Why do Google Reviews Disappear?
Why do some Google Reviews Disappear?
You see it then you do not. It is a fact that it takes effort to accumulate an increasing amount of good Google reviews. From reminder texts to verbal asks, comment cards, or all the above and more, every good Google review is worth applause. Occasionally, there are those reviews that you are certain should be posted on your page for others to read and yet it is nowhere to be found. Are you wondering what happens to Google reviews that seem to disappear?
No need to worry, this happens to all types of businesses, and chances are they will reappear. Here is a quick message from Google about missing reviews.
Google is after authenticity. They only want to display genuine reviews, from real fans of your business. There are smart folks over at Google! Here are just a few ways they begin to flag a review to be fake or spam. Fake reviews get rejected.
Here are five reasons Google could remove a review.
Unrelated or off-topic content
We see it often on social media, people will take any opportunity to mention their running in a campaign or personal rant on inflation. If this is completely unrelated to the services or business. Google finds this review of no value to potential customers. Reviews should include the customer’s experience. A bit of personal background is allowed when it enhances the review and seems appropriate.
The Number of Reviews Increased Greatly Overnight
Google dominates when it comes to data. If data shows your business typically receives 2-10 reviews a month. Suddenly 30 reviews came in overnight then expect to lose some of those reviews. Google anticipates businesses will receive reviews organically over the course of doing business. When an increase of reviews jumps suddenly it appears there has been a Google review campaign which is frowned upon. Campaigns could encourage inauthentic reviews which would not be helpful to potential customers.
If a Review was Posted from Inside your Location or Unusually Far
It’s not a given, but it is highly possible and has happened frequently. Google is smart enough to know where the customer was when their review was posted. A review posted from within the business location could be taken down.
Similarly, if a business indicates they serve only local customers and receive a review from a customer in a different country or several states away then that review could also be taken down.
You Did not Realize Your Google Business Profile Was Suspended, Google Reviews Did Not Post
Google will send you an email to verify information (not the spam phone calls you sometimes receive). If you overlook this email notification your Business Profile could be suspended. During this time, your Google Reviews will not post. The good news is that once you reinstate your Business Profile, your Google reviews should be posted on your Business Profile page. You may need to Submit a Google Business Profile support ticket for more assistance.
Google Glitched, and Now Your Google Review Disappeared
It happens, even Google makes mistakes. It is the largest search engine in the world with countless algorithms to manage its search engine. Platforms like Google Business Profiles could experience glitches and bugs. It is also a possibility your fantastic Google review went missing due to a Google glitch.
If this is the case, sadly, it is unlikely this review will be tracked down. In any case, your efforts should be applauded for receiving a fantastic review from a happy customer.
Do not get discouraged when your Google reviews have gone missing. When you provide good service consistently more reviews will come as well as more customers.
Most importantly
Manage and prioritize your Google My Business profile.
Keep your hours of operation current
Update your services and service areas
Post the latest pictures of your work, offers, or status updates
Ask customers to leave you a review
At Riza Marketing, we help small businesses learn more about how to manage their online marketing presence. For more information, please contact us.