Google AdWords Seller Ratings Update

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September 11, 2012

You are probably familiar with Google AdWords Seller Ratings, an ad extension that shows star ratings for advertisers who have provided their customers with a positive experience.  These ad extensions can show up in the top positions, or along the side of the SERP:

Last week Google made an announcement that detailed an update to the requirements for AdWords Seller Ratings.  Previously, the requirement was that an advertiser have at least 30 reviews from Google Product Search with at least a 4-star average, accrued over any amount of time.  Now, the new update requires that advertisers have at least 30 reviews with a 4-star average over the last 12 months.  The update helps to ensure that reviews remain relevant over time, rather than dating back to years since the last review may have been submitted.

What Can You Do?

  • If you have Seller Ratings, check your ratings to determine how often users are reviewing, and the how recent your reviews are to determine how your seller ratings might be affected by this update.  If you don’t have a minimum of 30 4+ star reviews over the last 12 months, your Seller Ratings will go away, until you are able to accrue the necessary minimums.
  • Interact interact interact!  Interacting with your customers is now as important as ever.   Follow up and engage through social media, and urge customers to interact with your brand.  The more interaction a customer has with your brand the more comfortable and more likely he/she will be to leave you a (positive) review.
  • Provide a great user experience.  This should go without saying.  Always provide your customers with the most positive user experience as possible, and really earn those positive seller ratings!  It’s not just about closing the sale, it’s about providing a great experience from beginning to end.

Just as with all PPC efforts, make sure to stay up to date on your seller reviews.  They’re a great way to show potential new customers that you are good at what you do, and remember, a click on the ‘reviews’ link is free!  What’s not to love about seller ratings?