Why Does Google Remove Google Business Profile Reviews? A Look Behind the Scenes

This is an update from Feb 13, 2025 from Google on the Google Business Profile Review Count Issue: https://support.google.com/business/thread/324226897 

Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) reviews are crucial for building trust and attracting new customers. A healthy collection of positive reviews can significantly boost your online presence and influence potential clients. But what happens when those reviews disappear? It can be frustrating and concerning, leaving business owners wondering why Google removes reviews. Let's delve into the reasons behind these removals and what you can do about it.

Google's primary goal is to maintain the integrity of its review system and provide users with authentic and reliable information. This means they have strict guidelines in place, and reviews that violate these guidelines are subject to removal. Here are the most common reasons why Google might remove a review:

1. Fake or Spam Reviews: This is the most frequent culprit. Google's algorithms are constantly working to detect and remove fake reviews, including:

• Reviews from fake accounts: Profiles created solely for the purpose of leaving reviews, often purchased or generated by bots.

• Reviews from competitors: Negative reviews left by rival businesses to unfairly damage your reputation.

• Reviews from employees or past employees (if biased): While not always removed, reviews from individuals with a clear conflict of interest might be flagged.

• Duplicate reviews: Multiple identical reviews posted from different accounts.

2. Off-Topic Reviews: Reviews should be relevant to the customer's experience with your business. Google may remove reviews that are:

• Personal opinions unrelated to the business: Rants about unrelated topics or political commentary.

• Reviews about a different business or location: Mistakenly posted reviews that belong on another profile.

• Reviews that are just plain gibberish or nonsensical: Unintelligible text that doesn't provide any useful information.

3. Inappropriate Content: Google has a zero-tolerance policy for reviews that contain:

• Profanity and offensive language: Swearing, hate speech, or discriminatory remarks.

• Personal information: Sharing private details like phone numbers, addresses, or email addresses.

• Illegal or harmful content: Reviews that promote illegal activities or incite violence.

4. Violation of Google's Review Policies: Beyond the specific examples above, Google has broader guidelines that reviews must adhere to. These can include:

• Reviews that misrepresent the business: False claims or misleading information about products or services.

• Reviews that violate copyright or trademark: Using copyrighted material without permission.

5. Reviewer's Account Issues: Sometimes, the issue isn't with the review itself, but with the reviewer's account. Google might remove reviews if:

• The reviewer's account is suspended or banned: Due to suspicious activity or policy violations.

• The reviewer deleted their Google account: The review will be removed along with the account.

What Can You Do?

If you notice a legitimate review has been removed, you can:

• Check Google's Review Policies: Familiarize yourself with the guidelines to understand if the review might have violated them.

• Contact Google Support: You can request a review of the removal, but be prepared to provide evidence supporting the review's authenticity. Be polite and professional in your communication.

• Encourage More Reviews: The best way to combat the loss of a review is to generate more positive reviews from satisfied customers. Make it easy for them to leave feedback.

Pro Tip: Don't try to manipulate the system by buying reviews or asking friends and family to leave fake feedback. This can lead to penalties from Google and damage your reputation in the long run. Focus on providing excellent customer service and building genuine relationships with your clients. This is the most effective way to earn positive reviews and maintain a strong online presence.

Todor Krecu

Google Street View Trusted Photographer

Level 10 Google Maps Contributor

Google Business Profile Expert

224 616 0630

tkrecu@gmail.com

I am a Google Street View Trusted Photographer, Google Business Profile Consultant, and Level 10 Google Maps Contributor: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2YUDjGsaNf93Jy9h6