Online news comes at us fast and from every direction, and the algorithm works tirelessly to keep us in a spiral of desperation and anger (hey, as long as they get clicks, right?) So now, it’s more important than ever to curate what we consume online and at what pace. Recently, Google introduced a new ‘Preferred Sources’ feature that lets you handpick outlets and brands you trust — so your Top Stories and Google News stream reflect your values, interests, and curiosity.
While this means you can curate your news feed more intentionally, it also expands into other trending topics you care about. So for example, the next time you search for something you want to learn more about — like sustainable fashion, ethical living, or wellbeing — you’ll see The Good Trade’s content first. This doesn’t exclude other sources, but it does indicate to Google that you have some favorite resources that you’d prefer to see near the top of your feed!
Why Curate Your News Feed?
“News feeds curated with care challenge us, encourage empathy, and help us build a fuller view of what’s happening in our world.”
Choosing who you follow isn’t just about getting more of what you like. It’s about supporting responsible journalism, broadening your perspective, and keeping your news intake as honest, truthful, and diverse as possible. Aim to mix local coverage with global voices — and include outlets with viewpoints different than your own. News feeds curated with care challenge us, encourage empathy, and help us build a fuller view of what’s happening in our world.
Of course, this comes with additional personal responsibility to fact-check your media, and to thoughtfully select the outlets you deem trustworthy. Here are a few reminders while you make your selections:
- Before you add, pause and reflect: Which outlets report with honesty? Who covers stories respectfully, and with context?
- Seek out newsrooms led by diverse voices, including local independent publishers all the way up to international media organizations
- Remember to include sources known for factual reporting, transparency, and clear editorial standards; we like to refer to the Ad Fontes media bias chart
- Curate a mix of perspectives, not just echo chambers, so that your news feed is informative rather than just inflammatory
How To Add a Preferred Source on Google
Here’s how to set up your preferred sources, using The Good Trade as an example. If you’re signed into Google on this device, all you need to do is click this link and tick the box beside The Good Trade. Or, if you’d like to add while you’re browsing, follow these simple steps:
- Go to Google News or simply start a Google search for a trending news topic
- Look for the ‘Top Stories’ carousel in your search results
- Next to ‘Top Stories,’ find the star icon (as you see in the image below)
- Click it — a pop-up will let you search for and select your favorite news sites and brands, such as ours!
- To add more sources, click the star again and keep building your list. You can add as many outlets as you like, and remove them anytime
Why It Matters
Setting up preferred sources isn’t just a technical tweak — it can be an act of care for your mind and heart. News shapes the way we see ourselves and the world. Taking time to build a thoughtful stream is a gentle way to nurture hope, empathy, and authentic understanding every day. Remember to re-evaluate your list periodically, and add or remove sources to create a more comprehensive media diet.
Additionally, our team of editors also loves following the work of independent journalists and writers on Substack, where we can subscribe and support them directly. Whatever your preferred way of getting news, we wish you balance, empathy, and most importantly, a hopeful heart — one that believes we can bring positive change through our collective words and actions.
“However you get your news, we wish you balance, empathy, and most importantly, a hopeful heart — one that believes we can bring positive change through our collective words and actions.”
Emily McGowan is the Editorial Director at The Good Trade. She studied Creative Writing and Business at Indiana University, and has over ten years of experience as a writer and editor in sustainability and lifestyle spaces. Since 2017, she’s been discovering and reviewing the top sustainable home, fashion, beauty, and wellness products so readers can make their most informed decisions. Her editorial work has been recognized by major publications like The New York Times and BBC Worklife. You can usually find her in her colorful Los Angeles apartment journaling, playing with her cat, or crafting. Say hi on Instagram or follow along with her Substack, Pinky Promise.
The post How To Prioritize The Good Trade In Your Search Results (And Curate a News Feed You Truly Trust) appeared first on The Good Trade.
