Google is testing a new form of its Product Listing Ad (PLA).

In this new format, a search for “best anti-virus software solution” will display software products in the order of a numerical ranking system that seems to be taking both, quality and quantity into consideration for each item’s ratings.

For example, even if Norton* has higher number of reviews, it will come second to McAfee* due to a difference in their star rating where McAfee’s star rating is higher. As a marketer, you need to focus on both, number of reviews and star ratings to take advantage of the new PLA.

If there are two result items with the same star rating, then their number of reviews will determine their ranking. The item with more reviews will be ranked higher.

Continue watching this space. We will keep you updated on any further developments.

*These examples have been used only for demonstration purposes. Position² has no stake and hence does not promote any of the companies, whatsoever.