Why Has Google Removed Some Reviews? A Social Media Expert Explains

Why Has Google Removed Some Reviews? A Social Media Expert Explains

If you’re a business owner, you’ve probably noticed that some of your Google reviews have disappeared. It can be frustrating, especially when those reviews were hard-earned and played a key role in building your brand’s online reputation. As a social media expert, I’ve seen this happen across various industries, and today, I’m here to break down why Google removes reviews and what you can do about it.

google removed reviews

This Morning, Many Businesses Woke Up to Missing Google Reviews

If you checked your Google Business Profile this morning and saw fewer reviews than yesterday, you’re not alone. Many businesses across different sectors have reported a sudden disappearance of reviews, causing confusion and concern. Whether it’s due to an algorithm update, spam detection, or policy enforcement, this widespread removal has left many wondering what’s happening and how to prevent further losses.

Understanding Google’s Review Policy

Google has strict guidelines to ensure reviews remain authentic, trustworthy, and helpful to users. Their algorithm is designed to detect spam, manipulation, and policy violations. This means if a review doesn’t align with Google’s terms, it may be automatically removed—even if it seems perfectly legitimate to you.

Here are the most common reasons why Google removes reviews:

  1. The Review Violates Google’s Policies

Google’s review policies are in place to maintain credibility. If a review violates these guidelines, it’s likely to be removed. Some of the key violations include:

  • Fake or Misleading Reviews – If Google detects that a review has been left by someone who hasn’t actually interacted with your business, it may be flagged and removed.
  • Conflict of Interest – Reviews left by business owners, employees, or competitors attempting to manipulate ratings will be removed.
  • Hate Speech & Inappropriate Content – Any review that contains offensive, discriminatory, or obscene language will be taken down.
  • Irrelevant Content – If a review talks about something unrelated to your business, it may not meet Google’s quality standards and could be removed.
  1. Spam & Automated Filtering

Google’s AI-powered algorithms continuously scan for suspicious activity. If reviews appear spammy, fake, or come in bulk, they may be automatically filtered out.

Common spam triggers include:

  • A sudden influx of reviews in a short period (e.g., if you ask many customers to leave reviews at once).
  • Reviews left from new or inactive accounts with little previous activity.
  • Multiple reviews coming from the same IP address or location (Google may think they are fabricated).
  • Overuse of generic or repetitive phrases across different reviews.
  1. The Reviewer’s Account Was Deleted or Suspended

If the person who left a review deletes their Google account or has their account suspended for violating Google’s policies, all of their reviews—including yours—will disappear.

  1. Business Listing Changes & Technical Glitches
  • If you’ve changed your business name, address, or website URL, Google may see it as a new listing and some reviews could be lost in the transition.
  • If your business listing was temporarily suspended or flagged, Google may remove reviews as part of the process.
  • Google occasionally experiences technical bugs that can cause reviews to disappear. These usually get restored once identified.
  1. Reviews Were Flagged by Others

Google allows users to report suspicious reviews. If a review is flagged multiple times by different people, it may be removed upon investigation. Competitors or even customers who regret their reviews can sometimes flag them.

How Can You Prevent Your Google Reviews from Being Removed?

While you can’t control Google’s algorithm, you can reduce the chances of losing legitimate reviews by following these best practices:

✅ Encourage Authentic Reviews

Make sure all reviews come from genuine customers who have had real interactions with your business.

✅ Spread Out Your Reviews

Instead of asking all your customers for reviews at once, try to spread them out naturally over time. A sudden surge can trigger Google’s spam filters.

✅ Avoid Fake or Incentivised Reviews

Never pay for reviews, ask employees to write them, or offer incentives like discounts in exchange for positive feedback. Google actively removes these types of reviews.

✅ Encourage Reviews from Personal Devices

If too many reviews come from the same Wi-Fi network or location, Google may see them as fake. Ask customers to leave reviews from their own devices and accounts.

✅ Monitor & Report Fake Reviews

Just as some real reviews disappear, fake ones can also slip through the cracks. If you spot suspicious reviews on your profile, report them to Google.

Tips to Boost Your Review Strategy and Maintain Visibility

Now that you understand why Google removes reviews, here are some proactive strategies to ensure you continue to build and maintain a strong review presence:

⭐ Ask at the Right Time

Timing is key! Encourage customers to leave a review shortly after a positive interaction, whether it’s after a purchase or an outstanding service experience.

⭐ Use Multiple Review Platforms

Don’t rely solely on Google. Encourage customers to leave reviews on other platforms like Trustpilot, Facebook, Yelp, or industry-specific review sites to strengthen your credibility.

⭐ Make It Easy for Customers

Provide direct links to your Google review page via emails, social media, or QR codes at your business location. The simpler the process, the more likely customers will leave a review.

⭐ Respond to All Reviews (Good & Bad)

Engage with your audience by responding to every review. Show appreciation for positive feedback and professionally address any negative comments. This not only improves customer relations but also signals to Google that your business is active and responsive.

⭐ Leverage Customer Testimonials on Your Website

Repurpose your best reviews as testimonials on your website and social media. This ensures that even if Google removes a review, you still have evidence of positive customer feedback.

What Can You Do If Your Legitimate Reviews Are Removed?

If you believe Google has wrongly removed legitimate reviews, here’s what you can do:

  1. Check Google’s Review Policy – Make sure the removed reviews don’t violate any rules.
  2. Ask Customers to Repost Their Review – If a genuine review was removed, politely ask the customer if they can leave their feedback again.
  3. Contact Google Support – If multiple reviews disappear, reach out to Google Business Support to inquire about the issue.
  4. Keep Encouraging New Reviews – Don’t rely on past reviews. Continuously encourage new customers to leave reviews to maintain a strong rating.

Final Thoughts

While it can be frustrating to lose valuable reviews, understanding why Google removes them can help you navigate the situation and prevent it from happening in the future. Focus on authenticity, customer engagement, and steady review collection to build a strong and credible online reputation.

By following best practices and staying informed about Google’s policies, you can ensure your reviews remain visible and impactful. And remember—quality customer service will always lead to positive feedback that stands the test of time!

Need help managing your online reputation or social media presence? Feel free to reach out—I’d be happy to help!