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
Google’s constantly evolving search experience – and how it changes the game for local SEO
The importance of local SEO cannot be understated when you consider the dominance of mobile and the sky-high user expectations of being shown the most relevant results - and Google clearly recognizes this. Here's how recent Google innovations like Jobs by Google, Allo and Google Reserve are changing local search.
How to scale your business internationally on search engines
Most online sites at some stage will want to expand, and one of the most common ways to do that is by ... read more
Taming the local search beast in a post-Possum and Fred world
Two of Google's recent algorithm updates, Possum and Fred, have had a significant impact on local search for various reasons. How can businesses optimize for local search in the wake of these updates?
International SEO: 5 ways to scale performance
The Internet offers brands an unprecedented way to reach their customers across borders, but reaching different populations requires an understanding of what people want and then producing content to meet these needs. As you get started with your international SEO strategy, here are five ways you can scale your practices to maximize your potential.
