September 21, 2022
Google Has Released Their September 2022 Product Reviews Update
Google officially released the fifth version of its product reviews update on September 20th, 2022, aptly named the September 2022 Product Reviews Update. Initially announced back in mid-August, this update is unusual considering how closely its release followed Google’s July 2022 Product Reviews Update.
What is the Google September 2022 Product Reviews Update?
The Google September 2022 Product Reviews Update is a search algorithm update designed to better rank product review-related content that’s deemed the most helpful to users. Announced via Google’s Twitter account, this update aims to promote review content that goes beyond the templated, less insightful review content users might typically find throughout the web. This update will initially be rolled out for English-language product reviews, but Google has future plans to open up more product review support for other languages.
Important Note: Google has stated that they’re not openly punishing review content that’s deemed “thin” or that simply summarizes a bunch of products. However, those websites that provide this type of content might find that their rankings have dropped simply because other more helpful content has been promoted above their own. While this might initially feel like a ranking penalty, Google is simply just rewarding content that’s deemed more helpful or insightful to users.
How Does This Update Relate to the September 2022 Core Update?
Google is well-aware that the September 2022 Core Update isn’t fully completed. That being said, the rollout for the September 2022 Core Update is “mostly done” according to their team, and Google expects it should be fully complete within a week. More updates will be shared on Google’s Updates Page.
Important Note: Google has stated that if you see changes in your rankings and wonder if they’re related to the September 2022 Core Update or the September 2022 Product Reviews Update, consider which type of content you produce.
What Is Google’s Advice Regarding the September 2022 Product Reviews Update
Google’s focus with this update is on providing content backed by insightful analysis and original research, content that’s “written by experts or enthusiasts who know the topic well.” As a result, Google’s advice regarding the September 2022 Product Reviews Content is to ensure your product review content covers the following areas and answers the following questions:
- Does your product review content express expert knowledge about products where appropriate?
- Does your content show physical aspects of the product in detail, how it’s used, with unique content beyond what’s provided by the manufacturer?
- Does your review content provide quantitative measurements of how a product measures up in terms of performance?
- Does your review content adequately describe what sets a product apart from its competitors?
- Does your product review content cover comparable products worth considering, or explain which products might be better suited for certain uses and circumstances?
- Does your review content adequately discuss the benefits or drawbacks of a product based on original research?
- Does your product review content describe how a product evolved from one model/release to another, with a list of where issues were addressed or improvements made to help users make a purchasing decision?
- Does your review content provide any visuals, audio, or similar links of your own experience with the product and validate the authenticity of your review?
- Does your product review content offer any additional links to multiple retailers of the product, giving users the option to purchase from a merchant of their choice?
Users can also find a full list of best practices for product review content here.
Contact VELOX Media to Learn More About Google’s Latest Product Reviews Update
As a Google Premier Partner, VELOX Media is at the forefront of every Google algorithm update, big or small. We work with a variety of clients across multiple competitive industries to help improve and optimize their SEO strategies.
Reach out to VELOX Media to learn how we can help your business navigate Google’s September 2022 Product Reviews Update and improve your organic search traffic moving forward.