{"id":7719,"date":"2022-08-05T13:49:19","date_gmt":"2022-08-05T12:49:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ga.agency\/?p=7719"},"modified":"2026-05-25T18:59:28","modified_gmt":"2026-05-25T16:59:28","slug":"google-releases-july-2022-product-reviews-update","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/ga.agency\/en\/blog\/google-releases-july-2022-product-reviews-update\/","title":{"rendered":"Google Releases July 2022 Product Reviews Update"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Google confirmed on their Google Search Central twitter account<\/a> that a new product reviews algorithm update is being rolled out and was complete as of August 2nd<\/sup>, 2022.<\/a> This is the fourth in a series of product reviews updates that have been launched by Google over the past 18 months.<\/p>\n\n\n

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<\/span>What is the Google Product Reviews Update?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Google\u2019s product reviews update aims to promote review content that is higher-quality<\/strong>, and Google will promote these types of product reviews in its search results ranking. You might find that the rankings for lower-quality reviews with thin content decrease, this isn\u2019t due to any penalty against this content, instead Google is rewarding more useful review content with rankings above yours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If we go back to Google\u2019s first product reviews update in April 2021<\/a>, Google\u2019s mission was that they wanted product reviews to feature useful and helpful information that involves a comprehensive review and testing process. The algorithm has adapted since then to reflect this mission further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Who is Impacted?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At the moment for the initial rollout <\/strong>it\u2019s only \u201cEnglish-language product reviews\u201d<\/a> that are impacted, however, Google has said that in the future this update may impact those who \u201ccreate product reviews in any language\u201d<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Was This Update Expected?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This update wasn\u2019t expected, however, we shouldn\u2019t be surprised as Google already released two refinements to its original product reviews algorithm. This is the fourth product review update over the past 18 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>What\u2019s New?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It doesn\u2019t seem that anything specific has changed with the ranking criteria with this update. It\u2019s most likely just Google making small adjustments and refreshing the algorithm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>What Should I Do If I Have Been Impacted?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you notice an unexpected or sudden drop<\/strong> in pages that use product reviews, then you may have been impacted by this update.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The advice is the same as the previous update back in March 2022 when Google released a document titled \u201cMore helpful product reviews on Search\u201d<\/a>. It\u2019s important to remember that Google is not punishing websites, but rewarding websites that have high-quality and informative product reviews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To summarise the recommendations for meeting product review criteria in search from Google, they recommend to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Include helpful in-depth details, like the benefits or drawbacks of a certain item, specifics on how a product performs or how the product differs from previous versions<\/p>\n\n\n\n


\u2022 Come from people who have actually used the products, and show what the product is physically like or how it\u2019s used

\u2022 Include unique information beyond what the manufacturer provides \u2014 like visuals, audio or links to other content detailing the reviewer\u2019s experience

\u2022 Cover comparable products, or explain what sets a product apart from its competitors<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Google\u2019s overall goal is to help people find trustworthy, reliable advice<\/strong> when they come to Search. Going forward you\u2019ll want to ensure that your product review content is unique and informative in order to perform well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At GA Agency, our international team<\/strong> can help you develop your marketing strategies and mitigate any issues around Google updates<\/strong>. Contact us<\/a> to find out more about our marketing services<\/a> including SEO consulting<\/a>, content marketing<\/a> and PPC<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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