Is there a Bug eating at your Google reviews?
Anyone who manages Local Marketing on Google will have noticed the huge amount of changes in the way that Your Google Business profile is working and is managed. For those who are not aware google has now scrapped Google My Business, (GMB) and replaced it with Google Business profile. (GBP)
Not without errors, the roll out has caused many users frustration and disappointment, Just a few weeks after Google Business Profile users had to endure the suspension chaos, it seems another Google bug is doing the rounds in GBP once again. This time, users have reported instances in which their all-important business Google reviews have gone missing entirely.
Google Business Profile users are reporting that their Google reviews are going missing It now appears that Google has pushed changes live to Google Business Profiles following a Suggested Edits update, but with further investigation, it has been suggested that the suggested edits update was also changing the CID numbers of profiles each time—essentially creating a ‘new’ listing in Google’s eyes, dissociating existing reviews and then removing them altogether. Google rarely progresses two updates at the same time, as this can lead to a high probability of a new bug.
Why is losing Google Reviews so scary?
Well, as a local business owner or manager, you’ll know the importance of local business reviews for boosting your presence, developing your reputation and providing your business with general credibility. For those who actively engage customers in review campaigns, this will come as an incredible kicker if you are affected, meaning you could lose out on hard-earned reviews.
What you can do if you’re affected
You should be able to reinstate your business information fairly simply by clicking the ‘Actions’ button and rejecting any incorrect edits, but we’d recommend first taking note of everything that has changed in order to make your case to Google.
As for the CID number and review removals, you’ll need to provide your old and new CID numbers and highlight what has happened within a GBP Support Form, asking Google to reinstate your lost reviews.
Safety-proofing your business reviews
We don’t know for sure just how permanent the effects of this bug will be and, while it may be a temporary blip, it does highlight the importance of keeping track of any changes to your Google Business Profile. Here are some tips to ensure you’re prepped:
- Keep a record of all your business reviews, including the name of the reviewer and its content. You could do this by setting up an email folder and ensuring you receive email notifications for each new review your business receives.
- Ensure you know and store your Google CID number in case of any changes like this. If you don’t know how to find your CID number, you can ask DFY Social to generate and record your CID as part of our local marketing service
- Keep track of any changes made via Suggested Edits in order to spot any inaccurate information and keep your business listing up to date.
Have you been affected by this Google reviews bug?
Join the conversation and tell us what you’re seeing, please comment below or share them on Social Media – please tag DFY Social. If you like this article please share your comments here: https://g.page/r/CTqrsaimbVJqEB0/review
Google has now acknowledged they are aware of and addressing the bug, and many reviews have been and will continue to be restored.
About DFY Social
DFY Social are specialists in Social Media Marketing and Pay Per Click marketing services, we work with local firms supporting local customers by managing their social media presence and generating customer inquiries, both from Google and the social media channels. We work with you to identify your ideal customer, their wants and needs, our goal is to understand the precise needs of each customer and design a solution specific to each of your needs.
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