Adding reviews myself for SEO?

"Hello everyone,

I have created a website using WordPress and WooCommerce for custom-made products, which does not support online payments. As a result, there are no verified customer reviews on the site.

There are around 100 product listing pages on my website, and Google Search Console has identified the issue of ‘Missing Field ‘aggregateRating’’ on these pages.

I am considering adding a generic review such as ‘Nice’ or ‘Good’ to each product listing page to address this issue. However, I am concerned about whether Google will recognize this as a manipulation of their requirements and potentially penalize my website.

I would appreciate your insights and experiences on this matter. Thank you in advance for your input."

Adding generic reviews to your website to address the ‘Missing Field ‘aggregateRating’’ issue is not recommended. While it might seem like a quick fix, it could be seen as manipulation by Google and potentially lead to penalties.

Instead of adding fake reviews, focus on creating genuine reviews through alternative methods. Consider:

  • Encouraging customer testimonials: Reach out to past customers and ask them for reviews. You can offer incentives or simply ask them to share their experience.
  • Partnering with influencers or bloggers: Collaborate with relevant influencers or bloggers in your industry to review your products.
  • Using review platforms: Utilize external review platforms like Google My Business or Yelp, which are known for their authenticity and trustworthiness.

These strategies will help you build genuine reviews and improve your website’s ranking in search results.