Milking Google: How to Take Control of Your Reviews and Supercharge Your Marketing

The Google Review Panic Attack

Last week, we covered a lot of ground on this topic, but due to its complexity, I decided to dive even deeper this time. In this session, I’m expanding on the same core ideas but with more examples, additional insights, and a fresh perspective to make sure you walk away fully equipped to take control of your Google reviews.

Alright, let’s be real—waking up to find your Google reviews missing is the digital equivalent of walking into your shop and realizing someone stole your front door. It’s panic-inducing, gut-wrenching, and downright unfair, especially when you’ve worked so hard to build that reputation.

That’s exactly what happened recently. Google review counts were disappearing, and businesses—including plumbing companies—were freaking out. But here’s the thing: this whole ordeal was a wake-up call. If Google controls your credibility, then you’re at risk. So, let’s talk about what happened, what it means for you, and most importantly, how you can take control so this never hurts you again.

The Google Review Glitch: What Really Happened?

So, what went down? Well, in short—Google forgot how to count.

Yep, that’s the best explanation we got. One day, review counts plummeted, and businesses across the world lost their minds. Some reviews disappeared entirely, others just weren’t showing up in the count. Google, in classic fashion, didn’t send an email, didn’t give a heads-up, and sure as heck didn’t apologize.

Eventually, the numbers started to return, but the damage was done. This glitch highlighted a massive problem: if you rely solely on Google reviews to build trust, you’re playing a dangerous game.

Why Your Google Reviews Matter More Than You Think

Let’s break it down—your Google reviews influence four major areas:

1. Local Services Ads (LSA): If you’re running Google Guaranteed ads, your review count plays a huge role in whether people click. If you have 200 reviews and your competitor has 2,000, guess who’s getting the click? Not you.

2. Google Business Profile: When people look you up directly, your review count and rating determine whether they hit that “Call” button. A five-star rating with 500 reviews? Solid. A 3.5-star rating with 12 reviews? Sketchy.

3. Google Map Pack: Even if you rank #1 in the map pack, if your competitors have way more reviews, people will skip you. It’s about perception, not just ranking.

4. Google Ads (PPC Campaigns): If you link your Google Business Profile to your ads (which you should), your reviews will show up. Low review counts = low click-through rates = wasted ad spend.

The Risk You Didn’t Know You Were Taking

Here’s the cold, hard truth: Google reviews are a trust factor you don’t own.

They sit on Google’s property, and Google can do whatever it wants with them. If they disappear, if your profile gets suspended, if Google decides you’re no longer worthy of showing up—that’s it. You have no recourse.

That’s a massive risk. But don’t worry, I’m about to show you how to take back control.

How to Milk Google for All It’s Worth

You’ve got to turn Google’s reviews into YOUR asset. Here’s how:

1. Catalog Your Reviews

Start tracking your reviews in a spreadsheet. Every month, have someone log:

• Customer name

• Star rating

• Review text

Why? Because if Google ever nukes your profile, you still have that trust factor. You can repurpose it elsewhere.

2. Amplify Your Reviews

No one sees your five-star rating unless they look for you—so make them see it!

• Run review-based ads on Facebook and Instagram.

• Post testimonials regularly on social media.

• Showcase them on your website (above the fold!).

• Turn them into print ads—yes, even in a newspaper!

3. Use Video Reviews to Build More Trust

Text reviews are great. Video reviews? Even better.

• Capture customer testimonials on-site. Offer a small discount if they do it.

• Use VideoAsk to collect easy video reviews remotely.

• Turn video testimonials into social media and YouTube ads.

4. Hire Actors If Needed

Not everyone wants to be on camera, and that’s fine. If a customer leaves a glowing review, turn it into a script and hire an actor to read it. We’ve been doing this in marketing for decades—it’s not fake; it’s just repurposing real experiences.

5. Leverage AI for Review Marketing

AI-generated video testimonials are here. You can take your real reviews, feed them into AI, and generate compelling video content that looks natural. Is it a little weird? Yes. Does it work? Also yes.

And if AI feels too “out there” for you, at the very least, turn reviews into graphics and ads that repeatedly hit your audience. Repetition builds trust.

The Bottom Line: Control the Trust, Control the Market

Google is just one piece of the puzzle. The real goal is owning the trust of your customers so that Google’s changes don’t affect your ability to get leads.

What You Should Do Right Now:

1. Start cataloging your reviews.

2. Use them in your ads and social media.

3. Invest in video reviews and testimonials.

4. Control the narrative—don’t wait for Google to do it for you.

And if you want my team at Mammoth Marketing to take a look at your business and show you what you should focus on next, schedule a consultation with us at TylerWilliams.net.

Let’s make sure you’re the plumber people can’t ignore—Google glitch or not.