Google now shows carousels of reviews on local business profiles

Reviews carousels surface when relevant to the query and the business has enough high quality reviews, a Google spokesperson confirmed.

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Google has been spotted displaying reviews in a carousel format, placed more prominently on local business profiles. The feature was spotted by digital marketer Aneel Badyal and confirmed by a Google spokesperson.

Google My Business Reviews
A screenshot of the reviews carousel that surfaces on GMB profiles for relevant queries. Source: Aneel Badyal.

Why we care

Review excerpts on Google My Business-powered (GMB) listings are not new; however, this is the first time they are displayed in a scrollable carousel format that may promote viewing more reviews without the user having to click “see all reviews.” Additionally, the reviews carousel is placed high enough on the listing (below the business’ name and above its contact info) that the user does not have to scroll down to view them.

This interface tweak is beneficial for businesses with positive reviews and underscores the importance of reviews within the context of your GMB profile.

More on the news

  • “We’ve begun showing Reviews and Q&A that are relevant to the user’s query on the business profile,” a Google spokesperson confirmed to Search Engine Land. “These are surfaced when there is a sufficient number of high quality reviews/Q&A for the specific place related to the user’s query.”
  • The reviews and Q&A sections are currently only available in English.
  • Q&A sections within GMB listings have been around for some time, but have not been spotted receiving the carousel treatment. 

Opinions expressed in this article are those of the guest author and not necessarily Search Engine Land. Staff authors are listed here.


About the author

George Nguyen
Contributor
George Nguyen is the Director of SEO Editorial at Wix, where he manages the Wix SEO Learning Hub. His career is focused on disseminating best practices and reducing misinformation in search. George formerly served as an editor for Search Engine Land, covering organic and paid search.

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