Online reviews on your Google Business Profile (previously Google My Business) are crucial for businesses of all sizes. This is especially true for small businesses. R5 Website Management offers small businesses SEO assistance. We help small businesses stay relevant and ranked in today’s online market. Although located in Dallas, TX, we offer valuable services to business owners throughout the US. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information or a strategy session for your online needs.
Can Negative Reviews Be Removed From My GMB Listing?
Your business’s online reviews help you gain traction and attract new customers. While positive reviews can boost credibility, negative ones can deter potential clients. Negative GBP reviews can be very discouraging for a business owner. But they aren’t the end.
Google does not allow reviews to be directly deleted. However, users can report and appeal reviews. These actions are for reviews that violate its guidelines and might be removed. This blog provides steps to find, report, and remove negative Google reviews. By following these steps, you can ensure your business is protected and your reputation is maintained. Let’s get started.
Reporting And Removing Negative Reviews
Google has a strict review removal policy. This applies to fake reviews and inappropriate content. It also applies to conflicts of interest and reviews with personal information. Businesses can request removal if they can prove the review is fraudulent or written by someone who has never interacted with the company.
Reviews containing hate speech, threats, or harassment can be reported and removed. You should also report conflicts of interest. Competitors, employees, or those with a vested interest in the business may write these reviews. Follow the steps below to report policy breaches that occur in a review.
1. Flag As Inappropriate
The first step in attempting to remove a negative review is to flag it as inappropriate for Google to review. You can do this by logging into your Google Business Profile (GMB) and locating the review you believe violates Google’s guidelines. Next, locate the three vertical dots next to the review and select “flag as inappropriate” in the dropdown menu.
2. Check The Review Status
To monitor the status of flagged reviews, log into Google’s Reviews Management Tool using your Google credentials. This tool tracks the review’s progress. It updates on Google’s assessment and what comes next. It ensures effective review removal. The wait time for review status updates is around three business days, so be patient.
The Google Business Profile dashboard will display the review’s current status. It can be “Decision Pending,” “No Policy Violation,” or “Removed.” Ideally, Google will remove the unfavorable review. However, flagging a review doesn’t provide the option to provide notes/context for your case. And the flagged review may not be removed.
3. Appeal If Necessary
If Google denies a request to remove a negative review, you can appeal the decision by clicking the “Appeal” button at the bottom of the screen. This will prompt you to provide information about the review’s violation and how it violates Google’s policy. Prepare your case by gathering all relevant evidence to demonstrate the review’s violation of Google’s guidelines. Be thorough and concise.
Once submitted, this will create a ticket to Google Support and provide you with an email confirmation and case ID number. It may take a few days. However, you will receive an email confirming that Google has approved or denied your appeal. It is important to note that you cannot appeal a decision more than once.
4. Post The Review To The GBP Forum
If a review is not removed, you can post it on the Google Business Profile Forum and explain why you feel it should be. You must provide the case ID number, so be sure not to misplace it. The forum is run by moderators who don’t work for Google. This lets you request a third-party judgment on whether the review breaks Google’s rules. If a moderator feels it does, they may escalate the issue. Despite these steps, it’s important to note that not all reviews are removed by Google.
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Poor reviews can significantly impact your business in today’s competitive and ever-evolving online market. R5 Website Management offers comprehensive SEO solutions and Google Business Profile management services. Partner with us today to navigate reviews, optimize your SEO strategies, and enhance your online visibility. Contact us now for more information on our services or pricing.
