Comments on: Google Places: Are Ratings the New Reviews?

By: Google Places: Integrating some of the great information that’s been buried | Understanding Google Maps & Local Search

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 13:19:38 +0000

[...] obvious conclusion from their comments is that they are going to aggressively pursue the idea of ratings as opposed to long form reviews. Since Hotpot, this is a differentiation strategy that Google has [...]

By: My Review Corpus is Bigger Than Your Review Corpus And Why It Matters | Understanding Google Maps & Local Search

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 11:46:53 +0000

[...] many ways, ratings are the new reviews and while not as substantial, the fact that so many more people are likely to create them, [...]

By: Ian

Ian — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 02:23:52 +0000

@ Mike

Ahh, so that’s the secret… I was searching high and low for the answer to that one. Thanks so much!

By: Mike

Mike — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 02:00:58 +0000

@Ian There is a minimum number of reviews required for the listing in the main search results to show the stars. It is usually 5 or 6 reviews but it is industry specific and might be a few more or less depending on how Google has it configured. If you look at this search for Criminal Defense Attorney Orlando you will see this.

By: Ian

Ian — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 22:40:54 +0000

@ Mike,

The main search results. For example, google “Sayville NY foreclosure lawyer.” My firm is Herrick & kokalj LLP and it has had two reviews recently, both 5 stars. But as you can see, unlike the firm Peter T. Roach & Associates, Google’s local results doesn’t produce the average 5 stars rating next to my firm’s name. You have to click “Place Page” to actually see the stars.

By: Mike

Mike — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 21:58:24 +0000

@Ian

Do You mean that the stars are not showing on int main search results or that the reviews are showing at all?

By: Ian

Ian — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 20:41:07 +0000

Hi Mike,

Do you have any idea why some reviews/ratings — even those made using hotspot and google places — don’t translate into seeing a star ranking next to business’s name in a local search?

By: SEOmoz | Answers to the SEO Professional's Litmus Test

SEOmoz | Answers to the SEO Professional's Litmus Test — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 22:01:23 +0000

[...] websites); business listing title/name/domain name._(References: Local Ranking Factors, Ratings the New Reviews, Google Places Guidelines)_What aspects of social media marketing have a positive impact on [...]

By: Google Hotspot Influence Rolling Across All of Google Local | Understanding Google Maps & Local Search

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 20:52:59 +0000

[...] Guidelines ComparisonYaro (4 comments) on Google Places Odds and EndsFrank Lewis (10 comments) on Google Places: Are Ratings the New Reviews?Mike (1442 comments) on Google Places Quality Guidelines ComparisonArchives Select Month November [...]

By: Frank Lewis

Frank Lewis — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 13:25:53 +0000

There is another rationale behind Google’s motivations here. Hotpot will drive an increase in Gmail acct activations, thereby it becomes one more weapon in their effort to offset Facebook’s email initiative.