How to Remove Google Reviews

94% of people have avoided a company because they have negative reviews. Small businesses, perhaps more than anyone, have seen how negative reviews can create lasting damage.

Unfortunately, contrary to popular belief, the simplest answer to how to remove Google reviews is that it’s not that simple at all. Google deliberately makes review removal challenging.

However, that doesn’t mean you’re not in control of other parts of your practice. Let’s dive into why Google Reviews work the way they work, and what to do when you do receive a negative review to keep your practice’s reputation high even when not every patient is happy.

Why You Can't Simply Remove Google Reviews

Google's review system is designed to provide authentic, unbiased feedback from real people. This means that even if you want to know how to remove Google reviews, you can’t just erase them on a whim.

Google values transparency and believes that both positive and negative reviews contribute to a business's overall online presence. They want to maintain the integrity of their platform, ensuring that potential customers get a genuine picture of what to expect. So, while you might be tempted to hunt for a "delete review" button, you'll find that it simply doesn't exist — at least not for business owners.

But don't lose hope! While you can't arbitrarily remove reviews, there are legitimate ways to address problematic ones.

Google's Review Removal Policies

Many dental practices wonder how to remove Google reviews that seem unfair or damaging. 

First and foremost, Google emphasizes that all reviews must reflect genuine customer experiences. They prohibit content that is false, misleading, or manipulative. This is where learning how to remove a Google review begins — with understanding the platform's guidelines and removal process.

It's important to note that Google won't remove a review simply because it's negative. As long as the review complies with their policies and appears to be from a real customer, it will likely remain on your profile. Let’s familiarize ourselves with Google review policies so you can see what’s deemed removable and what’s not.

Legitimate Reasons for Review Removal (How to Remove a Really Bad Google Review)

Knowing how to remove Google reviews that violate policies can help maintain your online reputation.

While you can't remove reviews at will, there are situations where Google may intervene, like the ones we mentioned above. Let’s get a little bit more in-depth into how these reviews fall under Google’s scrutiny.

Spam and Fake Reviews

If you suspect a review is fake or spam, you have grounds for flagging it. This could include reviews from people who've never visited your practice, competitors posing as customers, or bot-generated content.

Offensive Content

Reviews containing hate speech, profanity, or discriminatory language have no place on your business profile. If you come across such content, don't hesitate to report it. Google aims to maintain a respectful and inclusive environment for all users.

Off-Topic Reviews

Sometimes, people use review platforms to vent about unrelated issues. If a review doesn't pertain to your dental practice or the services you provide, it may be considered off-topic and eligible for removal. For instance, a review complaining about parking issues in your building complex (which you don't control) might fall into this category.

Steps to Flag Inappropriate, Offensive, or Off-Topic Reviews

The process of how to remove Google reviews that fall under these jurisdictions involves flagging inappropriate content.

Locate the Review in Google Maps

Start by finding your business on Google Maps. Once there, click on your business name to open the full profile. Scroll down to the reviews section where you'll see all the feedback left by customers.

Click the Flag Icon and Select a Violation

Next to each review, you'll see a small flag icon. Click on this to begin the reporting process. Google will present you with a list of potential violations. Choose the one that best describes the issue with the review in question.

Submit the Report and Follow Up

After selecting the appropriate violation, submit your report. Google will review your request, but be patient – this process can take several days. If you don't hear back or see any changes, you can follow up through Google My Business support.

Flagging a review doesn't guarantee its removal. Google will make the final decision based on its policies and investigation.

Responding to Negative Reviews Professionally

While removal isn't always possible, responding to negative reviews can be just as effective in managing your online reputation. When crafting your response, remember to:

• Stay calm and professional
• Acknowledge the customer's concerns
• Offer to resolve the issue offline
• Highlight your commitment to customer satisfaction

A well-handled response can turn a negative review into an opportunity to showcase your excellent customer service. It also shows potential patients that you take feedback seriously and are committed to improving. Crafting a thoughtful negative review response can sometimes be more effective than removal attempts.

Building a Positive Online Reputation

While understanding how to remove Google reviews is valuable, focusing on positive reputation building is equally important. In other words, the best defense against negative reviews is a good offense. Focus on cultivating a strong, positive online presence that can withstand the occasional negative feedback.

Encouraging Satisfied Patients to Leave Reviews

Don't be shy about asking happy patients to share their experiences online. Many satisfied customers simply don't think to leave a review unless prompted. Consider implementing a follow-up system that gently reminds patients to share their feedback after a positive experience via text or email.

Consistently Delivering Excellent Service

The surest way to generate positive reviews is to provide outstanding service consistently. Train your staff to go above and beyond, and make patient satisfaction a top priority. When patients have great experiences, they're more likely to share them online.

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Engaging with Your Online Community

As we mentioned, the most important thing you can do in your practice’s marketing and community building is to engage. Respond to as much engagement in your practice as possible, thanking patients for their feedback, addressing concerns, and showing that you value every single interaction. This goes for Google reviews, Instagram comments, Facebook messages — and any sort of interaction with your brand. This both helps humanize your business and build trust and loyalty among your patient base.

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