Why reviews matter for local search
Reviews do two jobs at once. Customers read them to decide who to call, and Google uses them too. Google says more reviews and positive ratings can help your local ranking. That means your reputation affects both whether you show up in the map results and whether people choose you once you do. Our Google Business Profile management and reputation work go hand in hand.
How to respond to negative reviews
A negative review is a chance to show future customers how you handle problems. Reply promptly and calmly. Thank the reviewer, acknowledge what went wrong without arguing, keep private details out of it, and offer to make it right offline with a name and number. For example: “Thanks for letting us know, and I’m sorry the appointment ran late. That’s not how we want to treat anyone. Please call me directly so I can make it right.”
Replying to positive reviews too
Most owners only reply when something goes wrong, but thanking happy customers matters just as much. A short, specific reply, one that mentions the job, the neighborhood or the team member, shows you read every review and value the person who took the time. It also gives future customers more real detail about the work you do. We write replies in your voice so they never sound canned.
Can you remove a bad Google review?
Only if it breaks Google’s rules. Reviews that are spam, fake, off-topic or hateful can be flagged in your Business Profile, and Google evaluates the report, which typically takes several days. Google is clear that you shouldn’t report a review just because you disagree with it. For an honest negative review, a thoughtful reply and a steady flow of new positive reviews do far more than trying to make it disappear.
Getting more reviews the right way
The simplest way to get more Google reviews is to ask every customer, every time, with a link that takes one tap. Automated review requests do that the moment a job is marked complete. Google’s policies prohibit offering incentives for reviews and blocking unhappy customers. This is known as review gating.
The rules on fake reviews
Since October 21, 2024, an FTC rule has banned fake reviews, including AI-written ones, as well as buying positive or negative reviews and suppressing honest ones through threats or intimidation. Knowing violations can bring civil penalties. Google removes fake engagement too. Real reputation management builds on real customers and honest replies, which is the only kind that lasts.
Every platform, one inbox
Customers check more than Google. They look at Facebook, industry sites and sometimes Yelp. Instead of logging into each one, new reviews from Google, Facebook and the other platforms we connect land in one inbox with an instant alert, alongside your leads, calls and campaigns. You can track your rating, review count and how recent your reviews are over time, so you know whether things are getting better.
What it costs
Reputation Management is $150 a month as an add-on to any plan, and it’s included in our Growth and Dominate plans. Review request texts and emails carry small usage fees. We connect your profiles, set up response templates and a review request flow in your voice, then keep reviews answered and coming in. See all plans on our pricing page.
Common questions about reputation management
What is online reputation management for a small business?
It's the ongoing work of keeping what people read about your business accurate and strong: watching for new reviews on Google, Facebook and other sites, replying to each one promptly and professionally, and steadily earning new reviews from real customers.
Can you remove negative Google reviews?
Only if they break Google's policies, such as spam, fake reviews, off-topic rants or hateful content. Those can be flagged for Google to review. Google says not to report a review just because you disagree with it, so for honest negative reviews the best tool is a calm, helpful public reply.
How should I respond to a negative review?
Reply promptly and calmly. Thank them, acknowledge the problem without arguing, keep private details out of it, and offer to make it right offline with a name and phone number. Write for the future customers reading it, not just the reviewer.
Is review gating allowed?
No. Review gating means asking only customers you expect to be happy for a review. Google's policies prohibit businesses from selectively soliciting positive reviews, so every customer should get the same invitation.
How much does reputation management cost?
Our Reputation Management is $150 a month as an add-on to any plan, and it's included in our Growth and Dominate plans. Review request texts and emails carry small usage fees.