Google has confirmed that the July 2022 product review algorithm update, the fourth in a series of updates aimed at low-quality reviews, is now rolling out.
This update starts on July 27 and is complete in two to three weeks.
Google releases the information on Twitter, linking to the official search ranking updates page.
If Google’s announcement surprised you, that is because it did. Many of Google’s algorithm changes, including all of the product review updates so far, occur without notice.
That, however, does not have to be a bad thing. Every algorithm update has the potential to improve your ranking, especially if the previous update hurt you.
Here is everything you need to know about the July 2022 algorithm change for product reviews.
What is Changing?
The update released on July 27 is a refinement of Google’s product review algorithm, which was introduced in March 2021.
The algorithm is intended to reward reviews that provide in-depth research rather than thin content that summarises information available on a manufacturer’s website.
This update contains no new guidance. Product review websites are encouraged to continue focusing on meeting Google’s stringent criteria for high-quality content.
In short, Google wants to know that you’ve personally tested and experimented with the product you’re reviewing.
You can demonstrate this to Google and your readers by including quantitative measurements, benefits and drawbacks, comparisons to other products, and so on.
Rewriting content that already exists on the web will no longer suffice. Google now prioritizes reviews that provide unique value. Even original photographs are practically required.
Who Will Be Impacted By This Google Product Reviews Algorithm Update?
If you do not publish product reviews on your site, this update does not apply to you. It is not a core update that impacts all search results.
If you sell products that customers can review on your website, this update still does not apply to you because that is not considered the same as a review article.
This update applies to websites that publish long-form product reviews, such as those seen on website like CNET.
If you notice fluctuations in product review page rankings in the coming weeks, it is most likely due to the July 2022 product review update.
If you are negatively impacted, the best way to recover is to improve the quality of your product review pages by following Google’s recommendations.
Why do we care?
If your website contains product reviews, you should check your rankings to see if you were affected. Did your Google organic traffic increase, decrease, or remain stable?
Long term, you will want to make sure that you put a lot more detail and effort into your product review content in the future so that it is unique and stands out from the competition on the web.
Additionally, those who were impacted by previous core updates and put in the effort may be rewarded by this July 2022 Google product reviews update.