Yesterday, Google announced a new Google Algorithm update. This is a major update, and as a result industry tools and chatter is off the charts.
This update targets product reviews.
You heard that right. Google has announced a new update that is not a core update. We’ll go ahead and repeat ourselves: it targets product reviews.
High-level review content will be prioritized and rewarded over low-quality or weak content.
Google mentioned that this only applies to English language reviews for the time being. They believe that “this will further help those producing rich content in the product reviews area.”
In addition, they noted that this update is separate from the standard core updates.
They explained:
“The advice that we provide about producing quality content for those is also relevant here. The overall focus is on providing users with content that provides insightful analysis and original research, and is written by experts or enthusiasts who know the topic well.”
Google also offered the following guidance about improving your reviews overall:
- “Express expert knowledge about products where appropriate?
- Show what the product is like physically, or how it is used, with unique content beyond what’s provided by the manufacturer?
- Provide quantitative measurements about how a product measures up in various categories of performance?
- Explain what sets a product apart from its competitors?
- Cover comparable products to consider, or explain which products might be best for certain uses or circumstances?
- Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of a particular product, based on research into it?
- Describe how a product has evolved from previous models or releases to provide improvements, address issues, or otherwise help users in making a purchase decision?
- Identify key decision-making factors for the product’s category and how the product performs in those areas? For example, a car review might determine that fuel economy, safety, and handling are key decision-making factors and rate performance in those areas.
- Describe key choices in how a product has been designed and their effect on the users beyond what the manufacturer says?”
Google said:
What we find interesting about this update is that it could potentially benefit service reviews as well. It’s not limited only to products.
Danny Sullivan reports that it’s currently rolling out and that it should take approximately 2 weeks for the update to roll out across all sites.
How Significant is This Google Algorithm Update?
This update is a game-changer for product reviews, and likely service reviews, although they are a smaller focus.
As with most updates, it remains to be seen exactly what impact the update will have.
Again, industry tools and chatter are off the charts. A rating of 7.6 was observed in Semrush’s sensor, and other tools’ metrics continue to increase.
As per usual, we will continue to bring you all the latest updates!
