Why Aren’t My New Google Business Profile Reviews Showing Up? (And How to Fix It)

You’ve just gotten fantastic customer feedback, and you’re excited to see those positive reviews boosting your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). But… they’re not there. Frustrating, right? You’re not alone. Many business owners experience this, and we’re here to help you determine why your new GBP reviews might be missing and what you can do about it.

Why Google Reviews Go Missing: Top Reasons

Google’s review system is designed to be smart. It’s constantly working to filter out fake reviews, spam, and anything that violates its review guidelines. This is a good thing for everyone, but sometimes, legitimate reviews get caught in the crossfire.

Common Reasons for Missing Reviews

Brand New Accounts (Yours or Theirs): If your Google Business Profile is very new, or the person leaving the review just created their Google account, there might be a delay. Google often holds back reviews from new accounts as a security measure. Give it a few days to a week.

Reviewer’s History: If the reviewer has only written a handful of reviews, or if all their reviews are for similar types of businesses, Google might flag them as suspicious. They look for patterns that suggest inauthentic behavior.

Content Problems (The Most Common Culprit): This is where most problems arise. Google’s algorithms are very sensitive to certain types of content:

Bad Language: Profanity, hate speech, and offensive language are automatic red flags.

Personal Info: Don’t include phone numbers, addresses, email addresses, or anything that could identify someone personally.

Off-Topic Rambling: Reviews should be about the experience with your business. Keep it relevant.

Duplicate Reviews: Copying reviews from other sites or using the same review for multiple businesses is a big no-no.

Links and URLs: Avoid putting any links in your reviews.

Promotional Stuff: Reviews are for feedback, not advertising.

Keyword Stuffing: Don’t try to cram in keywords to game the system. Write naturally.

Location Mismatch: Less common, but sometimes if the reviewer’s location is far from your business, the review might be delayed or filtered.

Technical Hiccups: Rare, but sometimes there are temporary glitches on Google’s end.

Flagged by Users: Even good reviews can sometimes be flagged as inappropriate by other users, either accidentally or maliciously.

How to Fix Missing Google Reviews

Ask the Reviewer to Repost: If a legitimate review isn’t appearing, request the reviewer to repost it using different wording to avoid triggering Google’s filter.

Check Google Business Profile Notifications: Log in to your Google Business Profile and check for any notifications regarding reviews that were flagged or removed.

Ensure Reviews Are Not Coming from the Same IP: Advise customers to leave reviews from their devices instead of using the business’s Wi-Fi.

Contact Google Support: If you suspect a review was removed unfairly, you can contact Google support and request a review of the issue.

Steps to Contact Google Support:

1. Visit the Google Business Profile Help Center.
2. Select “Contact Us” and describe your issue.
3. Provide details such as the reviewer’s name and a screenshot (if available).

Monitor Your Profile Regularly: Use Google Business Profile Insights to keep track of your reviews and report any anomalies as soon as they occur.

Why Does My Google Review Only Show Up for Me?

If your review is visible only to you, it’s likely *stuck in moderation*. Google shows users their reviews immediately but delays public visibility to verify compliance. Wait 3–5 days. If it’s still missing, it may have been removed for policy violations. Try waiting a few days or editing the review slightly.

Why Can’t I Post Google Reviews? Troubleshooting Steps

If you’re unable to post reviews entirely:

Check Your Google Account: Ensure you’re logged in, and your account isn’t restricted.
Clear Browser Cache: Old data can cause errors.
Avoid Prohibited Content: No offensive language, personal attacks, or advertising.
Test on Mobile: Use the Google Maps app if the desktop fails.

How to See Deleted Google Reviews

Once a review is deleted by Google or the user, it’s gone from your GBP. However, you can:

Check Email Notifications: Google sends alerts for new reviews. Save these for records.
Use Third-Party Tools: Platforms like Bright Local or Review Trackers archive past reviews (but reliability varies).
Request Google Support: If a legitimate review vanishes, contact GBP support for clarity.

Flagged as Inappropriate – How to Resolve It

1. Review Google’s Guidelines: Ensure your content complies with Google’s Policies.
2. Submit an Appeal: Use the Google Support Form to dispute the removal.
3. Contact the Reviewer: If a customer’s review was flagged, ask them to repost it politely.

Prevent Future Review Issues

Educate Customers: Share guidelines to avoid policy violations.
Monitor Regularly: Use GBP’s “Reviews” dashboard to track activity.
Respond Promptly: Engage with reviewers to build rapport and resolve disputes.

Read More: How to Add WhatsApp to Google Business Profile?

Google Keeps Changing My Business Address: How to Fix It (2025 Guide)

Final Thoughts

Missing reviews can hurt your business’s online reputation. By understanding Google’s policies, troubleshooting technical issues, and engaging customers effectively, you can ensure your GBP profile reflects genuine feedback. If problems persist, reach out to Google Business Profile Support for direct assistance. Have more questions? Drop a comment below! We’re here to help!