On January 23, 2025, Google released an updated version of its Search Quality Raters Guidelines. The last update was nearly 10 months ago, in March 2024, coinciding with the spam update. This new version emphasises spam detection, with the document growing from 170 pages to 181 pages.
What’s new in the update?
Google detailed the following updates in its changelog:
- Expanded examples and revised the “Lowest” and “Low” Page Quality sections to align more closely with Google Search Web Spam Policies.
- Enhanced guidance for evaluating nuanced interpretations of user intent, incorporating visual aids and clarifying “Needs Met” ratings.
- General refinements across the document, such as updating rating scales, removing outdated examples, fixing typos, and adjusting browser requirements.
The changes aim to provide raters with clearer instructions and more practical examples while improving clarity in phrasing throughout the document.
Past versions of the guidelines
For those interested in tracking changes over time, here are links to previous editions of the Search Quality Raters Guidelines:
- January 23, 2025
- March 5, 2024
- November 16, 2023
- December 15, 2022
- July 28, 2022
- October 19, 2021
- October 14, 2020
- December 5, 2019
- May 16, 2019
- June 20, 2018
- July 27, 2017
What are search quality raters and their guidelines?
These guidelines are used by third-party raters to evaluate Google’s ranking systems, although they do not directly influence search rankings. According to Google, these guidelines highlight key factors that make content valuable for users. Google also provides a resource for content creators, encouraging them to follow a “people-first” approach to align their content with what users find helpful.