Google Preferred Source Button

Create a customizable HTML button that lets your readers add your site as a Preferred Source in Google Search. Pick a style, language, color, and copy the code.

Only root domains and subdomains qualify (e.g. example.com, news.example.com). Subdirectories are not eligible.

Advanced options

Live preview

The button links to google.com/preferences/source?q=YOUR_DOMAIN.

HTML code 


                


                

                    

                        How it works
                    

                    
    
                        
  • When a visitor clicks the button, Google opens a page where they can add your site as a Preferred Source.
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  • Preferred sources appear more prominently in Top Stories, AI Mode, and AI Overviews for that user.
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  • Eligibility is determined automatically by Google based on domain reputation and content quality — no structured data is required.
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  • Only domains and subdomains are supported. Paths (example.com/blog) do not qualify.
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                What is a Google Preferred Source?
            

            

                Preferred Sources is a Google Search feature that lets users choose which publishers they want to see more often. When a user marks your site as a preferred source, Google surfaces your content more prominently across Search, Top Stories, AI Mode, and AI Overviews for that user.
            

        


        

            

                

                    
                

                
Top Stories priority

                

                    Your content is more likely to appear in the Top Stories carousel with a "Preferred" badge for users who selected you.
                

            

            

                

                    
                

                
AI Mode & Overviews

                

                    Preferred sources are given weight when Google generates AI Overviews and answers in AI Mode — a growing share of impressions.
                

            

            

                

                    
                

                
First-party audience signal

                

                    A reader-declared preference is one of the strongest loyalty signals Google offers — comparable to newsletter subscriptions or app installs.
                

            

        

    







    

        

            

                
                Why it matters for SEO
            

            

                Preferred Sources is one of the few user-controlled ranking signals in Google Search — and it directly affects visibility in the surfaces where AI is reshaping click behavior.
            

        


        

            

                

                    1
                    Defends against AI Overview traffic loss
                

                

                    AI Overviews reduce clicks on many queries. Being a preferred source keeps your brand cited and linked at the top of the answer, preserving referral traffic where organic clicks are declining.
                

            

            

                

                    2
                    Personalized ranking without technical work
                

                

                    No structured data, no sitemap requirement, no Publisher Center approval. If your visitor marks you, Google reranks results for them — no engineering effort on your side.
                

            

            

                

                    3
                    Compounds with brand and E-E-A-T
                

                

                    The Follow / Preferred Source pattern signals audience trust — the same trust signal Google increasingly weighs when evaluating expertise, authority, and trustworthiness.
                

            

            

                

                    4
                    Works in every language Google supports
                

                

                    Preferred Sources is rolled out globally across every language where Google Search operates — the same button URL works whether your audience searches in English, Portuguese, French, or any other language.
                

            

        

    







    

        

            
            How to use the button on your site
        

        

            Four steps from generator to live button:
        


        

            

                
STEP 1

                
Enter your domain

                

                    Type your root domain (example.com) or a subdomain (news.example.com). Do not use a subdirectory — Google does not accept those.
                

            

            

                
STEP 2

                
Pick style, language, and color

                

                    Match the button to your brand: choose solid/outline/minimal, adjust the size, pick an icon, and set a color that fits your site.
                

            

            

                
STEP 3

                
Copy the HTML

                

                    Click Copy. The snippet is self-contained (inline CSS + inline SVG icon) so it works on any CMS: WordPress, Ghost, Webflow, Wix, custom HTML.
                

            

            

                
STEP 4

                
Paste in high-visibility spots

                

                    Best placements: header, sidebar, end of every article, newsletter footer, and the "About" page — anywhere loyal readers already are.
                

            

        


        

            

                Pro tip
            

            

                Pair the button with a short line of context like "Get more of our reporting in Google Search — set us as a preferred source." Explaining the benefit boosts conversion dramatically.
            

        

    







    

        

            
            Frequently Asked Questions
        

        

            Everything you need to know about Google Preferred Sources.
        


        

            

                Is Preferred Source the same as Google News Follow?
                

                    No. The Follow button lives inside the Google News app and adds sources to a personal "Following" feed. Preferred Sources is a Google Search feature that affects Top Stories, AI Mode, and AI Overviews — a much larger surface with more traffic impact for most sites.
                

            


            

                Does my site need special approval or a Publisher Center account?
                

                    No. Google determines eligibility automatically based on domain reputation and content quality. You do not need to submit to Publisher Center, add structured data, or install any tag. Just link visitors to the preferences page for your domain.
                

            


            

                How do I know if my site is eligible?
                

                    Open https://www.google.com/preferences/source and search your domain. If it can be added, you are eligible. Only root domains (example.com) and subdomains (news.example.com) qualify — subdirectories (example.com/blog) do not.
                

            


            

                Does this button use official Google assets?
                

                    No. This generator produces a lightweight HTML/CSS button so you have full control over color, size, and style to match your brand. Google also offers official badge downloads in 15+ languages on their documentation page if you prefer to use the standard artwork.
                

            


            

                Where should I place the button for the best conversion?
                

                    Anywhere loyal readers already are. The highest-converting placements are: end-of-article CTAs, newsletter footers, homepage header near the logo, and the About page. Avoid pop-ups — this is a low-friction ask, not a hard sell.
                

            


            

                Will being a preferred source rank me higher for everyone?
                

                    No — the boost is personalized. When a user marks you as preferred, YOUR content ranks higher for THAT USER. But if enough of your readers do this, it becomes a strong loyalty signal that reinforces your brand across the ecosystem.
                

            


            

                Does this work in every country and language?
                

                    Yes. Preferred Sources works globally — everywhere Google Search operates. This generator ships button text in 9 languages (English, Portuguese, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Russian, Ukrainian, Turkish), and you can override it with custom text for any other language.
                

            


            

                Do I need to add rel="nofollow" or noopener?
                

                    The generated snippet automatically includes rel="noopener" when target="_blank" is enabled (a security best practice). You do not need rel="nofollow" — the button links to google.com, a trusted domain.
                

            


            

                Can I customize the button text?
                

                    Yes. Open the Advanced options in the generator and enter your own copy in the "Custom button text" field. Localized alternatives like "Follow us on Google" or "Set us as a preferred source in Google" often convert better than the generic default.