Google News now displays news to users based on their news-related web activity, and it is offering a "Recommended Section" to avid readers.

Google has updated its News search section to give consumers more relevant articles, and content marketers should consider how these updates might help them reach the right online audiences.

Google added personalization features to Google News last summer with the introduction of a “News for you” section that helped users create customized news streams. Brafton reported this feature may help content marketers get their news content displayed to engaged audiences.

Now, News users will be better positioned to stay in the loop on industry developments with a feature that displays stories based on their recent news-related web searches. This may mean searchers who were looking for product and service info will be presented relevant news articles, which can be good for brands that use custom news marketing.

Also, Google is offering recommended topics to users based on the articles they have clicked before.

These customization updates help users find the news that is most relevant to them, simultaneously allowing news providers to find their most relevant audiences – and marketers should note that news content can be key to catching online consumers' interest. At the recent ad:tech San Francisco conference, search and content experts agreed that journalistic content engages internet users.

Katherine Griwert is Brafton's Marketing Director. She's practiced content marketing, SEO and social marketing for over five years, and her enthusiasm for new media has even deeper roots. Katherine holds a degree in American Studies from Boston College, and her writing is featured in a number of web publications.