How do I ask Google to remove "bad" reviews?

• Is it possible to call or email Google and get a bad review removed from a Google My Business (GMB) listing? What would be needed to make a good case for removing the bad review?

Answer:

For starters, a "bad" review, to Google, is a review that does not meet its terms of service. A review that reflects poorly on a business, however, is called a negative review and Google typically doesn't remove those by request of the business owner. Apologies for the semantics lesson, it's Google, not us; but it's important that we all be on the same page.

Google says that...

Where contributions distort truth, we will remove content. This includes reviews, photos, or videos not related to the location or business where they are tagged. If content is inaccurately placed on the map, or is associated with an incorrect listing, the contribution may be rejected.

Here's a list of reasons Google will remove content including reviews.

• Spam and fake content
• Off-topic
• Restricted content
• Illegal content
• Sexually explicit content
• Offensive content
• Dangerous & Derogatory Content
• Impersonation
• Conflict of Interest

Follow that link above to learn more about each of these reasons and how Google defines them. Then, if the review you are concerned about is actually "bad" according to Google's guidelines, then you can contact GMB support via Twitter: @GoogleMyBiz and ask them for help.

However, if none of these factors are relevant, then the review won't be taken down. And, unfortunately, even if there is a violation involved, it can still be incredibly hard to get it removed — Google Product Experts even have a difficult time getting reviews that are proven to be "fake" removed from Google.

Our advice is to respond to a bad or negative review in a way that makes you look good. Here's a