An update to Google’s spam detection algorithms will grow the number of reviews appearing on some Google+ Local pages. And Google has shared some advice with reviewers, business owners, and SEO professional on how to keep reviews from being deleted.
Google warns business owners that “fake glowing testimonies” written by SEO or reputation management companies will be taken down.
Also, “if a business accepts paper comment cards it might be tempting to collect them and ‘digitize’ them by posting the reviews on Google+ Local,” Google says in its advice for SEOs. “We ask that all reviews come from first hand experience and do not allow posting reviews on behalf of others.”
On a related note, Google advises against companies asking customers to write a review on a computer or tablet located on the business’s premises. Google said businesses should send reminder emails to customers encouraging them to review the business on their own time – just don’t go so far as to give free gifts or discounts in exchange for encouraging them to leave positive reviews, Google warned.
Positive reviews on Google+ Local can help attract new customers. But when it comes to negative reviews, Google emphasized that it doesn’t take down negative reviews (unless they violate Google’s guidelines) or work with third-party reputation management companies. Google urged business owners to respond to such reviews and address the reviewer’s concerns.
As for reviewers, they should:
- Write reviews are about one specific location if a business has multiple locations.
- Not write reviews for a company they currently work for.
- Not include links in the text of reviews.
Related reading
Rise in voice search for local businesses brings new opportunities and challenges
Voice search is growing exponentially, and when something becomes this prominent it behoves the major search engines to make changes to the ways they work to make these experiences more fluid and enjoyable for the end user. Jamie Pitman reviews consumers' current use of voice search with regard to local search and how you can optimize for future growth
Eight steps for a bulletproof local search strategy
Local search takes a lot of hard work and is competitive, but get it right and the pay-off can be huge. Manish Dudharejia shares his eight fundamental actions to get you started.
Three factors to consider when building a local presence
Developing a local presence takes a great deal of time, effort, and consistency. But with almost half of all Google searches now being local, you can't afford not to focus on it. Pratik Dholakiya shares three factors to start your local journey.
Four ways to boost SEO in just 5 hours
Good SEO practice is the difference between getting your site ranked as high up the search results and possible, and reducing the chance of a click through to your site. It can be frustrating to spend a great deal of time and effort on SEO and not see the results. Pius Boachie shares some tips you can quickly implement to make a difference.
