Google Is All About User Experience (and You Should Be Too)

Google Is All About User Experience (And You Should Be Too)

If you’re a digital marketer, we know that it can be difficult to keep up with Google and the rapid updates and changes that can affect SEO and searches. That’s why we wanted to address Google’s latest algorithm update and changes.

• The Purpose of the Update: Helping Users Find Trustworthy Reviews

The primary goal of the Google April 2023 Reviews Update is to provide users with the most relevant and trustworthy information when they are looking for products or services online. 

Google will now evaluate the quality and relevance of reviews based on a variety of factors such as originality, expertise, experience, and analysis. This is keeping in line with their E-E-A-T concept: Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness… the extra E is for “Experience.”

• The New Documentation: Your Ultimate Guide to High-Quality Reviews

Google has provided documentation that outlines online best practices along with the criteria by which Google will assess online reviews. This step is to ensure that reviewers meet a certain threshold and standard.

Here are some of the things that Google is looking for in a high-quality review:

• Providing info that reflects your personal opinion and experience.
• Sharing your experience with your own photos, videos, etc.
• Highlighting the benefits as well as the potential drawbacks of a product or service. What makes something better than the rest?
• Addressing common questions or concerns.
• Showing how well a product performs (including different categories or metrics).

The New Update will Impact Many Languages

The new update will affect multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, and more. If your language is included in this update, you’ll need to follow the new guidelines. Conversely, if you search in the affected language, you’ll reap the benefits of higher-quality reviews.

• The Impact on Rankings: Good News for High-Quality Reviews

For those who create thoughtful, useful, and helpful reviews, there shouldn’t be too much to worry about. Google has its sight set on reviews that are generally not useful/helpful and low quality; these will see a major dip in potential search rankings.

Keep in mind that this update can expand to other content such as blogs, articles, and pages that provide recommendations and opinions. The degree of impact may vary depending on the quality and relevance of the content.

The Bottom Line: User Experience Is Paramount

The big takeaway is the continued shift and focus on user-friendly and helpful content. This update is all about delivering trustworthy reviews and information to all of us. The good news is that the next time you look for a review, Google is doing its best to provide you with the absolute best possible result.