Google's December 2021 Product Reviews Update. What You Need To Know!
The Google algorithm is definitely changing and evolving, but its latest update to product critiques has caused a lot of controversies. This article should go within the changes that Google made, what effect they could have on your own business's rankings, and tips on how to combat them for maximum success!
At midnight EST on December 20th, 2021, all product review ratings below four stars were considered “biased” by Google. The reviews impacted an estimated 20% of online ratings, which equates to over 25 million products that received a review score below the brand new threshold.
Google Product Reviews Update: What Changed?
Before this update on product critiques for December 2021, product critiques had no minimum rating requirement so as in order for them to be considered unbiased. Now, any product review score below four stars will soon be considered “biased” by Google and no longer displayed on the se results pages (SERPs).
Google Product Reviews Update: What Does This Mean for Your Business?
This update on Google's product critiques is significant as it impacts businesses with hundreds of 1000s of products which have the average rating below four stars. For example, this might connect with any large company that manufactures most of its products overseas, whether it be a brush or clothing brand.
The good news is that the updates don't affect local businesses at all—only those individuals who have their product listings create through Google Shopping Ads. What this means is when you yourself have your products listed on Google My Business, you will not be impacted at all by these changes.
The Bottom Line
Google's December 2021 Product Reviews Update will certainly have a huge affect businesses of all sizes. Ensure you are conscious of the changes and take the mandatory steps to ensure your products are seen as unbiased by Google. Thank you for reading!