How to Remove a Google Review: A Step-by-Step Guide

You’ve just come across a negative review on your Google Business Profile, or maybe you left a review in a rush, and now you want to take it down. Either way, it can feel a bit frustrating when you’re unsure how to handle it. So, let’s break it down in a straightforward, natural way—without all the tech-speak and fluffh. How to erase Google reviews, and why should you bother?

Whether you’re a business owner or a customer, managing reviews can feel like a balancing act. Some reviews are accurate, but others can be very wrong. This blog will show you how to remove or reply to Google reviews and what you can do to keep your online reputation looking good.

Why Would Anyone Want to Remove a Google Review?

If You Are a Business Owner:

Imagine you put so much into building your business, and in a moment, someone just leaves a review that is not true. Perhaps they got something wrong, or their review doesn't even relate to your service. These kinds of reviews can give people the wrong idea about your business, and that's when you start thinking, how do I remove a Google review?

• Misinformation: It’s not uncommon to see reviews filled with wrong details, whether it’s about your product, service, or how you operate.
• Spammy or Fake Reviews: This happens more than you’d think. Competitors, bots, or someone with bad intentions can leave fake reviews that don’t reflect what you offer.
• Inappropriate or Irrelevant Content: If someone leaves a review that’s completely off-topic or uses foul language, it’s not something you want sitting on your business profile.    

If You’re a Customer:

Now, maybe you’re on the other side of things. Perhaps you wrote a review out of frustration, and after cooling down, you realised it wasn’t really fair. Or maybe you made a mistake and reviewed the wrong business.
 

• Changed Opinion: Upon re-evaluating, you feel the business should get a better review. Maybe they fixed your problem, or you feel that your initial review was unfair to them.
• Wrong Business: That can happen—you might have confused two places and left your review on the wrong page. Time to clean that up.
• Either way, whether you’re a customer or a business owner, understanding how to take down a Google review will make managing your online reputation easier.

How Do You Remove a Google Review? (For Business Owners)

If you’re the owner of a business and have encountered a bad review, you’ve probably thought, how do I delete a Google review? While you can’t directly remove a review (unless you posted it), Google does give you options to report it.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on what you can do:

1. Flag the Review as Inappropriate

If you believe a review goes against Google’s guidelines, such as including false information or inappropriate content, you can report it to Google for them to look into.

• Just go to your Google Business Profile.
• Find the review you want to flag.
• Click on the three vertical dots next to the review.
• Choose Flag as inappropriate from the menu.

Google will review it, and if they find it violates their policies, they’ll remove it. This can take a few days, but it’s worth the wait if the review is genuinely harmful.

2. Respond Publicly

As you wait for action by Google, it is a good idea to respond to the review. An honest and considerate response will not only show future guests that you value their experience, but also that you actively manage Google reviews to maintain a positive and transparent reputation.

For instance, if he or she complained about the experience, you could say something like:

"Sorry to hear about your experience and would like to fix it. Please contact us directly."

This shows you pay attention and are ready to solve problems, helping to minimise the effects of a bad review.

3. Ask for More Positive Reviews

Don’t let a negative review be the first thing people see when they find your business. Reach out to happy customers and ask them to share their positive experiences. This helps potential customers see a mix of feedback and make better decisions.

4. Reach Out to Google My Business Support

If reporting the review doesn’t work, and you think it's fake or wrong, you can contact Google My Business support. They can review it and may remove it for you.

How Do You Remove Your Own Review? (For Customers)

If you’ve left a review and regret it, don’t worry; you can easily take it down. Whether you had second thoughts or just made a mistake, here’s how to get rid of it.

1. Log in to Your Google Account

Make sure you are logged in with the same Google account that you left the review through. This is very important.

2. Find the Review You Want to Remove

Go back to Google Maps, just like you did in the beginning, and search for the business on which you left the review. Scroll down toward the bottom section of the screen displaying the reviews. Locate the particular review you want to remove.

3. Edit or Delete the Review

Click the three vertical dots beside your review; you will have the option to edit or delete the review. If you want to take it off altogether, simply click "Delete," and it will be gone. If you have just changed your mind about what you said, you can also "Edit" the review with your new thoughts.

Can You Really Delete Google Reviews Yourself?

As a business owner, the short answer is no; you can’t directly delete someone else’s review. Only the person who posted the review or Google can remove it. But don’t lose hope—there are still plenty of ways to handle those negative reviews.

• Flagging: As we said before, report any reviews that are inappropriate or spam.
• Responding: Reply to negative comments in a professional way and focus on solving the issue.
• Encouraging Positive Reviews: Ask satisfied customers to leave positive reviews to help balance out the negative ones.

What If Google Won’t Remove the Review?

So, you’ve flagged a review, and nothing happens. What now?

Google doesn’t always agree to take down flagged reviews, even if they seem unfair. If Google decides not to remove the review, here are a few other steps you can take:

1. Reach Out to the Reviewer
If you happen to know the person who left the review, consider reaching out to them directly. A private conversation might be able to resolve the issue. They may be open to editing or removing the review afterwards.

2. Give more attention to positive reviews.
What you can do—even if you cannot always delete a review— is to try to cover it through good reviews. Ask happy customers for reviews, as these may just push down the bad ones further down, where they won't be as visible.

3. Legal Action (Only in Extreme Cases)
While it’s rare, if the review is harmful or untrue and is hurting your business, you can talk to a lawyer. They might help you take more steps, but going the legal way is expensive and should be your last option.

Online Reputation Management: Keeping Your Digital Image Intact

Now that you know how to handle reviews on Google, let's talk about something important: Reputation Management.

In the present digital landscape, it's what people say about your business on the internet that may make or break your venture. Maintaining a positive reputation is important. Whether you’re managing a small business or a larger brand, the principles remain the same.

Why Is Reputation Management Important?

1. Customer Trust: Potential customers often trust reviews more than advertisements or marketing messages. Building a positive image online can increase trust and attract more clients.

2. Brand Loyalty: Talking to your customers and fixing their problems can build strong loyalty.

3. Crisis Management: Every business gets bad feedback at times. Managing your reputation well can lessen the impact of negative reviews.

Tips for Managing Your Google Reviews:

• Check Reviews Often: Make time each week to look at new Google reviews. This helps you catch problems early before they get bigger.
• Ask for Good Reviews: Don’t be afraid to ask happy customers to leave a review. A kind request after good service can lead to great feedback.
• Reply to All Reviews: Whether the review is good or bad, replying shows you care about what customers think.Managing reviews is a part of online reputation management and your business’s overall image. It can have a big impact on how people see your business.

Wrapping Up: How to Remove a Google Review, Simplified

In conclusion, removing a Google review involves several steps, whether you're addressing a negative review or an inaccurate one. Start by checking if the review violates Google's policies, then report it for removal. If you're unsure how to remove Google review, follow Google's guidelines and ensure it's reported correctly. If it's a fair review, consider responding professionally to resolve any issues. Keep in mind that while deleting a review isn't always possible, managing reviews with positive interactions can significantly improve your online reputation. Staying proactive with your review management will lead to better long-term results.