If you write a blog about news and current events, there's an easy way to increase your reach on Google. You can submit your blog to Google as a news source so that it will show up on Google News. Not only that, but Google shows recent news results at the bottom of the first page of normal searches. This can be a great way to (temporarily) show up on the first page of competitive searches.
Not every blog can get on Google News. This blog for example wouldn't get accepted to Google News because we tend to focus on tips and suggestions rather than current events. They also only accept blogs with more than one author. You can read all about the requirements and learn how to submit your site for review in their Getting Started guide. It's definitely a great way to boost your traffic assuming you can get approved.
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