Google Introduces "In-depth Articles"

Google has done it again. Last week, Google announced its latest feature, "In-depth Articles." According to Google,

"These results provide high-quality content to help you learn about or explore a subject."

In typical Google fashion, you won't see in-depth articles every time you search but chances are they'll start popping up for more newsworthy queries.

Look at the example below. When I searched for 'Edward Snowden" I got both news results and in-depth article results.

In-depth Article Example

In-depth Article Attributes:

1. Similar to news results, in-depth articles are found in packs of three but they appear at the bottom of the page instead of the top or middle.
2. In-depth articles take the place of the #10 organic position.
3. Publisher and authorship information is shown.
4. Includes image thumbnails, publisher and/or author information.
5. Includes article description.

News Results Example

News Results Attributtes:

1. May or may not include image thumbnail.
2. Includes time stamp, authorship and publisher data.
3. May not include news article summary.

While big news organizations like The New Times seem to have a HUGE advantage, Google did publish a document that offers some advice for smaller sites. Here are the highlights. Read the entire post here.

Tips for appearing as an in-depth article:

1. Implementing authorship and publisher markup language.
2. Creating a Google+ profile page. If you're an overachiever, go the extra mile by implementing organizational markup.
3. Properly using pagination, If your article is several pages long.
4. If your website has restricted access, implementing First Click Free.

Google changes things so we don't get used to them. If things change frequently we're more flexible and adapt easier.

If Google's mission is to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful, in-depth articles seem to be a step in the right direction.