Getting Back Missing Google Reviews: A Step-by-Step Guide

Google reviews are crucial for businesses to build credibility and attract customers. However, sometimes genuine reviews go missing due to Google's automated review filtering system designed to combat spam. This blog post will guide you through the steps to retrieve these missing reviews using Google's new form.

Understanding the Issue

In 2023, Google updated its algorithm to reduce spam and fake reviews. Unfortunately, this automated system also filters out legitimate reviews from real customers. This has been a frustrating experience for many business owners who rely on positive reviews for their online reputation.

Steps to Retrieve Missing Google Reviews

Step 1: Accessing Google Support

1. Visit Google Support: Go to support.google.com/business.
2. Sign In: Ensure you're signed in with the Google account associated with your business profile.
3. Navigate to Contact Options: Scroll down and click on the “Contact Us” button.

Step 2: Submitting Your Request

1. Select Your Business: Choose your business from the drop-down menu.
2. Describe the Issue: In the "Tell us what we can help with" field, type "missing reviews" and proceed to the next step.
3. Select Review Missing Option: This will lead you to a page with suggested articles. Ignore these and continue to the contact options page.
4. Choose Contact Method: The available contact method will be email. Click on it.

Step 3: Filling Out the Form

1. Personal Details: Enter your name and phone number.
2. Business Details: Select your relationship to the business (e.g., "I own this business"), and provide your business name, address, and profile ID (optional but recommended).
   • Finding Your Profile ID: Log into your Google account, search for your business, and click on the “View Profile” button. In the management interface, go to business profile settings, then advanced settings to find your profile ID.
3. Additional Information: Specify if the profile has been suspended or disabled and whether it belongs to a primary or secondary school (if in the US or UK, schools are not eligible for reviews).
4. Review Details: Estimate the number of missing reviews, specify if new reviews are coming through, and provide the time frame and reviewers' names if possible.
5. Description of the Issue: Briefly describe the problem and submit the form.

Step 4: Follow-Up if Necessary

1. Wait for a Response: Google usually reviews cases within 7-10 days.
2. Post to the Help Community: If the issue isn’t resolved, go back to support.google.com/business and click on “Post to the Help Community.”
3. Submit a Detailed Query: Include the case ID, your business name, Google Maps URL, and screenshots of the missing reviews.

Gathering Evidence

• Client Emails: If you received an email notification from Google about a review, take a screenshot of it.
• Client Screenshots: Ask customers to send screenshots of their reviews from their Google Maps app, ensuring their username is visible.

Engaging with Google Product Experts

1. Submit Your Request: In the help community, select "engage with customers" from the category drop-down and choose the "review missing" option.
2. Provide Additional Details: Specify the platform as "web" and ensure the option to get email notifications when someone responds is checked.
3. Be Patient and Polite: Google product experts are volunteers. Politeness can expedite the process.

Conclusion

Retrieving missing Google reviews may seem daunting, but following these steps can help reclaim valuable feedback. Share your experiences in the comments to help others navigating this process.