Does Google delete reviews?
Recently we’ve been asked this question by one of our clients, who was told that Google deleted reviews that came from anyone who got to your review page via a direct link you provided them. This is not true!
However, they do have a tendency to delete some reviews and its algorithm will flag them as spam (even if they’re not). Here’s what Google deletes, why, and what to do if you’ve spotted your Google reviews gone MIA.
Here are eight reasons why Google would flag and delete your reviews:
one. If the reviewer is a manager of your Google My Business
This one might seem obvious but if a review is left by a page manager, google doesn’t think it’s been left by a legitimate customer, flags it as a conflict, and deletes it.
two. If more than one review share the same IP address
Google algorithms will pick up on a repeated IP address. When different reviews are coming from one address Google marks it as fishy and inauthentic.
three. If the review was written from your physical location
Google has your business IP address linked to your account so any reviews coming from the IP address linked to your business page are not going to fly.
four. Too many reviews at once
If you’re thinking of sending a mass email to your entire client list to remind them to leave a review, hold off. Google triggers go off when too many reviews are left in a short period of time. So be sure to space out those requests.
five. Is the review from a land far, far away?
If your business is located in Vancouver, it doesn’t make much sense that reviews are coming in from Brazil.
Six. Did someone leave a phone number?
Why? Phone numbers in reviews are unnecessary and trigger spam alerts in the google algorithm.
Seven. If there is a link in the review
Ask your clients to re-send reviews if there are links or URLs in the review or google might detect spam.
Eight. Do all of your reviews look and sound the same?
It’s nice to ask your clients to politely leave a review but if you are scripting them into a review or making too many suggestions, spam alerts go off. If your reviews look and sound the same they may get binned.
What can you do if Google’s deleted your reviews?
Unfortunately, you can’t do much except go out and get more legitimate reviews. There is no system in place that will bring back deleted reviews so as soon as Google deems a review as spam, it is gone, never to be seen again.
Don’t sweat it! Obtaining new clients and providing them with a 5-star worthy experience is a more achievable (and boos-like) goal and the reason you started biz in the first place! So we think getting more legitimate reviews should be your new objective.
Also after that 5-star experience, don’t go without asking a new client to leave you a Google review! It’s the face and reputation of your business online and if they are happy with your service, it’s a great way for them to recommend you to other people.
The more solid reviews people read from strangers the more they are inclined to trust you. Not to mention that all this reviewing is adding keywords to your business, which is increasing your ranking in Google searches and algorithms. Win-win.
Want to get to the 1st page of Google search results? Here’s how.
