How to Delete Google Reviews (& What to Do If You Can’t)

Deleting Google reviews involves different steps for reviewers and business owners. Here’s a guide for both scenarios:

If You’re a Reviewer:

1. Log into Google Account:
   • Sign in to the Google account you used to write the review.
2. Find Your Reviews:
   • Go to Google Maps or Google Search and find the business you reviewed.
3. Edit or Delete Review:
   • Locate your review and click on the three dots next to it.
   • Choose the option to edit or delete the review.

If You’re a Business Owner (and the review violates Google’s policies):

1. Flag the Review:
   • Log into Google My Business (GMB) using your business account.
   • Find the review you want to remove.
   • Click on the three dots next to the review and select “Flag as inappropriate.”
2. Provide Reason:
   • Choose a reason for flagging the review. Options include spam, fake content, off-topic, or inappropriate.
3. Monitor the Review Status:
   • Google will review the flagged review and decide whether it violates their policies.
4. Contact Google Support:
   • If the review doesn’t violate policies but you believe it should be removed, you can contact Google My Business support for assistance.

If You Can’t Delete the Review:

1. Respond Professionally:
   • Even if you can’t remove a negative review, respond professionally. Acknowledge the concern, express your commitment to customer satisfaction, and offer to resolve the issue offline.
2. Encourage Positive Reviews:
   • Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews. This can help offset the impact of negative ones.
3. Address the Issue:
   • If the negative review points out a legitimate issue, address it. Show that you take customer feedback seriously and are actively working to improve.
4. Seek Legal Advice (if necessary):
   • If a review contains false information or is defamatory, consult with legal professionals to explore your options.
5. Encourage Google to Reevaluate:
   • Over time, the dynamics of your business may change. You can request Google to reevaluate your business and consider updating the reviews accordingly.

Remember that Google has guidelines for user-generated content, and reviews that violate these guidelines are more likely to be removed. However, Google’s decisions are final, and not all negative reviews can be deleted.

It’s important to maintain a professional and positive online presence despite occasional negative reviews. Responding constructively and actively working to address concerns can demonstrate your commitment to customer satisfaction.