Does this sound familiar?
You deliver a service, you chat with a very happy customer, and they tell you they are submitting a glowing review for you on Google. You patiently wait because you know the benefit of getting a review and you’re excited to see what this client has to say about their great experience. You wait. And you wait more. And the review never shows up. You know the client left the review – they’ve confirmed. So where is it?
Online reviews are incredibly important, acting as a primary influence on potential customers’ buying decisions. Among platforms for reviews, Google Reviews stands out as a critical component for any business aiming to establish credibility and attract new customers. Google maps is used constantly and reviews remain a huge piece of social proof, letting others know that you are trustworthy.
This guide will help you understand the significance of Google Reviews, why they might not appear immediately or at all, and what steps you can take to resolve any issues.
Why Google Reviews Are Important For Your Business
Google Reviews are not just testimonials; they’re a powerful marketing tool that directly impacts your business’s visibility and reputation. These reviews appear alongside your Business Profile in Google Maps and Search, giving potential customers a quick snapshot of others’ experiences with your business. A good set of positive reviews can enhance your business’s credibility and trustworthiness, which can lead to increased traffic and sales. Additionally, reviews are an important piece of SEO and showing up on search engines.
Do Google Reviews Post Right Away?
When a customer leaves a review on Google, it does not necessarily appear instantly. There is a processing period, which can vary from a few hours to several days. During this time, Google checks the review for any policy violations such as inappropriate language, spam, or fake content. This verification ensures that only genuine and appropriate reviews are posted, maintaining the integrity of the platform.
Where Are My Google Reviews? Why Reviews Aren’t Showing Up
There are several reasons why your Google Reviews may not be showing up. Understanding these can help you identify and resolve the issue effectively.
Review Marked As Spam
Google has algorithms designed to detect spammy or unnatural reviews. If a review is overly promotional, suspiciously timed, or comes from a questionable source, it might be flagged as spam and not displayed.
Google Reviews Temporarily Disabled
Occasionally, Google may temporarily disable the ability to post reviews due to updates or technical issues with their services. During these periods, reviews may not be posted, and existing reviews might not be visible.
Fake Google Reviews
Both positive and negative fake reviews can be a problem. Google continuously works to remove reviews that are suspected to be fake to protect businesses and consumers.
The Reviewer’s Account Is Inactive
If a review comes from an account that Google deems inactive or not frequently used, the review may not show up as it might be considered less reliable.
Your Business Has Changed Locations
If you move your business to a new location, reviews from the old address might not automatically transfer to the new one. This can affect the visibility of your reviews.
Your Business Is Newly Listed On Google
New businesses might not see reviews appear immediately. It takes time for Google to assess and verify information about new listings.
How To Fix Missing Google Reviews
If you notice missing reviews, start by checking Google’s policies to ensure your business complies with all guidelines. You can also respond to existing reviews, which shows that you value customer feedback and can encourage more customers to leave their thoughts. If you suspect an issue, such as a technical problem or incorrect filtering, contacting Google support can help resolve these issues.
Still Not Seeing Reviews?
If none of the above applies, here is the step by step guide to getting your reviews back.
Get into your Google Business Profile by either typing “My Business” into google or by going to “Business Profile Manager” in the Google Menu
Once you see the options on your screen, click the three dots in the top right of the menu. Click “Help & Support” from the drop down menu.
Scroll down in the article that opens and under “Need More Help” click “Contact Us.”
Fill out the form and ensure you politely explain that reviews are missing.
You will receive an automated email soon that explains why your review may be missing. It should look something like this:
This is where a lot of people get stuck. This email does sound pretty final, but it’s not. It’s a canned reply from Google and there is one more step you need to take from here. Google states at the very end of this email, “If you need more help than these resources give, reply to this email. We’ll be glad to assist.” And they mean it.
So, kindly reply directly to the email with something like this:
“Thank you for the information! I don’t believe any of these apply to the current situation. Could you assist and let me know which of these may apply or help to reinstate these reviews? Thank you so much!”
You should get another automated response that will let you know that you should hear back within 72 hours.
Hopefully, you will hear back from Google with some good news! I’ve had up to 14 reviews renewed at once this way in the past, though it doesn’t always happen and sometimes your reviews are held back because they do, in fact, violate some terms with Google Business Profile. I’ve had a lot of success getting reviews reinstated for clients with this progress, though, and I’ve even had situations where a Google Rep has called me on the phone to chat through missing client reviews.
This can be a time consuming process, but in the end it’s worth it to get your reviews reinstated if they follow Google’s guidelines.
Google Reviews Missing? We Can Help!
Navigating the complexities of Google Reviews can be challenging, but it’s so important for maintaining your business’s reputation and visibility. If you’re experiencing issues with missing reviews, or need guidance on how to manage your online reputation effectively, consider seeking professional assistance! Specialists in online marketing, SEO, and reputation management can offer advice, solutions, and even full service options to ensure your business leverages the full potential of Google Reviews.
While Google Reviews are an invaluable asset for businesses, maintaining them requires vigilance and an understanding of how the platform works. By staying informed and proactive, you can ensure that your business reaps the benefits of this powerful tool. Having someone monitor your profile and submit tickets for you can save you valuable time and energy (not to mention frustration!). Reach out if you want help managing your Google reviews!
