New Google+ reviews popup appearing in the SERPs

[Nick Rink]

Just spotted this post by Andrew Shotland that shows a neat popup lightbox that shows up when you click on the #reviews for a local business. Have tried it here in the UK and it works for Google.com but not Google.co.uk.

Anyone else seeing it yet?

 

[Linda Buquet]

Thanks so much Nick. Great share.

I've had family medical problems and have not even seen my feedreader in 2 days, so totally missed this. Thanks for bringing it up!

 

[Phil Rozek]

Thanks, Nick. At first I wasn't seeing the lightbox/popup, but now I am. To sum up a lot of thoughts into a couple of words: it puzzles me.

 

[Scott Rawlins]

Same as Phil. Wasn't seeing it yesterday, but I am now. Not quite sure if I like or not yet.

 

[Linda Buquet]

This is related, wonder if it's where 'she' is heading?

Is Google Abandoning Local Listings?

 

[Linda Buquet]

Just got confirmation from Google that the review piece Andrew blogged about is a UI update and not just a test. So sounds like it's rolling out.

 

[Nick Rink]

The new format certainly makes it more difficult to access the G+local pages so I guess this is a way for G to try and get more folks reviewing businesses. Not sure how successful it will be but happy to join in the fun!

Have so far spotted the new popups on Google .com, .co.uk. .ca and .fr. Doesn't appear to be working elsewhere in Europe yet, or in Australia, NZ or South Africa.

 

[Linda Buquet]

Related post my Mike with more updates. (And my comments)

Google Looks to Keep Local Users at Google.com With Two Interface Updates

I'm getting dizzy...

 

[Jon Hall]

@GregGifford pointed out that something HUGE is missing from Google's new UI for reviews: owner responses!

https://twitter.com/GregGifford/status/362664165191589888

I suppose this may change in future updates, but it's a sad omission at the start.

 

[Linda Buquet]

Oh dear, good catch Greg and thanks so much for sharing Jon. I have not had time to get to Twitter yet today. Hopefully as Andrew said once this update fully rolls out - will be fixed.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/localseoguide">@localseoguide</a> yeah - HAS to be... would be completely insane not to show owner responses, especially with reviews so isolated</p>— Greg Gifford (@GregGifford) <a href="https://twitter.com/GregGifford/statuses/362664165191589888">July 31, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Linda Buquet]

Oh man, it gets worse. Did anyone notice the G+ L links are almost all gone now???

SEE SCREENSHOTS.

Major Update? Missing Links to Google+ Local Pages and New Review Windows