Just in! Google unveiled the much-anticipated November 2023 reviews update today, precisely at noon ET on November 8, 2023.
Brace yourselves – this marks the final official announcement for reviews updates, as Google gears up for a continuous and regular pace of these updates!
Check out the details on how to craft top-notch reviews. And moreover, the reviews system is on the fast track for continuous enhancements, so no more future update posts on the status dashboard!
Here is the tweet made by Google on their X (Twitter) platform:
Here’s the Scoop on the Google April 2023 Reviews Update
- Name: Google November 2023 Reviews Update
- Launched: November 8, 2023, precisely at 12 pm ET
- Rollout: Buckle up for a one to two-week rollout ride
- Targets: It’s eyeing all review content – products, services, destinations, games, movies, you name it!
- Penalty: Nope, no penalties here; it’s all about promoting and rewarding “insightful analysis and original research.”
- Not a Core Update: Despite the rumors, this isn’t a core update – let’s get that straight.
- Languages: This update speaks in several tongues – English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Russian, Dutch, Portuguese, and Polish.
- Impact: Google’s playing coy about the percentage of affected queries or searches – mysterious, right?
- Discover: Heads up – your Google Discover performance might catch a wave with this update, as Google hinted before.
- Recover: Got hit? Time to give your content a pep talk and see how you can shine brighter with Google’s advice below.
- Refreshes: Brace yourselves – Google spilled the tea that this update is now strutting in regularly, and future refreshes or updates won’t come with a confirmation stamp. It’s the new normal!
What is Different About the Update?
What’s different now is that Google no longer confirms future updates, but they have stated that the update is occurring regularly and consistently.
This suggests that the reviews update is now more real-time, meaning alterations to your site could be promptly reflected in the reviews system, whether for improvement or otherwise, rather than waiting for Google to release a new update to the reviews system.
The Shift From Product Reviews to Reviews Update
The shift from product reviews to the broader term “reviews update” occurred with the latest update in April 2023.
Google no longer specifically labels them as product reviews updates. Instead, they encompass evaluations of various reviewable subjects, such as services, businesses, destinations, and media like games and movies.
The November 2023 Update: Other Updates
As you’re aware, Google is currently in the process of deploying the November 2023 core update, a rollout that spans approximately two weeks and coincides with the ongoing update.
Given the volatility and intensity of the core update, distinguishing its impact from the reviews update may pose a challenge.
Although the November core update has already made a significant impact, the continued intensity makes it difficult to discern whether the ongoing heated core update or the reviews update is influencing changes on your site.
Guidelines for Google’s Review Update
Google has recently updated its recommendations for creating review content that is favored by Google Search. You can find the revised guidance here.
Google emphasizes the significance of high-quality reviews in helping users gather information about a wide range of subjects, including products, services, destinations, games, movies, and more.
The current best practices outlined by Google are as follows:
User-Centric Evaluation: Approach your review from a user’s perspective.
Demonstrate Expertise: Showcase your knowledge and expertise in the subject you are reviewing.
Provide Supporting Evidence: Back your review with evidence, such as visuals, audio, or links, to validate your experience and enhance the authenticity of your review.
Quantitative Measurements: Include quantitative measurements to assess performance in different categories.
Highlight Unique Qualities: Explain what sets the subject of your review apart from its competitors.
Consider Alternatives: Cover comparable options or suggest which might be better suited for specific uses or circumstances.
Benefits and Drawbacks: Delve into the advantages and disadvantages based on your original research.
Product Evolution: Describe how a product has evolved over time, addressing improvements or changes from previous models or releases.
Focus on Key Decision-Making Factors: Concentrate on the most critical decision-making factors, drawing from your experience or expertise.
Design Choices Impact: Discuss key design choices and their impact on users, going beyond manufacturer-provided information.
Include Relevant Links: Integrate links to useful resources, whether they are your own or from other reputable sites, to aid readers in decision-making.
Multiple Seller Options: Provide links to multiple sellers, offering readers the flexibility to choose their preferred merchant.
Justify Recommendations: When recommending something as the best overall or for a specific purpose, substantiate your choice with supporting evidence.
Comprehensive Ranked Lists: Ensure your ranked lists contain enough valuable content to stand on their own, even if you decide to create separate in-depth single reviews.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can enhance the impact of your reviews in the context of Google’s latest update.
Previous Updates
- April 15, 2023 – Reviews Update
April 2023 brings an expansive update to Google Reviews, now encompassing evaluations of products, services, and various entities.
2. February 21, 2023 – Product Reviews Update
The February 2023 product reviews update, extending its reach beyond English, now includes support for multiple additional languages.
3. September 20, 2022 – Google Product Reviews Update
The September 2022 product reviews update has been released. This update applies to English-language product reviews, and the rollout is expected to be completed within two weeks. (Completed in September 26th)
4. July 27, 2022 – Google Product Reviews Update
The objective of the product reviews update is to recognize and reward in-depth product review content, prioritizing substantial reviews over less comprehensive ones. Although these updates are distinct from core updates, there is a potential for them to be misconstrued as such.
5. March 23, 2022 – Google Product Reviews Update
This update sought to prioritize the rankings of product review content showcasing expertise, thoroughness, and valuable information, surpassing what is typically offered by the product manufacturer. (Completed on April 11th)
6. December 1, 2021 – Google Product Reviews Update
The update is designed to enhance user experience by favoring comprehensive product reviews and discouraging those primarily serving as a pathway to affiliate revenue without providing substantial value. (Completed on December 21st)
7. April 8, 2021 – Google Product Reviews Update
The Product Reviews Update from Google was implemented on April 8, 2021, with the aim of featuring insightful and high-quality reviews, excluding thin content.
