REMOVAL

What to Do When Google Won’t Remove a Review

A rejected report is not the end. Many successful removals only happen on appeal, once the evidence is laid out properly.

Appeal with specifics

Use the appeal option in the review management tool. Name the exact policy the review breaks and include concrete facts: no booking under that name, the reviewer works for a competitor, or the review describes a different business.

Re-check the policy category

A report filed under the wrong category is often rejected. A review attacking a named employee may be better reported as harassment than as fake.

Consider legal routes for defamation

If a review makes false statements of fact, such as accusing staff of a crime, a lawyer can advise on whether a legal request is appropriate. This is slower and costs more, so it is usually a last resort.

Dilute it

If the review stays, the fastest way to reduce its impact is more recent genuine reviews from happy customers, plus a calm response that gives your side.