Google is phasing out its review extensions.

Review extensions are pieces of text or paraphrases from reviews that can show up, for example, on estate agents’ pay-per click Google ads.

For instance, a review extension might have read: “Most helpful estate agent in Bournemouth” or “Always returns calls.”

All review extensions will be deleted early next month.

Google has made no announcement as to whether it is also phasing out its Seller Ratings – the ability of its advertisers to show ‘stars’ aggregated from review sites such as Feefo and Truspilot, just as long as the advertiser has 150 unique reviews and a 3.5/5 rating or above.

There is speculation as to just what the implications are for both third party review sites and for users of Google ad words.

Trade publication Search Engine Journal said that this “could potentially be a blow to third-party review sites, as the reviews displayed in the extensions came from non-Google websites”.

However a spokesperson for Trustpilot told us: “Google Seller Ratings are much more eye-catching and inform a viewer with an aggregate rating, rather than a single review that may or not be representative enough.

“We don’t foresee a significant impact on companies that use Trustpilot.”

allAgents did not comment, but Trustpilot has a blog on the subject which readers may find helpful.

http://blog.trustpilot.com/blog/what-google-is-doing-to-review-extensions-and-why-you-shouldnt-worry