Googles Recent Review Removals
Over the past few days, businesses across various industries have noticed a sudden drop in their Google reviews. Many companies have lost dozens—even hundreds—of reviews without warning, leaving business owners frustrated and uncertain about how to respond.
While there’s no official confirmation from Google yet, this could be a result of a new algorithm update targeting review manipulation, a routine cleanup, or even a temporary glitch. In this article, we’ll explore past Google review-related updates, why this might be happening now, and what businesses can do moving forward.
A Look at Past Google Review Updates
Google has a long history of refining its review system to ensure authenticity and prevent manipulation. Some notable past updates include:
1. 2018 Review Purge
In 2018, Google implemented a widespread removal of reviews, targeting fake reviews and those violating its policies. Many businesses lost legitimate reviews during this update, which led to complaints and confusion.
2. 2019 Local Guide Review Crackdown
Google tightened its review policies for Local Guides, filtering out reviews that seemed incentivized or spammy. This affected many businesses relying on Local Guide contributions for credibility.
3. 2021 Spam Detection Enhancements
Google introduced AI-based filtering that aggressively removed reviews suspected of being fake. Unfortunately, this sometimes resulted in the removal of genuine customer reviews.
4. 2023 Review Filter Update
Google enhanced its algorithm to flag businesses suspected of “review gating” (selectively soliciting positive reviews) or using third-party review services that violated its policies. Many businesses saw drastic changes in their review counts.
Why Is This Happening Now?
There are two likely explanations for the recent removals:
1. Google Is Running a Review Cleanup
Google regularly updates its review policies and algorithms to ensure authenticity. If an update is rolling out, it could be designed to remove spammy or incentivized reviews. However, even businesses that follow Google’s guidelines may experience collateral damage during these updates.
2. A Technical Glitch
Occasionally, Google’s automated review filters malfunction, causing legitimate reviews to disappear. In the past, Google has reversed some unintended removals after businesses reported the issue. If this is a glitch, reviews may return once Google resolves the issue.
What Should Businesses Do?
1. Be Patient
Since Google has not released an official statement, the best approach is to wait and monitor the situation. If this is a glitch, reviews may be restored soon.
2. Keep Requesting Reviews
If your business has lost reviews, continue encouraging customers to leave new ones. Having a consistent flow of new, authentic reviews helps maintain credibility and mitigate any impact from sudden removals.
3. Avoid Review Manipulation
Even if your reviews were removed unfairly, avoid tactics that violate Google’s guidelines, such as paying for reviews, using fake accounts, or offering incentives. Google’s filters are constantly improving, and engaging in review manipulation could lead to further penalties.
4. Consider Review Collection Strategies
If your business needs to rebuild its reviews quickly, structured review collection strategies—such as using NFC Tap Cards, QR codes, or email/text outreach—can help generate legitimate customer feedback in compliance with Google’s policies.
FAQ: Google’s Recent Review Removals
1. Why did my Google reviews disappear?
There’s no official confirmation, but this could be due to a Google algorithm update, a review cleanup, or a temporary glitch.
2. Will my reviews come back?
If this is a glitch, there’s a chance Google may restore removed reviews. However, if reviews were flagged as spam or in violation of Google’s policies, they likely won’t return.
3. What can I do if my reviews were removed unfairly?
You can try contacting Google Business Profile Support, but Google rarely reinstates removed reviews. Instead, focus on collecting new, authentic reviews.
4. How can I prevent this from happening again?
Ensure that your reviews come from real customers, avoid incentivized reviews, and follow Google’s guidelines for review collection.
5. Does this affect all businesses?
Not all businesses are affected, but many have reported significant review losses across various industries.
6. Can I use third-party review services to replace lost reviews?
Be cautious with third-party review services. If they don’t comply with Google’s policies, your reviews could be removed again.
7. How can I start collecting new reviews?
JP Marketing offers review collection services, including Google Review NFC Tap Cards and compliant review solicitation strategies to help businesses regain their lost reputation.
If your business has been affected by Google’s review removals, we’re here to help. Contact us to learn more about how you can rebuild your online reputation the right way.
Need assistance? Reach out today!