Google reviews: articles & analysis
In-depth articles on Google reviews – data studies, ranking factors, and what reviews actually do to your revenue and visibility. If you want step-by-step instructions instead, start with our Google reviews guides.
Latest Google reviews articles
Google Reviews Not Showing Up? Causes and Fixes (2026)
Google reviews not showing up or suddenly gone? See the 6 common causes, from spam filters to merged profiles, how to spot yours, and the fix for each.
Why was my Google Business Profile suspended?
Google suspended your Business Profile? Here are the nine most common causes, how to tell which one hit you, and what to fix before you appeal.
Google Business Profile appeal evidence checklist
Before you file a Google Business Profile appeal, get the evidence right. The document checklist, the name-and-address match rule, and the 60-minute window.
Google Review Ranking Factors: What Moves Local Rank in 2026
Which Google review ranking factors move local rankings in 2026? Expert weightings for rating, volume, recency and replies, what hurts, and what to fix first.
Google review removal tools: which reviews qualify
Which Google reviews can be removed and which cannot, plus a comparison of removal tools: Google's report flow, flag-only suites, and managed removal.
How to Report a Fake Google Review (2026)
How to spot a fake Google review, report it in Google's Reviews Management Tool, and appeal it once with evidence when the report is rejected.
Google Review Purge 2026 Explained
292 million reviews blocked or removed in 2025. Google's April 2026 policy update banned kiosks, name mentions, and on-site solicitation. What changed and what to do now.
Unanswered Reviews: 9% Revenue Loss (2026)
97% of diners read your responses. 63% say you never gave one. The revenue impact, churn data, and response templates to fix it in 10 min per day.
How to Remove Fake Google Reviews (2026)
Fake Google reviews come down only if they break a Google policy. How to spot one, report it, appeal it once, and deal with a competitor's fakes.
Review Gating: Why Google Banned It (2026)
Google banned review gating in 2018. FTC penalties reach up to $53,088 per violation. How to detect it, avoid penalties, and hit 33% review rates compliantly.
Google Reviews and Revenue (2026 Data)
Each extra star drives 5-9% more revenue per table. Data on how review count, velocity, and rating affect bookings and walk-ins.
Review Incentive Policy: Banned vs OK (2026)
Google prohibits incentives for reviews, but rewarding visits is allowed. The exact policy line and 6 violations that trigger removal.
9 Ways to Get More Restaurant Google Reviews
93% of diners check Google reviews before choosing a restaurant. Get more within Google's rules: table QR codes, receipts and the same ask for every guest.
Run a business?
Don't make customers hunt for your profile. Create a free Google review link that opens your review form in one tap. Share it by text, email or QR code.