This algorithm isn’t magic—it’s three core rules that judge every review like a grumpy judge on a cooking show. First up: Freshness. Google loves new reviews like you love fresh pizza.
If a business has a ton of reviews from 2018 but zero in the last month, the algorithm gets suspicious. It thinks, “Hmm, did this place get taken over by cats?” So, recent reviews get way more weight than ancient history.
Then comes Relevance. If you write a review about the parking lot for a hair salon, the algorithm shrugs. It’s looking for keywords like “cut,” “color,” and “friendly stylist.”
Don’t write a review about the air conditioning unless you’re rating a HVAC company, folks. It’s all about matching what the business actually does with what you actually said.
The Real Kicker: The Rater Quality
This is where it gets spicy. Google doesn’t just count your words—it evaluates your credibility. Yes, your personal trustworthiness is on the line.
If you post a glowing 5-star review for a mechanic, then immediately post the same review for a dentist and a pet store, the algorithm raises an eyebrow. It smells like spam or a paid promotional push.
And if a business gets a sudden flood of 5-star reviews from brand-new accounts that have never reviewed anything else? Red alert. The algorithm will either filter those out or penalize the whole profile.
