Contacting Google quality team?

I, Brian · August 09, 2011, 08:04:55 PM

One of my big mainstream sites has been kicked out from Google News.

I presumed there wasn't enough extra info on the site so put it through redevelopment, expanded the team on it, and reapplied for inclusion - but was stunned to receive an email stating that the site "violated Google's quality guidelines" and therefore cannot be included.

When I sent a follow up email asking what the issue was, Google refused to say. I have no idea what the problem is - this is supposed to be a nice clean site - and it's my biggest earning site, so obviously I'm keen to try and address any perceived issue.

I need a way to be able to talk with Google about this, however, Google have obviously put up a brick wall.

Anyone know anyone on the inside who could possibly help, please?

Gurtie · August 09, 2011, 08:17:33 PM

nope, but Dave @purecontent is a good guy to sort out Google News issues if you've hit a brick wall.

agerhart · August 10, 2011, 04:29:15 AM

Brian, we've been through this a few times...I'd be happy to take a look for you if you want

I, Brian · August 10, 2011, 08:43:54 AM

Quote from: Gurtie on August 09, 2011, 08:17:33 PM
nope, but Dave @purecontent is a good guy to sort out Google News issues if you've hit a brick wall.

Gurtie, you think a cold approach to him would be fine?

I, Brian · September 01, 2011, 07:21:21 AM

Right, email sent to Dave - hit a brick wall with Google News as they won't tell me why they won't include.

edo · September 01, 2011, 09:57:42 PM

I've also been banging my head against that brick wall for some time now.

Spoke to Dave at Purecontent who was very knowledgeable about getting back onto Google News but he didn't divulge any contacts at GN if he has any.

Andrew (agerhart) very kindly passed on a US Google News employee's details but the guy has been no help whatsoever. His recommendation was to apply again. Nice one. I did and you get the same standard robot response.

Clearly it's Google News's policy to just stonewall people.

Crate of beer to anyone who knows a Google News UK employee who will actually help

Ed

anallawalla · October 27, 2011, 09:12:23 AM

Do these ousted sites meet the inclusion criteria, e.g. must have multiple contributors, must look like a news publishing entity, constantly refreshed news, etc?

I, Brian · October 27, 2011, 08:14:31 PM

Mine came back in a few days ago.

However, Google News is now so weighted towards the big media brand websites that it's making little difference to traffic.

Did have another couple of sites I was looking to get into Google News, but as a source of traffic for all publishers it's now so far diminished that I've realised I'll need to learn live without it.

Would have been nice to know that before I invested so much in redeveloping the site for reinclusion!