Why adding The Local as a Google Preferred Source matters for expat news
Google now lets you prioritise trusted sites in search, and adding The Local can help keep independent expat journalism thriving.
The Local has rolled out a new button on every article that lets logged‑in users add the site to Google's Preferred Sources list. The feature, originally limited to English‑language users, now works across most languages and appears above each story’s introduction.
How the Preferred Sources feature works
When you click the button, you can select one or more of The Local’s country‑specific sites, Austria, Sweden, Italy, Germany, Spain, France, Norway, Denmark, Europe or Switzerland, and tick a box to confirm. You may be prompted to sign into your Google account, after which the chosen sites are flagged as preferred in your future searches.
Why independent expat news needs your help
In recent years, the search giant has adjusted its ranking signals to favour large aggregators and user‑generated forums. At the same time, AI tools have begun scraping news articles for training data, and other sites republish The Local’s reporting without attribution. These trends threaten the visibility and revenue of niche outlets that serve foreign residents across Europe.
"By adding us as one of your preferred sources you will help the publication continue to cover all the important issues for foreign residents across Europe," the outlet explains.
Boosting The Local in search results reduces reliance on opaque algorithmic choices and helps sustain a newsroom staffed by experienced journalists.
What you can do next
Beyond the Preferred Sources button, readers can subscribe to daily newsletters, download the app available on Apple and Android devices, or become a member for full‑access coverage. Each action supports the site’s mission to provide timely, original news for expats.
For those interested in broader policy impacts on foreign residents, see our piece on Germany’s immigration agency and how it shapes everyday life.
By taking a few seconds to add The Local as a preferred source, you help preserve a vital information channel for Europe’s expatriate community.
