Google News Setup & Optimization

My WordPress-based news site focuses on Ireland and UK-wide national stories, and I want every piece we publish to surface quickly in Google News and related Alerts. I already have a Google Publisher Center account, but the configuration is only partially complete and the site itself still needs the fine-tuning that helps Google index, classify and show new articles within minutes rather than days.

I would like you to:

• Audit the current WordPress build, feeds, News-sitemap and structured-data markup to spot anything that could block eligibility.
• Finish structuring the publication inside Publisher Center—section mapping, brand assets, content labels, review & inclusion settings—then walk me through the dashboard so I can maintain it myself.
• Optimise the site for Google News guidelines: page performance, mobile friendliness, transparent bylines, and any policy compliance touches I may have missed.
• Test the submission end-to-end, troubleshoot any rejection feedback, and confirm that fresh articles start triggering in Google Alerts.
• Provide a concise hand-over note listing what was changed and how to keep everything in good standing.

If you are familiar with WordPress news plugins, News-sitemap best practices and the quirks of Publisher Center, you should find this an efficient assignment. I am ready to give you admin access and can respond quickly to content or DNS tweaks you may request.