Google Search to launch Public Review Profiles

Google will launch public Search Review Profiles for all users next Monday. These profiles will act as a central hub, allowing users to view and manage reviews written across various Google Search features, including movies, TV shows, books, video games, and albums.

Previously, user reviews were already publicly accessible when attached to specific content like movies or restaurants. However, there was no dedicated space for users to see all their reviews in one place. Search Review Profiles address this gap by offering a centralized location for review management. While profiles are initially private, they will become public by default on June 24th.

To 9to5google, Google assures users will have control over profile visibility. Users can opt for a private profile, hiding it from public view. Additionally, they have the option to delete their profile entirely or edit/delete individual reviews at any time.

The introduction of Search Review Profiles has sparked discussions about potential implications for user engagement and online review ecosystems. Proponents of the new feature argue that it fosters greater transparency by providing users with a consolidated view of their review history. This can be helpful for users who want to track their past recommendations or revisit reviews they've written.

Some experts, like SEO consultant Gagan Ghotra, believe Search Review Profiles could be part of a larger Google strategy to position user reviews within the Google Search platform as a more prominent source of information, potentially sidelining independent review websites. Ghotra points to recent Google updates that seemingly prioritize user reviews within search results and Google Shopping experiences.

For instance, Google has been conducting UI tests experimenting with increased emphasis on user reviews within search results. Additionally, Google Merchant Center's "About the Store Quality" program allows businesses to showcase positive customer reviews directly within Google Shopping results. These developments suggest Google may be placing greater weight on user reviews within its own ecosystem.

While the long-term goals of Google's strategy remain unclear, the introduction of Search Review Profiles signifies a shift towards a more centralized approach to online reviews within Google Search. It's important to note that Search Review Profiles currently do not include Google Maps reviews. Whether Google intends to integrate them in the future remains to be seen.

The ultimate impact of Search Review Profiles on user behavior and the online review landscape is yet to be determined. It will be interesting to see how users adapt to managing their reviews within this new centralized system and whether it influences the weight given to Google Search reviews compared to those found on independent platforms.