Fake Google reviews can be a nightmare for business owners. They not only damage your online reputation and local SEO but also mislead potential customers.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to remove Google reviews, particularly fake or inappropriate ones and what steps you can take to manage negative Google reviews effectively.
We’ll cover everything from identifying fake reviews, using the Google Business Profile manager to report them and ensuring your brand stays strong against spammy or fraudulent reviews.
Where Do Fake Google Reviews Come From?
Fake reviews can come from a variety of sources and they’re more common than you might think.
In fact, according to BrightLocal, 50% of consumers have encountered fake reviews on Google. These reviews are often misleading and can be damaging to a business’s reputation.
Here are some common sources of fake Google reviews:
- Competitors: In some cases, rival businesses may leave negative reviews in an attempt to damage your reputation and gain a competitive advantage.
- Disgruntled Customers: Occasionally, a customer might leave an exaggerated or completely false negative Google review out of frustration, even if the actual customer experience was different.
- Spam Accounts: Some spammy reviews are generated by bots or fake accounts that target businesses for no legitimate reason. These reviews can be difficult to trace back to a real person.
- Third-Party Services: Some companies pay for fake positive reviews to boost their ratings or negative reviews aimed at harming competitors. This practice violates Google’s review guidelines and can result in penalties if detected.
- Misinformation: A Google review might come from someone who is reviewing the wrong business due to a wrong listing or confusion about your business location. This can lead to accidental bad Google reviews based on a completely unrelated experience.
Recognising these sources helps you better understand where fake negative Google reviews come from and why it’s important to address them quickly.
How to Identify Fake Google Reviews
Before attempting to remove Google reviews, you need to identify which ones are genuinely fake.
Google review guidelines help distinguish between a negative review based on real customer experiences and those that violate Google’s policies.
Here are some signs of fake or spammy reviews:
- The Google review contains hate speech, threats or offensive language.
- The reviewer’s name seems fake or unrelated to your business location.
- The customer’s experience seems exaggerated or doesn’t match any real transaction.
- Multiple bad Google reviews from different accounts appearing at the same time.
If any Google review fits these categories, it’s time to take action.
How to Delete a Fake Google Review
1. Log in to the Google Account
Make sure you’re logged into the Google account associated with your business. If you’re unsure, double-check that you have access to your Google Business Profile manager.
2. Search for “My Business” on Google
Open Google Search and type “my business” to find your business profile. This will bring up a panel showing your business listing if you’re logged into the correct account.
3. Click “Read Reviews”
In your business profile, click on the “Read reviews” section. This will show all the reviews your business has received.
4. Find the Fake Review
Scroll through your reviews to locate the review that you want to report. You can filter by “Newest” or “Lowest” at the top.
5. Click the Report Review Button
Next to the fake Google review, you’ll see an option to report it. Click this button to open the reporting window.
6. Select a Reason for Reporting
Google will ask why you’re reporting the review. Choose the most appropriate reaso and keep in mind that the top three options (spam, inappropriate content or conflicts of interest) are the most likely to succeed.
7. Wait 72 Hours Before Following Up
Google usually takes up to 72 hours to process your report. If the Google review is still there after this time, you can report it again or use the Review Removal tool to check the status of your request.
What to Do While Waiting for Google to Take Action
While waiting for Google to respond, it’s essential to maintain your business’s Google presence and reputation. Here’s how:
Respond to the Review
Even if the Google review is fake, you should respond professionally. This shows potential customers that you’re proactive and care about their customer satisfaction.
Be polite and address the issue. If the review is fake, simply state that you don’t have a record of the interaction.
Encourage Positive Reviews
Counterbalance any negative reviews by encouraging satisfied customers to leave positive reviews.
This can help dilute the effect of the bad Google review and maintain a strong online reputation.
Monitor Third-Party Review Sites
In addition to Google, check for third-party hotel reviews or other industry-specific review sites that may also be affected by spam reviews.
Consistently managing your reputation across multiple platforms is essential.
Final Thoughts
Fake reviews can severely damage your brand’s online reputation, but the good news is that you can take action.
By using the tools available within your Google Business Profile, contacting support and staying proactive, you can effectively delete Google reviews that are fake or inappropriate.
Your business’s reputation is vital and protecting it from spam and fake reviews is crucial for long-term success.
Now that you know how to manage these situations, take control of your reviews and keep your business thriving.
If you have anymore questions about your Google reviews, reach out to our Brisbane SEO team or you can find out how to create a Google Business Profile here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I remove fake Google reviews?
You can’t delete fake Google reviews directly, but you can report them to Google for review. If they violate Google’s policies, they’ll be removed.
Can I delete a Google review if it’s negative but legitimate?
No, negative reviews that don’t violate Google’s guidelines will remain, even if they are critical of your business. Respond professionally to show you care about customer satisfaction.
Will responding to a fake review help my business’s SEO?
Yes, responding to all reviews can help your search engine optimisation. When you respond professionally, it shows potential customers (and Google) that you’re engaged and care about customer satisfaction.
Are Google reviews a Google ranking factor?
Yes, Google reviews are a known Google ranking factor for local search. The quantity, quality and frequency of reviews all play a role in determining your position in local search results. Businesses with more positive reviews are more likely to rank higher in local searches, which increases their chances of attracting potential customers.
How long does it take for Google to review a flagged review?
Google typically takes a few days to review reported reviews. However, complex cases may take longer.
What should I do if a fake review hasn’t been removed after reporting it?
You can contact Google Small Business Support or the Google Business Profile Team for additional help.
Are there legal actions I can take against fake reviews?
Yes, if a Google review includes illegal content or defamation, you can explore legal options, but it’s usually a last resort after using Google’s process.
Can I edit or delete my own Google review?
Yes, you can delete or edit your own review by going to the review section and selecting the review you want to modify.
To your success,
Jackson