According to industry research, 91% of 18-34-year-old consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. [1] These online reviews are influential because they provide the consumer with information without having to do any research or rely on word of mouth. They help the consumer eliminate competitors with similar products without even leaving their homes.
Negative Reviews
While positive reviews can do amazing things for your business, one negative review can translate into lost revenue and consumer confidence. Moreover, a bad review can damage your company’s overall reputation. A recent study suggests that bad Google reviews are costlier to small businesses than Yelp or Facebook.[2] Because of the role that online reviews play in business, it is important for businesses to take an active role in auditing and managing their online reputation. This can and often does include the removal of negative information from the internet, in particular on sites like Google.
Luckily, there are techniques you can use to protect your business reputation online from humiliation with the end goal of providing a better consumer experience and generating more business.
Respond Quickly
Unfortunately, there is not a giant delete button available on each business review page on Google. The most efficient way to remove a negative Google review is to have it directly deleted by the publisher of the review. The first step to accomplish this goal is to respond to the review.
Consumers typically pen negative reviews out of exasperation. Rather than being defensive, try to place yourself in the role of the consumer and understand their concern. Act quickly. Responding to a negative review in a timely fashion takes the wind out of its sails. Respond to the negative review so that the public can see your response. Acknowledge the concerns outlined in the negative review and address the situation. Taking this step not only allows the consumer to see that you are willing to acknowledge the concerns but allows the public to see that you are invested in making things right. You can also contact the consumer privately to attend to further resolve the issue by working together to find a solution.
If and when there is a resolution, seek the opportunity to formally request removal of the negative review.
Reach Out
If you have responded to the negative review and attempted to resolve the issue and still can’t manage to get the negative review removed, the next best course of action is to contact Google. Typically sites have mechanisms in place for users to remove their own reviews or have an internal system in place to process removals. The first step is to flag the review. Your request will be reviewed by a website administrator who will examine the content of the review, the history of the account, and other details. If Google grants your request, the review will be removed and your reputation will be restored.
Resolve Your Negative Google Reviews With Net Reputation
Learning what to do when you receive negative reviews on Google can save your business’s image and reputation. However, this can be a time-consuming endeavor. It requires you to constantly monitor the internet by searching for references about your business name, ensure a constant stream of positive information and review and respond to reviews and testimonials
To avoid wasting valuable time spent on growing your business, allow the team at Net Reputation to show you how to improve your reputation score. Our online reputation management services and tools will help you repair existing problems, improve your brand and enhance your reviews. We have the experience to help you improve your image and get rid of negative reviews.
Ready to learn more about how to remove negative Google reviews? Contact the professionals at Net Reputation at 844-461-3632 and let us walk you through how we can help tidy up your online reputation.