Where Did My Google Reviews Go? Navigating the New Era of Google Reviews Updates

December 21, 2023

Abby Kuhn

If you’ve noticed reviews missing from your Google Business Profile lately, you’ll want to read up about Google's latest reviews system overhaul. As a business owner in the home services industry, staying informed about digital marketing trends is crucial. So, let's dive into what Google's recent changes mean for you and your business.

The Power of Google Reviews in Marketing

Google reviews are more than just feedback - they're a cornerstone of your digital marketing strategy. These reviews build trust, enhance your online presence, and significantly influence potential customers. Positive reviews can boost your visibility in search results, leading to increased website traffic and, ultimately, more business. If you are running Google Local Services Ads, they are also directly tied to these. The more quality reviews you have, the more likely your Google Local Services ads are going to show at the top.

Google's Final Reviews Update Announcement

The November 2023 reviews update, initially announced on November 8, 2023, has been successfully rolled out over a 29-day period. This is a landmark event, as Google has stated that this will be the last time they publicly confirm an update to their reviews system or algorithm. Since the inaugural review update in April 2021, we've seen a total of eight such updates, each playing a pivotal role in shaping how businesses are perceived online.

The important takeaway here? Just because Google is no longer announcing their updates, doesn't mean they won't be making any more updates. The best way to plan around this is to take a look at the past updates and try to predict where Google will go from here.

Real-Time Updates: What Does It Mean for Your Business?

The most recent update indicates a shift towards real-time changes in online rankings. This means the effects of new reviews on your Google Business Profile might be noticed sooner than before. Whether these changes improve or diminish your ranking, they will likely be reflected more rapidly, emphasizing the need for continuous engagement and monitoring of your online reviews.

It's also worth noting that the November 2023 core update rolled out alongside the reviews update. This means your site might be experiencing effects from both updates. Pinpointing which one has had more influence might be difficult, but it's essential to keep an eye on any shifts in your online performance.

Recap of Previous Reviews Updates

For context, here's a brief history of Google's reviews updates:

Why This Update Matters to Your Home Services Business

As someone in the home services industry, it's important to keep an eye on these changes since reviews play a significant role in how potential customers perceive your business. Regularly check your search rankings and organic traffic to understand the impact of these updates on your online presence.

Looking Forward: Professional Reputation Management with Restoration Marketing

With Google's move towards ongoing, undisclosed review updates, managing your online reputation is more important than ever. At Restoration Marketing, we closely monitor these changes and constantly update our reputation management strategy for our clients. For more information and practical tips on how to navigate these changes, you can book a free strategy call with us by clicking here.