Sitewide

November 2023 reviews update

Completed
December 7, 2023
Started
November 8, 2023

Current status of the ranking update

Status:
Completed
Announced by Google:
November 8, 2023
Update started:
November 8, 2023
Update completed:
December 7, 2023

Types of websites affected:

The November 2023 reviews update primarily impacted websites that:

  • Publish review-focused content, including articles, blog posts, and other opinion-based content.
  • Rely heavily on review content for traffic and rankings, as the update evaluates the quality and relevance of such content.
  • Are likely to experience fluctuations in rankings, especially if the review content does not align with Google’s quality guidelines.

What to Expect:

Websites affected by these updates may experience:

  • Significant ranking fluctuations as the November 2023 reviews update rolls out, particularly if their review content is not up to Google's quality standards.
  • Ongoing adjustments in rankings as Google has shifted to a continuous, real-time evaluation system for review content, rather than periodic updates.
  • Challenges in maintaining consistent rankings, as the quality of review content will now be constantly monitored and evaluated by Google's systems.

What to Address / How to Approach:

To adapt to these updates, website owners should:

  • Focus on creating high-quality, insightful, and original review content that adheres to Google’s quality guidelines.
  • Regularly audit and improve existing review content to ensure it remains relevant, informative, and valuable to users.
  • Monitor site performance closely and be prepared to make quick adjustments as Google’s continuous evaluation system may cause more frequent fluctuations in rankings.

Interesting Fact 💡: 

The November 2023 reviews update marks the last time Google will confirm a standalone reviews update, as the system will now be updated in real-time, without periodic announcements.