Google Reviews Are Disappearing - the Why

There is current internet buzz about Google Reviews showing fewer reviews than have been submitted, losing reviews, or seeing a decline in the volume of new reviews. This could be a glitch in the system; if so, it suggests it will be fixed. There are reports that Google is cracking down on fake reviews, and if that's true, some of your hard-earned reviews may be permanently lost. The Google system might be overly aggressive at this moment, and again, if that is the case, it should be addressed.

However, any decline or change is problematic due to the high value of Google reviews. It can directly reduce inquiries and sales. Here are a few things that can help beat the slowdown.

1. Create a structured program for asking your clients for reviews. From our personal experience, the more we ask, the more we get. If you are doing this via email, you can find an exact link to your review page, inside your Google Business Profile.
2. Add your Google reviews link to your social media posts.
3. For your website, there are programs like https://www.trustindex.io/ that allow you to embed (show off) your Google reviews on your website and other social channels. They also give you links to encourage reviews.
4. For your office, and at events, you can take that direct link and create a QR Code out of it, and you can add that QR Code to your business card and other materials.

Finally, I would like to remind you that you cannot offer payment for reviews. Genuine reviews from your clients are the only ones that will make the difference.

David Grace is a member of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce Technology Committee. It's mission is to To identify existing and evolving technologies that can further the Chamber’s mission and share that knowledge with Chamber members to help grow their businesses.

Information is accurate at time of posting and all opinions are those of the writer.