Google SERP Features

Spotted: Google’s New “Editorial Reviews” in Search Results

The search landscape is evolving rapidly, especially with Google experimenting and testing new SERP features as well as updates on existing SERP features. GrowByData has been updating any new features as well as updates on a regular basis.

Read More About These New Features & Updates

Recently Google has unveiled a SERP feature: Editorial Reviews, which is being prominently tested on SERPs. These expert opinions are sourced from trusted bloggers and websites. What’s interesting is that Google is showcasing “Critic Reviews” as Editorial Reviews within the Knowledge Panel Section on SERPs.

What Are Editorial Reviews?

Editorial Reviews showcase expert insights from respected critics and websites on specific products, services, or topics. Google extracts these opinions and features them alongside other key information in the Knowledge Panel. As Critic Reviews, Editorial Reviews is being tested and displayed across both Desktop and Mobile versions.

The introduction of these reviews aligns with Google’s focus on improving E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness).

This creates a shortcut for users to learn what the experts think—without clicking through to explore further.

Why It Matters for Brands

⛔️ Another Zero-Click Feature: Another way Google keeps users on the SERPs, highly reducing clicks to your website.
⚠️ Potential Search Shift: Expect fewer “Brand+” or mid-tail searches as users rely on expert reviews in search results.
✅ Offsite SEO Opportunity: Identify and partner with sites Google deems authoritative to ensure your brand is positively represented.

How to Adapt

  1. Track Featured Sources: Identify blogs and sites appearing in Editorial Reviews.
  2. Build Partnerships: Collaborate with these sources to feature your brand.
  3. Optimize Content: Ensure third-party reviews are detailed, SEO-friendly, and aligned with user intent.

The Takeaway

Editorial Reviews challenge traditional traffic strategies but open doors to credibility and visibility. As a marketer, you need to actively monitor this feature and align your SEO efforts with key offsite players to stay ahead.

Deepti Bhattarai