Google Launches Product Reviews Algorithm Update Likey Targetting Thin Affiliate Sites

Google believes people appreciate product reviews that share in-depth research, rather than thin content that simply summarizes a bunch of products. That’s why they are launching an improvement to their ranking systems, which is officially called the product reviews update, that’s designed to better reward such content.  The overall focus is on providing users with content that provides insightful analysis and original research, and is written by experts or enthusiasts who know the topic well.

This update is going out today and only involves English language reviews for now.

They shared some tips on how to make sure the content you produce can avoid getting hit by this update. According to Goole these are useful questions to consider in terms of product reviews.

• Express expert knowledge about products where appropriate?
• Show what the product is like physically, or how it is used, with unique content beyond what’s provided by the manufacturer?
• Provide quantitative measurements about how a product measures up in various categories of performance?
• Explain what sets a product apart from its competitors?
• Cover comparable products to consider, or explain which products might be best for certain uses or circumstances?
• Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of a particular product, based on research into it?
• Describe how a product has evolved from previous models or releases to provide improvements, address issues, or otherwise help users in making a purchase decision?
• Identify key decision-making factors for the product’s category and how the product performs in those areas? For example, a car review might determine that fuel economy, safety, and handling are key decision-making factors and rate performance in those areas.
• Describe key choices in how a product has been designed and their effect on the users beyond what the manufacturer says?

Google also mentioned that while the focus is on products, service reviews may also benefit from this update.

While the focus is on products, service reviews may also benefit from this update.

— Danny Sullivan (@dannysullivan) April 8, 2021

Update 12/04/2021:

John was asked whether the product reviews update affects sites by URL individually. He says it's broader. https://t.co/FphCJaQJ9P

— Marie Haynes (@Marie_Haynes) April 9, 2021

At the moment, there's a periodic refresh. Unlike with core updates, we might not always post when a refresh happens given the more limited nature of content involved here. So overall, sites should consider the advice & keep working to it (true of core updates as well!).

— Danny Sullivan (@dannysullivan) April 9, 2021