Google Reviews 2024

For the last few years, we have discussed the importance of Google Reviews.  And it is pleasing to see so many embracing the importance of asking customers to review.

We field many questions regarding Reviews, and I thought it would be best to highlight some of those questions, with answers, so you all can benefit.

The most common question is Why Google Removes Reviews:

 

This became more evident in February of this year, and we wanted to address a recent concern regarding fluctuations in the number of reviews displayed on your Google Business Profiles. Several members have noticed a drop in their review counts, and we understand this may be concerning.

Google has acknowledged an issue affecting some Business Profiles, where the displayed review counts are lower than the actual number of reviews. This is due to a display issue, and Google has confirmed that the reviews themselves have not been removed. They are actively working to resolve this and restore accurate review counts as quickly as possible. We appreciate your patience while this is being addressed.

It’s important to note that, in some cases, reviews may be removed from Google Maps due to policy violations such as spam or inappropriate content. However, the current issue appears to be a widespread display problem rather than individual account violations.

At this stage, there is no need to report missing reviews, as Google is aware of the situation and working on a solution. We will keep you updated with any further developments as they become available.

But apart from this glitch , Google may remove reviews also due to three main reasons:

  1. You have received too many reviews in a short period of time. If Google detect a spike in reviews that is not consistent with the previous time intervals in which reviews were posted, they may become suspicious about those reviews and remove one or more.
  2. The review was written by a reviewer who is located too far away from the business address. Google knows
    • the location of where the reviewer is using the IP address from their PC/ Mobile device
    • how many other reviews they have written about local businesses and
    • if any reviews have been flagged as spam or violated their content policies. As Google requires users to register a Gmail account before posting a business review, they can track their other behaviour across their platforms.
  1. Google accidentally delete reviews due to their internal algorithm updates. For example, they regularly update their ‘helpful content’ algorithm to remove non-conforming and low interest level content from websites including Google reviews from Google My Business listings.

If you have had a review disappear, we can follow up directly with Google in an attempt to have it reappear.  Be mindful, this can sometimes take some time.

Advertising Your Reviews:

At the Regional meetings we demonstrated new Google Business Cards which are unique to your store that can be ordered online from our printers to assist in promoting your unique QR code to your Google Reviews business page.  You can order via the Eckersley portal or simply from: marketing@choicesflooring.com.au