How To Flag And Remove A Fake Google Review

Sadly, nowadays it is not anything rare if you receive a fake Google review on your business profile. It has become quite common for many businesses to experience every now and then, a fake review being posted. Although the businesses are not able to take legal action against the fake reviews, that does not mean there is no way for them to fight back.

Running a business, you cannot afford to ignore any bad reviews that you may get on Google. In Australia alone, 60% of Australian internet users are likely to first read online blogs or reviews before making their purchasing decision. With the influence social media marketing and online reviews have on a potential customer, it is important for a business to take corrective measures when they receive a fake review.  

Reply to the Review

Although you may have to take some help in removing the bad reviews from your website, there are some things you can do on your own. You can respond to those fake reviews. As the review is a fake, you will not be able to help resolve the issue. However, you will be able to make a point to your prospective customers that you take all your reviews seriously. You are a company that gives importance to what your customers have to say about you and you are committed to resolving situations.

There are a few guidelines on how you should respond to the fake negative reviews.

1. Keep your responses brief
2. Your reply shouldn’t be defensive.

Flag the False Review

Once you have been given a false review, you can alert Google that their review policy is violated simply by flagging the questioned review. Here are some steps on how to flag a fake google review.

1. A flag sign will appear when you hover over the false review.
2. When you click on the Flag symbol, you will be directed to the “Report or respond to a policy violation” page.
3. Submit your E-mail address and choice the Violation Type

These are all the steps required to flag a fake review. If additional details is required or Google has some information for you, you will hear from their team member.

When you are flagging a review, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. If it is possible, get several other people to flag the false review. The more number of people flag the false review, the more your potential customers will be aware that the review is false.

Make Sure To Check Your Other Online Platforms

False reviews is not just limited to Google. With the rise in social media marketing, there are plenty of other platforms you have to consider. Responding to bad reviews on google, Facebook, and yelp is also essential to check.