Customers know that one of the best ways of getting information about a product or service they’re interested in is through reviews. Numbers show that customer feedback can be as crucial as a recommendation from a loved one.
But, as the digital world keeps moving forward, many ask themselves a recurrent question: can Google reviews be fake? And if you are here, you are likely searching for answers. Join us as we explore the world of Google reviews and help you get all the knowledge you need.
Can Google Reviews Be Fake?
Google came one step closer to answering this question with its most recent update. On April 12th, 2018, Google reviews changed its policy.
This change affects every business and, if not followed, Google can remove all the customer feedback your business gets. The policy change discourages “review gating.”
Understanding Review Gating
Review gating is where potential reviewers are sent to a page to identify if they will leave a positive review (gate) before they are allowed to leave their feedback on Google.
This method has been around for years by reputation management companies to “stack the deck” for 5-star reviews. It could look promising for business owners at first, as it would be a way of having a spotless review score, but its benefits are limited in comparison to ethical reputation management practices.
Reviews Can Be A Turning Point For Your Business
Everyone has found themselves reading customer feedback at least once in their lives. Whether you want to get more information about the service or you want to know if it is worth it to spend your money on the product, reviews are the place to go.
Reviews can be particularly helpful for local businesses, as these can help you stand out in your area through an excellent reputation, helping you be seen by locals (and tourists, too!)
Of course, most business owners worry about getting negative feedback and potential clients reading it, and while it is inevitable to get a not-so-great review at least once, there are things you can do about it.
Deleting Negative Customer Feedback: Can You Do It?
As we get to one of the most crucial parts of reputation management, we must start by noting this: you cannot delete reviews.
Google prevents business owners from deleting customer feedback to ensure future clients find accurate information about the company they are interested in. After all, Google cares about its reputation and does not wish to showcase false portraits of an establishment.
However, you can report reviews when needed. The platform’s review policy allows you to flag client feedback in situations such as:
- Conflict of interest: If a former employee ends their business relationship with the establishment poorly and takes the situation to Google reviews, or if a competitor tries to promote their business on your page.
- Violence and harassment: This can include things from lewd language to leaking private employees’ or owners’ information.
- Impersonation: If a customer who witnessed a situation shares it as their own experience, for example, it could be reported.
Google Review’s guidelines cover several aspects regarding flagging, so make sure to take a look at their page to get in-depth information about it.
Upgrade Your Business’ Reputation Management With Accelerate Marketing
As you have seen so far, having a great business reputation is an essential part of a company’s success. However, not everyone has the time or the resources to manage their business reputation. It’s not always easy to juggle handling a company and its reputation, so working with an a-team could be the best option for you.
Accelerate Marketing takes reputation management to the next level with our innovative Review Culture Training, which focuses on teaching your staff how to encourage customers to leave their feedback after an excellent experience at your establishment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Protect Myself From Fake Google Reviews?
Technically speaking, there’s not much you can do to prevent getting fake Google reviews beyond offering top-notch customer service. However, once you spot these fake comments, reporting it is the best option. Reputation management experts like Accelerate Marketing focus on keeping your reviews optimized, including reporting feedback when needed.
How Long Do Google Reviews Last?
Google reviews can last for as long as the business exists. However, potential customers will only come across the newer ones. Furthermore, reviewers can delete their feedback, which can also shorten the reviews’ time on your profile.
Can Customers Leave multiple reviews?
No, they cannot. Clients can only leave one review per profile. If they wish to add new comments or believe their feedback is no longer relevant, they can either edit or delete it. If they choose to delete the review, they can leave a new one.
The Bottom Line
Google keeps updating its policy to prevent fake reviews. Most business owners and reputation management agencies focus on staying on track with their updates to ensure the business complies with their guidelines.
We hope this article helped you get more information about Google reviews. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us to start working with our reputation management team, as this can seal the deal for potential customers and help you stand out from your competitors. Thank you for reading!
