Review Extensions in Google Ads: What They Are & How to Use Them

Alright, if you've been in the digital marketing trenches for a while, you might be scratching your head thinking, "Wait, didn't Google sunset Review Extensions?" You're not wrong, my friend. Google did indeed bid farewell to Review Extensions back in 2018. But here's the kicker – they've essentially reincarnated as Store Rating Extensions. Same family, new name, and trust us, they're packing a punch.

Now, we know what you're thinking. "Another Google Ads feature? Do I really need to care about this?" Short answer: Absolutely. Long answer: Keep reading, because we are about to show you why Store Rating Extensions (or Review Extensions 2.0, if you will) are your ticket to standing out in the crowded SERPs landscape.

The Evolution: From Review Extensions to Store Rating Extensions

Let's take a quick trip down memory lane. Review Extensions were the cool kids on the block, allowing advertisers to showcase glowing third-party reviews right in their search ads.

Fast forward to today, and we've got Store Rating Extensions. Think of them as Review Extensions' more sophisticated, data-driven cousin. They're automated, they're dynamic, and they're here to make your ads pop.

Key Features of Store Rating Extensions:

• Automatically display your business's average rating (out of five stars)

• Show the total number of reviews

• Pull data from reputable third-party review sites

• Update in real-time as new reviews come in

Why You Should Care

Now, we know you're not here for a history lesson. You want the juicy details on how this can supercharge your Google Ads game. Well, the impact is pretty impressive:

1. Trust Signals on Steroids: Remember how Review Extensions boosted credibility? Store Rating Extensions take it to a whole new level. We're talking instant social proof that screams, "Hey, look how many people trust us!"

2. Click-Through Rates That Make You Go "Wow": Google's data showed that Review Extensions could bump up CTR by about 10%. Store Rating Extensions? They're knocking it out of the park with potential increases of up to 17%.

3. Quality Score Booster: Google loves relevant, helpful information. By displaying your stellar ratings, you're essentially giving Google a big thumbs up, potentially improving your Quality Score.

4. Stand Out in the SERP Crowd: In a sea of text ads, those little yellow stars are like a beacon of trust. They catch the eye and make your ad more clickable.

How Store Rating Extensions Work

Let's break down the mechanics of Store Rating Extensions. It's not smoke and mirrors – it's all about data, automation, and a little Google magic.

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The Basics:

When you spot those shiny stars under an ad, here's what's typically on display:

• A star rating out of five (and yes, partial stars are a thing)

• The total number of reviews

• A snippet that says "Rating on Google" or the name of another review platform

Behind the Scenes:

1. Data Collection: Google's bots are constantly crawling the web, scouring for reviews about your business. They're looking at Google reviews (obviously), but also at approved third-party review sites. Think big names like Trustpilot, Reevoo, and industry-specific platforms.

2. Verification Process: Google's not just taking any old review at face value. They've got a verification process to ensure the reviews are legit. No fake reviews or shady tactics allowed here, folks.

3. Aggregation and Calculation: Once Google has gathered enough verified reviews (remember that 100 review threshold?), they start crunching numbers. They calculate an average rating and tally up the total number of reviews.

4. Real-Time Updates: This isn't a one-and-done deal. Google updates these ratings in real time as new reviews come in. Your extension is always showing the most up-to-date snapshot of your online reputation.

Eligibility:

Now, before you get too excited, let's talk eligibility. Google's not handing these extensions out to just anyone Here's what you need to qualify:

1. Volume: You need at least 100 unique reviews within the past 12 months.

2. Composite Rating: Your overall rating needs to be at least 3.5 stars. Google's not in the business of showcasing mediocrity.

3. Country Considerations: The reviews need to be from the same country you're targeting with your ads. No international review boosting allowed!

4. Google's Discretion: Even if you meet all the above criteria, Google still has the final say. They might not show your extensions if they don't think it'll enhance user experience.

How to Implement Store Rating Extensions: Step-by-Step Guide

Store Rating Extensions are largely automated, but there are still some steps you can take to optimize their use:

1. Eligibility: Ensure you meet the criteria for Store Ratings to appear:

   • Have at least 100 unique reviews within the past 12 months

   • Maintain an average rating of 3.5 stars or higher for text ads

   • Have your ad's visible URL domain match the domain for which Google has ratings

2. Automatic Display: If you meet the eligibility criteria, Store Ratings will appear automatically on your ads. There's no need to manually set them up in your Google Ads account.

3. Review Sources: Google collects ratings from various sources, including Google Customer Reviews, supported review partners, and Google-led shopping research. Consider partnering with one of the supported review platforms to increase your review volume.

4. Check Your Rating: Use the URL lookup tool provided by Google to check if you have a store rating: https://www.google.com/shopping/ratings/account/lookup?q={yourwebsite}

5. Performance Tracking: Monitor the performance of your Store Ratings through the "Account-level automated assets" report in Google Ads.

Closing Thoughts:

In conclusion, Store Rating Extensions (formerly known as Review Extensions) are a powerful tool in your Google Ads arsenal. They provide social proof, boost credibility, and can significantly improve your click-through rates. By focusing on delivering exceptional service and actively managing your online reputation, you can harness the power of these extensions to make your ads stand out in the crowded digital landscape.

Ready to take your Google Ads performance to the next level? We offer a free marketing plan to advertisers looking to turbocharge their growth.