Structured data - reviews & aggregateRating

[Eric_S]

Hi all,

We recently implemented structured data for reviews, specifically aggregateRating, on a few of our pages as a test. An example page is: https://www.vouchedfor.co.uk/financial-advisor-ifa/cambridge/01740-duncan-hannay-robertson

Initially, this seemed to work well and we could see the star ratings and review number showing in Google search results. However, now it seems to have disappeared. Search console and the testing tool seem to suggest the structured data looks fine - when I posted this in the webmasters forum, the response I got was that it was because we're trying to mark what google deems a 'person' as a 'local business', which triggers their spam warning. And you can't have reviews for a person, apparently.

I guess we're unique in that we're a review platform for professional advisers (for example, financial advisers). So whilst the profile is for a person, it's also a business - the reviews are for the professional services clients receive.

Feels unfair to be penalised just because Google hasn't thought of our use case! We'd love to be able to showcase our review content, but feels like we're running out of ideas here.

If anyone has any ideas for how we can make this work, it would be hugely appreciated!!

[adeelhussain86]

My movies website Filmbreez is facing issues with structured data markup on Google. The problem arises because they're a review platform for professional advisers, and Google interprets their profiles as trying to mark individuals as local businesses, triggering a spam warning.

To resolve this:

Review Google's guidelines and adjust your markup.
Differentiate between individual and business profiles.
Aggregate reviews at the business level.
Consult an SEO specialist.
Submit a reconsideration request.
Explore alternative ways to showcase your reviews.
Compliance with Google's guidelines is crucial, and seeking expert help can be beneficial.

[adeelhussain86]

I can understand your frustration with the structured data issue you're facing on your review platform. It's unfortunate when unique use cases like yours run into obstacles due to predefined categories set by search engines.

Regarding showcasing your review content, one potential solution could be to clearly differentiate between the person and the business aspects on your pages. You could consider having separate structured data for the individual professional (the "person") and the professional services (the "business"). This way, Google might better understand the context of the reviews and the type of entity they apply to.

Additionally, you might want to reach out to Google directly or consider consulting with SEO experts who specialize in structured data. They could provide insights and strategies tailored to your specific situation.

On another note, if you're looking to expand your reach and showcase your review platform further, you might consider partnerships or collaborations with websites like Filmbreez. They could offer opportunities for cross-promotion and reaching a broader audience interested in your unique content.

I hope you find a solution that allows you to continue showcasing your valuable review content effectively!