Why Are Your Google Reviews Disappearing? Understanding the Causes and Solutions

Online reviews influence around 67% of consumers when searching for a service or business. This is why it is so important for your business to show up whenever someone searches for you. Google reviews are also great as they give potential customers confidence in your business.

From time to time, you may notice Google reviews disappearing from your contracting business’ Google My Business profile. This can be for a number of reasons. However, it is important to understand why business reviews are disappearing so that you can rectify the issue.

Why Are Google Reviews Disappearing?

Google reviews are a powerful way to build trust with potential customers.

However, Google does monitor the reviews to make sure that they are all in line with the current content policy. If any review violates that policy, Google will go ahead and remove it.

Reasons Why Google Removes Reviews

Why is Google removing your reviews? Check out this quick glimpse into the reasons behind Google's review removal.

1. Google's Speech Policy

Google will go ahead and remove any and all reviews that go against its speech policy. This includes both positive and negative comments that include vulgar language, hate speech, or anything offensive.

2. Review Included Private Information

If a review includes private information, such as an address or other personal information, the review may be removed. This is to protect the privacy of everyone involved.

3. Internal Reviews

New business owners may be looking to juice their five-star rating by asking their current employees to leave positive reviews. This is deemed a violation by Google and can be removed at their discretion.

4. Review was Fake

Google wants to create the most honest and reliable platform for people. This is why they sweep and remove all fake reviews regularly.

5. Reviewer Deleted It

A common reason for your review being deleted is if the reviewer themselves deleted it. This may be for a number of reasons, but you can always reach out to them for more information.

How to See Removed Reviews

When Google removes reviews, they still keep them hidden away so that you can still see them. Here are a few ways that you can still view removed reviews.

1. Google My Business App

The first way to view removed reviews is through the Google My Business, also known as GMB, app. When you view all reviews, reviews that were removed will simply say "This review has been removed" above it.

2. Google Maps App

Another way to view removed reviews is to search for your business on the Google Maps app. Make sure that you are signed in with your business account so that you can click to view all reviews. The reviews that were removed will say "This review has been removed" above it.

3. Google Search Console

You can also view removed reviews on the Google Search Console. Click on the "Search Traffic" tab and then the "Reviews" button. Here you will see all your reviews, including those that are marked as removed.

How to Get Your Reviews Back

Now that you know why Google removes reviews, the big question is how you get these reviews back. There are a few options that are available to you. Here is a quick breakdown of them.

1. Reach Out to the Reviewer

The first thing you can do is reach out to the reviewer to have them alter their review. This would be ideal if Google noted the review to include personal information or vulgar language.

Once the reviewer changes the wording of their review, Google will reconsider its decision.

2. Contact Google Business Support

If you think that a review was removed by mistake, Google is here to help. You can reach out directly to Google Business Support to let them know what happened. The support team at Google will explain why the review was removed so that you understand the process.

You can explain to the support team why you think that the removal was a mistake. If your explanation is valid, Google will go ahead and restore the review for your GMB profile.

3. Acquire More Reviews

Maximize your online presence with a win-win solution: Generate fresh reviews to replenish your profile and simultaneously bolster your business growth. This approach not only collaborates with Google's support, but also ensures an optimal strategy for reclaiming your reviews. This will effectively replace the reviews that you lost and add even more to your profile.

How to Get More Online Reviews for Your Contracting Business

As mentioned above, the best way to move forward is to acquire more reviews for your business. Here is a quick look at the best ways to get more reviews for your GMB profile.

1. Create a Shortcut

The most effective way to drive traffic to your GMB profile is by creating a shortcut. This shortcut takes visitors directly to your GMB profile's review section so that they can jot down a review.

2. Link to your GMB Profile

When it comes to digital marketing, linking to your GMB profile is a great way to encourage people to leave reviews. You can get this link from your Business Profile by clicking the "Share Review Form" button.

3. Include a Review CTA in Your Footer

The best way to link your website to your GMB profile is in the footer of your website or email signature. You can use the same review link that you created before and slot it next to your other social media profiles.

4. Contact AltaVista to Assist with an Online Review Generation Strategy

AltaVista's online review generation services can be a valuable asset for businesses looking to improve their online reputation and attract more customers. By generating more positive reviews and managing negative reviews effectively, businesses can establish trust with potential customers and improve their online visibility.

Contacting AltaVista to assist your business with this service can help your business save time and resources while improving your online presence and reputation.

Grow Your Business Online

Facing the inconvenience of disappearing Google reviews? Do not worry! Before reaching out to Google for support, ensure to double-check if it is a mistake on their end. It is essential to note that Google does not remove reviews randomly.

Nevertheless, the most effective approach is to focus on obtaining new reviews for your business. This not only amplifies your GMB profile but also aids in expanding your online presence.

Reach out to us here to fill out our contact form. One of our specialists will contact you to see how we can help you.

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