Spike in Google Review removal after the review guidelines change?

[sd1111]

Tons of clients are sending me concerned messages about Google changing their review policies (the "Google is changing everything!!" Instagram Reels about it are wild)

I haven't seen much chatter about it here.

Has anyone seen a significant spike in Google Review removals in the last couple of weeks? Any particular affected profiles?

I'm wondering if Google is really taking any action on this, or just providing cover if they want to eventually.

 

[JoyHawkins]

@Claudia has some data on this.

 

[Claudia]

@Claudia has some data on this.

Thanks for tagging me Joy. @sd1111 I have a great blog post on my website about several scenarios and patterns Google's looking at now. I also did a podcast with Joy about this topic and Darren Shaw.

Depending on the industry you will see Google removing reviews that have huge spikes in reviews, reviews left on premise, reviews with employee names, reviews left by partners or vendors, family members etc. There is a lot going on and for the most part Google is not returning them.