You flagged a review, waited for Google’s response, and they decided to keep it up—not the outcome you were hoping for. But don’t give up just yet! If Google refuses to remove a review, you have the option to appeal their decision. With the right approach, you might still get it taken down.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to appealing a denied removal request and increasing your chances of success.
For more information about how to remove a Google review, read our full guide below or check out the video guide.
Why Does Google Refuse to Remove Some Reviews?
Google aims to provide an open platform for customer feedback, and they only remove reviews that clearly violate their policies. Some common violations include:
- Spam or fake reviews
- Harassment, hate speech, or explicit content
- Irrelevant or off-topic comments
- Conflicts of interest (e.g., a competitor posting a review)
If a review doesn’t fall into these categories—or if Google doesn’t recognize the violation—it will remain online. However, mistakes happen, and Google’s moderation system isn’t perfect. If you believe a review should have been removed but wasn’t, an appeal gives you another chance to present your case.
How to Appeal a Google Review Decision
Step 1: Review Google’s Policies Again
Before submitting an appeal, revisit Google’s review guidelines to confirm that the review in question does, in fact, violate their policies.
Look for violations like:
- False or misleading claims
- Offensive or harmful language
- Reviews from users who never interacted with your business
If you find a clear violation, you’re ready to move on to the next step.
Step 2: Gather Supporting Evidence
To strengthen your appeal, collect any evidence that proves the review should be removed. This might include:
- Screenshots of the review
- Proof the reviewer was never a customer (e.g., appointment records, transaction history)
- Examples of similar fake reviews from the same account
The more evidence you provide, the better your chances of convincing Google to reconsider.
Step 3: Use the Google Reviews Management Tool
Google provides a dedicated tool for managing and appealing review removals. Here’s how to access it:
- Log into your Google Business Profile
- Navigate to the Reviews Management Tool
- Locate the review you previously flagged
If the review is eligible for appeal, you’ll see an option to submit an appeal.
Step 4: Submit an Appeal
Once you’ve accessed the Reviews Management Tool, follow these steps:
- Click “Appeal eligible reviews”
- Select the review you want to appeal
- Fill out the appeal form with as much detail as possible
Example:
“This review contains false information. The reviewer never interacted with our business, as shown by the attached customer records.”
“This review includes hate speech, which violates Google’s content guidelines. Please refer to the highlighted section.”
Including direct references to Google’s policies increases your chances of success.
What Happens After You Appeal?
Google will review your request, which can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on their backlog.
- If they approve your appeal, the review will be removed
- If they reject it again, you’ll need to explore alternative strategies
What to Do If the Review Stays
If your appeal is unsuccessful, here are some ways to minimize the impact of a negative review:
1. Respond to the Review Professionally
A well-crafted response can help neutralize a bad review and show potential customers that you take feedback seriously.
Example:“We’re sorry to hear about your experience and appreciate your feedback. Please reach out so we can make this right.”
2. Push It Down with Positive Reviews
Encourage satisfied customers to leave honest, positive reviews. The more recent, high-quality reviews you have, the less impact a negative review will have.
Businesses with at least 50 reviews and an average rating of 4.5 stars or higher see a 4.6% increase in revenue.
3. Work with Reputation Management Experts
If a negative review is causing significant harm, professional help may be your best option. Reputation management services, like Guaranteed Removals, specialize in handling review removals, identifying policy violations, and managing appeals on your behalf.
“Many businesses don’t realize what qualifies as a policy violation,” says Roque Rodon, Director of Operations at Erase.com and Guaranteed Removals. “We know how to navigate Google’s review system effectively and increase your chances of success.”
Remove negative Google reviews today
Guaranteed Removals Google Review Removal Service
Appealing a denied review removal request isn’t always easy, but it’s worth trying if you believe the review violates Google’s policies. Follow the steps outlined above, provide strong evidence, and escalate if needed.
If all else fails, focus on generating more positive reviews and maintaining excellent customer service to protect your online reputation.
If you’re struggling to remove a damaging Google review, Guaranteed Removals’ review removal specialists can help. Contact us today to see how we can assist you in restoring your business’s reputation.
