Google Ranking Algorithm and Google Product Reviews

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Google has released the third version of its products reviews feature and, along with it, come new ranking criteria that will aid in its most encompassing update yet. The Google product reviews update is designed to promote review content that is richest in information, including their own product reviews, which will be promoted in its results rankings. In terms of product review search results, this new update may put certain companies’ products ahead of yours if your product reviews are on the thinner side.

What Does This Update Really Look Like? google_review_updates

Google has made it clear that its new update will make it easier for them to get the most sound and informative purchasing advice to all of their users. They also explained that this update will likely reward creators who are earnest in being helpful – meaning you should write for people and not bots.

The third version of Google’s products reviews feature will impact each business differently, but it won’t be randomized. Google stated that the following components are now key to product review search rankings:

  • In-depth explanation of a product’s benefits, issues you encountered, and specifics on a product’s performance as well as its history of performance
  • Unique information and photos/other visuals beyond what the manufacturer provides from consumers who have actually used the product
  • Comparisons to similar products, explanation of what makes the product unique

Not a Core Update

According to Google, the new product reviews updates that they introduce are standalone versions that do not coincide or interfere with their standard core updates. The new product reviews update pertains only to product reviews and not broader SEO-centric search result features. Google did state, however, that what they advised originally for core updates is still relevant.

Who Will Benefit From This Update?

Because of the aforementioned criteria that will be prioritized in search rankings, many will wonder how they can best stay on top in the products review arena. If that plays a role in your business, it might be a good idea to stay on top of this update’s new preferences. Google still suggests following its advice on this topic from earlier this year, but it has since added three tips that will increase your performance in the rankings:

  1. The updates to product reviews are still relevant to comparison reviews and ranking lists. Those aforementioned best practices that Google shared also apply here. Google also added that because of the shorter format of ranked lists, it would be beneficial to the reviewer to concisely showcase their expertise and verify their authenticity. That could mean including original images from your use of the product, explaining pertinent results, etc.
  2. Google also included a tip for recommendations. They explained that if you recommend a product as the best in its field, it is beneficial to share with the reader why you believe that – not simply that you believe it. It’s important to state what sets this particular product apart from others and to describe why it works best for the purpose you’re recommending.
  3. Google’s final tip pertained to the idea of writing individual reviews for products that you’ve already written a review for within a set of items. Although you may have mentioned it in a review that covered multiple products, it can be helpful to write reviews for each product in your recommended set. And though it’s tempting, don’t get lazy with these; it’s still important that they are high-quality, in-depth reviews.

Monitor the Impact on Your Business

The rollout of this new update will take place over the next few weeks. If your website offers product reviews, it’s recommended that you check your rankings to see if you were impacted.

Don’t be discouraged if your ranking has decreased, but do be motivated to enhance your product review performance. Contact our team for more information.