Ranking Google News - 3 digits in URL?
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Do we need to have unique 3 digits in URL, like stated here in technical guidelines from Google -- https://support.google.com/news/publisher/answer/40787?hl=en&ref_topic=4359866.
Or, is having and submitting Google News XML Sitemap a way around that -- https://support.google.com/news/publisher/answer/68323?hl=en
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I've heard it both ways, that a sitemap is a way around the digits in the URL. But I can confirm, for sure, that if you are approved by Google News (must submit for approval), that the digits in the URL will work for sure.
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If Google say to add 3 unique digits on the end, then this is what you should do. I would also add a sitemap as well, but don't add this until you have been approved.
It also helps to make sure you have some good news stories already lined up and live on your site.
-Andy
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