Rich Snippets/Poor Execution For Google Places Testimonials
While putting together the Top 10 Reviews Sites In Google Place Search report, we noticed what we thought were testimonials from a business’ website showing up in the reviews section of the result. See the below screenshot from a SERP for “Los Angeles Car Dealers“:
In its FAQ on Rich Snippets, Google states that testimonials from websites using microformats such as hReview will show up this way. The strange thing is that FelixChevrolet.com doesn’t use microformats and the so-called testimonials from its website are not testimonials.
Here’s one of the “testimonials” that is showing up from FelixChevrolet.com:
For a low interest rate car loan in Los Angeles, visit the experts at Felix Chevrolet Cadillac. We’ve helped people get the car loans that fit their budget so that they could drive away with a new or used car quickly. Regardless of your credit status we can help. No credit or bad credit? No problem. Come down to 3330 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90007 and speak to a financial professional. An affordable car loan or lease is within reach at Felix Chevrolet Cadillac.
I was checking this out with David Mihm and our conclusion was that the presence of the address in the text may have been what is causing this. The potential for spamming Place Pages using microformats seems pretty easy. Given this example, it may be just as easy to spam them without using microformats.
Anyone else got any ideas why this is happening?
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