In April 2023, Google rolled out a new algorithm update that promises to have a significant impact on website rankings. This update, known as the Google April 2023 Reviews Algorithm Update, expands coverage of reviews about products, services, and other topics. The update aims to provide users with more comprehensive and accurate information about products and services.
The Google April 2023 Reviews Algorithm Update will evaluate the quality and relevance of reviews to rank websites higher or lower in search results. The update will also incorporate sentiment analysis to help users understand the tone and sentiment of the reviews.
E-A-T gets an extra E for Experience
Google has been reasonably transparent with the new Reviews documentation which has a strong focus on E-E-A-T, this is the extension of E-A-T and what Google is calling the double E-E-A-T formally introduced by Google in December 2022 as part of the quality rater guidelines.
So what does the extra ‘E’ stand for in E-E-A-T? Well not surprisingly it is ‘Experience’. Double-E-EA-T and introducing ‘Experience’ is the higher level of content quality expectations that supersedes E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness).
How to improve your reviews pages
As a webmaster, you need to be aware of this April 2023 Google update to ensure that your website’s reviews are not negatively impacted and to optimise your website to ensure you appear in search results and your content has the best chance of reaching its intended audience. Here are some things you need to know:
Be honest: Always be honest in your review. Don’t exaggerate or misrepresent the product or service you are reviewing. Be transparent and provide your honest opinion.
Be specific: Provide specific details about the product or service you are reviewing. This helps readers understand your experience with the product or service and can help them make an informed decision.
Be balanced: Present both the positive and negative aspects of the product or service. This helps readers understand the product or service better and gives them a more balanced view.
Be concise: Keep your review short and to the point. Avoid rambling or going off-topic. Be clear and concise in your writing.
Be relevant: Ensure that your review is relevant to the product or service you are reviewing. Avoid writing about unrelated topics or products.
Use proper grammar and spelling: Ensure that your review is well-written with proper grammar and spelling. Poorly written reviews can be difficult to read and may not be taken seriously.
Use visuals: If possible, include images or videos in your review to help readers understand the product or service better.
Include personal experience: Share your personal experience with the product or service. This helps readers understand how the product or service works in real life.
Avoid biases: Try to avoid biases in your review. Be objective and present the facts as they are.
Follow Google’s guidelines: Ensure that your review follows Google’s guidelines for reviews. This includes avoiding fake or spammy reviews and ensuring that your review is relevant and helpful to readers.
By following these tips, you can create high-quality reviews that are easily discoverable on Google Search and other Google surfaces. Remember, the quality of your reviews can significantly impact your website’s ranking, especially with the new April 2023 Reviews Update, so take the time to create well-written and informative reviews.
