1. Google Bugs Sometimes, technical issues in Google’s system can temporarily hide reviews or cause other problems, like not being able to edit posts or add images. These issues usually resolve once updates are completed.
Tip: If you encounter a bug, document it and report it to Google support for a quicker fix.
2. Incentivized Reviews Google bans paid or incentivized reviews. Businesses caught doing this may have their reviews removed and face penalties like lower search rankings.
Tip: Get reviews naturally by offering great service instead of trying to cheat the system.
3. Links in Reviews Google doesn’t allow links in reviews to avoid potential security risks. Reviews containing URLs are often removed.
Tip: Monitor your reviews and remind customers not to include links to keep them compliant with Google’s rules.
4. Profanity in Reviews Reviews with offensive language are removed by Google to maintain a respectful environment.
Tip: Encourage customers to keep their reviews respectful and free from profanity to ensure they stay visible.
5. Employee Reviews Google doesn’t allow current or former employees to leave reviews for a business. You can report these reviews for removal.
Tip: Use Google’s policy to your advantage by reporting reviews that violate this rule, ensuring fair feedback.
6. Customer Deleted Review Customers may remove their reviews for personal reasons. You can reach out to them respectfully to understand why.
Tip: Engage with the customer to potentially have the review reinstated.
7. Customer Deleted Account When a customer deletes their Google account, their reviews are removed permanently.
Tip: Focus on collecting more reviews to replace any that are lost.
8. Unverified Google Business Profile Unverified profiles might not show reviews or can be flagged by Google as spam. Verifying your profile boosts its credibility and search ranking.
Tip: Verify your Google profile to avoid issues with missing reviews.
9. New Business Listings New business profiles may not show reviews immediately. It takes time for customers to leave feedback.
Tip: Be patient and continue offering excellent service to encourage reviews.
10. Incorrect Listing Information If your business changes its name or location and you don’t update Google, reviews may get lost or attached to the wrong listing. Tip: Keep your Google Business Profile updated to ensure reviews are displayed correctly.