Negative Google reviews can harm your business’s reputation. While not all negative reviews can be removed, Google allows you to report and potentially remove reviews that violate their policies.
Darren from Rise Local explains the steps to take to request a review be removed from your Google Business Page:
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process, including escalation options:
1. Identify and Report the Review
- Find the Review: Go to your Google Business Profile and locate the negative review you want to remove.
- Report the Review: Click the exclamation mark symbol on the review and select “Report review.”
- Choose the Reason: Select the reason that best fits why you believe the review violates Google’s policies (e.g., profanity, spam, fake content).
- Submit the Report: Click “Send report.”
2. Check Status and Appeal (if eligible)
- Manage Reported Reviews: In your Google Business Profile, go to “Read Reviews” and click the three dots and select “Manage reported reviews.”
- Check Review Status: Click “Check the status of a review that I’ve already reported”. Find the review you reported. If it’s still pending after a few days, you can escalate.
- Submit an Appeal: Click “Appeal eligible reviews,” select the review, and click “Submit an appeal.”
- Identify the Violated Policy: Carefully choose the specific Google policy you believe the review is breaking. Use this list of policies.
- Explain Why the Policy is Violated: Clearly and concisely explain how the review violates the chosen policy. Providing evidence, like definitions or quotes from reputable sources, can strengthen your case.
- Submit the Appeal: Confirm your information and click “Submit.”
3. Report a Legal Issue (if applicable)
- View on Maps: If the appeal doesn’t work, find the review in the “Manage your Google Business reviews” page and click “View on Maps.”
- Report a Legal Issue: Click the three dots, select “Report review,” and choose “Report a legal issue.”
- Follow the Legal Process: Google will guide you through the steps to report a legal issue if you believe the review breaks Australian law.
Important Considerations
- Google’s Policies: Familiarize yourself with Google’s content policies to understand which reviews are eligible for removal.
- Evidence: Providing evidence to support your claim that a review violates Google’s policies can significantly increase your chances of success.
- Timeliness: The sooner you report and appeal a review, the better your chances of having it removed.
- Persistence: If your initial report is unsuccessful, don’t give up. Escalate the issue through appeals or legal channels if necessary.
Pro Tip: Regularly monitor your Google reviews to catch and report any that violate Google’s policies promptly.
Remember: Maintaining a positive online reputation requires proactive effort. By actively managing your Google reviews and addressing negative ones appropriately, you can protect your business’s image and build trust with potential customers.
