Want to showcase your glowing customer reviews in your Google Ads? Here's everything you need to know about getting those star ratings front and centre.
Getting started with product reviews
There are three main ways to submit your product reviews to Google:
- Do it yourself through Google Merchant Center - Upload your reviews directly through your Merchant Center account. This gives you complete control but requires some technical know-how to set up and maintain the XML feeds properly.
- Team up with a reviews partner - Work with one of Google's approved review aggregators who'll handle the whole process for you. While this option might cost a bit, it takes the technical hassle off your plate. We've included the full list of approved partners below.
- Use Google Customer Reviews - This free service lets you collect both product and store reviews. The catch? You can't import your existing reviews from other sources.
Choosing the right method
Each approach has its pros and cons:
Google Merchant Center:
- Great if you like being in control
- Might be tricky if you're not comfortable with XML feeds
Review aggregators:
- They do all the heavy lifting
- You'll need to factor in their fees
Google Customer Reviews:
- Completely free
- You'll need to start fresh with collecting reviews
The nitty-gritty details A few important things to keep in mind:
- Product ratings work in all countries where Google Shopping is available
- Not all review aggregators work in every country, so double-check their coverage
- You'll want to chat with your chosen aggregator about which countries they support
Need the full list of approved review partners? You can find them in Google's help article. From Bazaarvoice to Yotpo, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Remember: showing reviews in your ads can really boost their performance - they help build trust and can improve your click-through rates. Choose the method that best fits your technical skills and budget, and you'll be showcasing those stars in no time!