How to Delete a Google Review in 5 Steps

A negative Google review can significantly impact a small business, given that Google Reviews is the top online review platform. With 63% of consumers checking Google reviews before visiting a business and 88% trusting these reviews as much as personal recommendations, even a single negative comment can have a pronounced effect on your business’s success.

Despite this, there are methods to manage and possibly delete unwelcome feedback from your Google reviews page. For insights on navigating the removal of a Google review in 5 steps, continue reading.

Why Do You Need To Delete Google Reviews?

Deciding to delete a Google review requires thoughtful consideration from a business owner, as it’s a process limited to specific circumstances. While negative reviews might adversely affect a business’s image, genuine critiques are invaluable for enhancing products and services. Nonetheless, there are instances where removing a Google review may be justifiable.

For instance, a business might encounter a negative review that is either misleading or false, prompting a desire to remove it. Such a review could be eligible for removal if it breaches Google’s guidelines by including spam, fraudulent content, offensive language, or personal attacks.

It’s crucial to recognize that Google enforces rigorous criteria for review removal, and mere dissatisfaction with a review does not warrant its deletion. Considering both the potential advantages and disadvantages, and evaluating the particular context of the review, is essential in making this choice.

1. Respond

Responding to the customer is the best thing to do in situations where a customer has had a poor experience. By reaching out you are showing that you care about what the customer is feeling and the experiences they have had. When reaching out you can offer to try and rectify the issue that they had. If you fix their problem accordingly, follow up with your customer. You may be able to win over that customer by correcting the problem they had, and in doing so, they change their mind about how they feel about your business.

2. Ask Them to Change/Edit the Review

If a customer’s opinion on your business has changed once you fix the problem they had, they may be willing to change their review. Sometimes all you have to do is ask at that point. They can delete or edit the review by logging into their account and selecting maps. In maps there will be a widget in the top left hand corner. In that drop down menu under “your contributions”; in your contributions there will be a second section titled reviews. In reviews they can select a review and select the more icon followed by edit or delete.

3. Respond to, Then Report Fake Reviews

Despite the fact that some reviews are fake, they may still have an impact on your business. The best way to take on a fake review is to first respond. When responding to the fake reviews, it may be emotional or anger inciting. Don’t let the rage get the best of you. Addressing the concern with sincerity but firmly will be the best way to go about it. First mention that you take all accusations seriously, next voice that there is no record of their interaction, follow that up with a name and email of someone they can contact to discuss their “interaction” with further.

Flagging the review is the next thing to do. While there are measures Google takes to remove and present spam reviews, some fake reviews can slip past the first line of defence. In my business account on Google, you will be able to flag a review as inappropriate and that will increase your chances of having the review taken down.

4. Contact Google Business Support

Sometimes waiting for Google support to delete a review can be exhausting, not to mention time consuming and frustrating, especially if the review is false. The next step that should be taken is to contact Google business support. In the My Business menu on Google, you will be able to request support via chat, email, or phone. The support menu is found under menu > support > contact us > need more help > customer > reviews and photos > manage customer reviews.

5. Amplify Positive Reviews

Soliciting reviews from your customers can be a great way to drown out the negative. Do so by linking your Google business on any customer emails. Mention it to customers when they express positive experiences, and respond to the positive reviews on your Google page as well.

If you have left a review that you would like to delete follow these steps to edit or delete your personal review:

Log into Google Maps
Click the menu icon in the top left hand corner
Select “Your Contributions” followed by “Reviews”
Identify the review you want to delete
Click on the three vertical dots or the “more” menu
Finally select whether you want to edit or delete your review

To summarize, negative and fake Google reviews have a major impact on businesses big and small, following steps above will help you address and fix any reviews that don’t reflect your business model. Now that you know how to delete a Google review, let us know which step worked best for you!

FAQs About Deleting A Google Review

Can I delete a Google review that someone left for my business?

Yes, but with limitations. Google allows the removal of reviews only if they violate Google’s review policies, such as containing spam, hate speech, or irrelevant content. You cannot delete a review simply because it’s negative or you disagree with it.

How can I report a Google review for deletion?

To report a review for deletion, sign in to Google My Business, navigate to the “Reviews” section, find the review in question, and click the three dots or flag icon next to it to report it as inappropriate. Google will then evaluate the review against its policies and decide on its removal.

What happens after I report a review for deletion?

After you report a review, Google will review it against their content policies. If the review is found to be in violation, Google may remove it. This process can take several days, and Google may not inform you directly of the outcome.

Is there a way to directly delete a Google review without reporting it?

No, business owners don’t have the ability to directly delete reviews. The only way to remove a review that you believe violates Google’s policies is to report it to Google for evaluation. For reviews that don’t violate policies, responding professionally or addressing the customer’s concerns is recommended.