Vanishing Google Reviews: What’s Happening and How to Protect Your Business

Hey there! Tyler Williams here, owner of Mammoth Marketing for Plumbers. If you’ve recently noticed your Google reviews disappearing, you’re not alone. It’s been a hot topic lately, and for good reason—those little stars are crucial for building trust and attracting new customers. I get it; you work hard to earn those reviews, and seeing them vanish can be downright frustrating. But there’s a big lesson here that goes beyond just counting stars. So, let’s dive into what’s going on, why it matters, and most importantly, how to protect your business from taking a hit.

What’s Going on with Google Reviews?

Alright, let’s get straight to it. Around Friday of last week, people started freaking out. Google reviews were disappearing left and right. Clients were calling, agency groups were buzzing, and no one knew what was going on. Of course, Google didn’t exactly roll out the red carpet of communication, either. Instead, we got a few vague posts on support forums saying, “Yeah, we’re aware of it, and we’re working on it.” Not exactly comforting, right?

Here’s what I pieced together: for most people, the reviews were still there, but the count was off. One of the best summaries I saw was someone saying, “Today I learned Google can’t count.” Hilarious, but also accurate. The issue was widespread, but not everyone was affected the same way. Some lost 20 reviews, others lost 50, and some lucky souls didn’t lose any at all. Imagine being neck and neck with a competitor and then losing 50 reviews while they didn’t lose a single one. Ouch.

This led me to a critical realization: we’re all at the mercy of Google’s algorithms. It’s a free service, sure, but it’s also a vital lifeline for local businesses. And when something goes wrong, like it did last week, it can shake your trust to the core.

Why Google Reviews Matter (A Lot!)

Google reviews aren’t just about stars; they’re about trust. New customers look at those reviews to decide if they should do business with you. It’s that simple. For plumbers and other service-based businesses, they’re even more critical because they’re often the first impression a potential customer gets.

Here’s the kicker: Google is basically the only game in town. Yeah, there’s Yelp and TripAdvisor, but for plumbers, Google is king. It’s where all the visibility and credibility are aggregated. If something happens to your reviews on Google, you better hope it’s happening to everyone else, too. Otherwise, your competition just got a leg up.

That’s why this whole situation is so frustrating. It exposed a major flaw in how much power we give Google over our reputations. And the worst part? There’s absolutely nothing you can do about it when it happens. You don’t own those reviews. Google does.

Diversify Your Review Strategy

Alright, so if Google can yank your reviews anytime, what’s the solution? It’s simple: don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Diversification isn’t just for investment portfolios; it’s for your reviews, too.

Remember the good old days of print, radio, and TV? Those platforms were built on trust and credibility, not algorithms. We can learn a thing or two from that. One of the smartest things you can do is start collecting video testimonials. I know, I know—getting a customer to talk on camera can feel like pulling teeth. But here’s a tip: keep it short and sweet. Ask for just 15 seconds of feedback. Most people can handle that without breaking a sweat.

Start recording on your phone (vertically, because that’s the way most videos are watched now) and save those clips. Put them in a Google Drive or Dropbox so you have them forever. If Google decides to do another disappearing act, you’ll still have a goldmine of testimonials that you control.

Amplify Your Reviews on Multiple Platforms

Once you have those testimonials, don’t just let them collect digital dust. Share them on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube—wherever your audience hangs out. If you’re feeling fancy, spend a little on ads to amplify those positive reviews. Thousands of potential customers could see how happy people are with your service.

Why is this so powerful? Because you’re building trust asynchronously. Instead of hoping someone stumbles on your Google reviews right when they need a plumber, you’re planting that trust ahead of time. When they do need you, they already know you’re the go-to option.

This proactive approach also insulates you from Google’s ups and downs. Whether they change the algorithm or glitch out again, you’ll have your testimonials circulating in other digital neighborhoods, keeping your reputation intact.

Back Up Your Google Reviews (Seriously, Do It!)

Here’s a pro tip: back up your Google reviews. Yes, you can do that! Go into your Google Business Profile, copy those glowing testimonials, and save them somewhere safe. It’s like insurance for your reputation. If Google’s count goes haywire again—or worse, they decide to suspend your listing—you won’t lose everything.

Also, keep an eye on your reviews regularly. That way, if you notice a sudden drop, you can react faster and reassure potential customers that you’re still the best in town.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

This whole Google review fiasco was a rollercoaster. At first, I was panicking right alongside my clients. But once the dust settled, it became clear: this is an opportunity. It’s a chance to rethink how we build trust and credibility.

For me and the Mammoth Marketing team, it’s a wake-up call to help our clients diversify their review strategies. We’re doubling down on video testimonials, social media amplification, and good old-fashioned customer service to keep our clients top of mind.

If you’re feeling the sting of disappearing reviews, don’t just wait for Google to fix it. Take control of your narrative and start building trust on your own terms.

Ready to Protect Your Business?

Navigating the world of online reviews can be tricky, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you want the Tyler Williams crew to take a look at your marketing strategy and help you figure out where to focus to grow your business, schedule a consultation today.

Seriously, don’t wait until another Google glitch catches you off guard. Let’s get proactive and keep those phones ringing. Thanks for hanging out with me today—now go get those video testimonials!

Got questions? Want to learn more about marketing for plumbers? Subscribe to my YouTube channel, or follow me on social media. And hey, if you found this helpful, share it with another business owner who might be pulling their hair out over vanishing reviews. See you next time!