If you’ve noticed a sudden drop in your Google review count, you’re not alone. Business owners across Australia—and globally—have been raising concerns about disappearing or decreasing Google reviews. Some report losing dozens of reviews overnight, while others see discrepancies between their actual review count and what Google displays. As a Sydney-based SEO consultant, I’ve been closely monitoring this issue and helping businesses navigate these challenges. In this blog, we’ll explore why this is happening, what Google is doing about it, and how you can protect your business’s online reputation.
What’s Happening with Google Reviews?
Over the past few weeks, countless business owners have taken to forums like the Google Business Profiles Community to report issues such as:
- A sudden drop in review counts (e.g., from 234 to 134).
- Hard-earned reviews vanishing without explanation.
- Displayed review counts that don’t match the actual number of visible reviews.
These reports have sparked widespread concern, especially among small businesses that rely heavily on positive reviews to attract customers.
Is It a Bug or Policy Enforcement?
There are two main possibilities behind the disappearing reviews:
1. Display Glitch (Bug)
Google has acknowledged an issue affecting some Google Business Profiles. According to their official statement:
“We’re aware of an issue causing some profiles to show lower-than-actual review counts due to a display issue. The reviews themselves have not actually been removed.”
This means your reviews may still exist but aren’t being displayed correctly. Google is working to fix this bug, so there’s hope for a resolution soon.
2. Policy Violations
Another possibility is that some reviews were removed for violating Google’s Review Policy Guidelines . Common reasons include:
- Spammy or fake reviews.
- Inappropriate content.
- Solicited reviews (e.g., offering incentives for positive feedback).
Google periodically audits reviews to ensure compliance. If any reviews violate these guidelines, they may be flagged and removed.
How to Address the Issue
If you’ve noticed a decrease in your Google reviews, here’s what you can do:
1. Verify Your Business Profile
Ensure your Google Business Profile is fully verified and up-to-date. Sometimes, incomplete or outdated information can lead to technical glitches.
2. Check Removed Reviews
To identify which reviews were removed:
- Go to your Google Business Profile dashboard.
- Navigate to the “Reviews” section.
- Look for any notifications about removed reviews.
If specific reviews were flagged, Google will provide a reason. Use this information to avoid similar issues in the future.
3. Contact Google Support
If you believe your reviews were removed unfairly, file a support request through the Google Business Help Center . Provide details about the issue and request a review reinstatement.
4. Monitor Review Trends
Keep track of your review count regularly. Tools like Google Alerts or third-party reputation management platforms can help you stay informed about changes.
5. Encourage Genuine Reviews
Focus on earning high-quality, authentic reviews from satisfied customers. Avoid practices like incentivizing reviews, as they violate Google’s policies.
What Google Is Doing About It
On February 10th, Google issued an update addressing the issue:
“We’re working hard to resolve this and restore accurate review counts as quickly as possible. We appreciate your patience and will share updates on this thread as they become available.”
While the exact timeline for a fix remains unclear, Google has assured users that the reviews haven’t been permanently deleted—it’s primarily a display issue.
Protecting Your Business Reputation Moving Forward
Losing reviews can feel devastating, especially when they play such a crucial role in attracting new customers. To safeguard your business against future disruptions:
1. Diversify Your Review Strategy
Don’t rely solely on Google reviews. Encourage customers to leave feedback on other platforms like Yelp, Facebook, or industry-specific directories.
2. Build Strong Relationships
Foster trust and loyalty with your customers so they’re more likely to advocate for your business organically.
3. Stay Updated
Follow official announcements from Google and participate in community forums to stay informed about potential issues.
The recent decrease in Google reviews has left many business owners frustrated and concerned. While the issue appears to stem from a combination of bugs and policy enforcement, Google is actively working on a solution. In the meantime, focus on maintaining a strong online presence, encouraging genuine reviews, and staying proactive about monitoring your profile.
As a Sydney-based SEO consultant, I’ve helped numerous businesses recover from similar challenges and build robust strategies to protect their online reputation. If you’re struggling with your Google reviews or need expert guidance, feel free to reach out. With years of experience and a deep understanding of digital marketing, Rasesh can help you navigate these challenges and achieve long-term success.
