pages, submit your sitemap in Search Console and build a stronger content footprint over time.
A practical implementation checklist
- Choose the correct domain or subdomain.
- Create the deeplink using
https://google.com/preferences/source?q=. - Add the CTA near your blog, newsletter or footer follow links.
- Use clear wording, such as “Add us as a Preferred Source on Google”.
- Keep publishing useful content that gives people a reason to prefer your site.
- Track clicks with normal analytics events or UTM-style campaign tracking on your internal CTA, but keep Google’s deeplink clean.
What not to expect
Preferred Sources is not a guaranteed ranking boost. It does not make weak content strong. It also does not replace technical SEO, fast hosting, mobile-friendly design, structured content or a clear website strategy.
Think of it as a small trust and retention layer. If someone already likes your content, make it easy for them to choose you in Google.
Need help adding it?
Host Unique can help South African businesses improve their website structure, hosting performance and content visibility. If your website needs better speed, clearer design or a stronger content foundation, start with the basics first — then add smart features like Preferred Sources where they make sense.
Useful links: website design, web hosting, website maintenance and contact Host Unique.