4.2 Structured data, specific typesMediumVerified
Product missing/invalid review/rating
Review and rating markup powers the star ratings in results, but it must be genuine and valid. Missing it loses the stars; invalid or fake markup risks a penalty.
What it is
Review markup absent or wrong.
Why it matters
Misses or invalidates rating stars.
How to fix it
Add valid review/aggregateRating per policy.
How to find it on your site
- Check Product markup for valid aggregateRating or review data.
- Confirm the reviews are genuine and shown on the page.
- Fix invalid rating values or structure.
- Validate and avoid self-serving markup.
Cross-reference to ranking and citation factors
Valid review markup earns star ratings that lift click-through. It must be genuine to stay compliant.
Impact
Low-medium. Direct.
Evidence
Follow review snippet rules. Google Search Central, Product (structured data); Google Search Central, Structured data general guidelines
Sources