Google Now Alerts Reviewers If the Review Was Not Posted

Cover image for Google Now Alerts Reviewers If the Review Was Not Posted
Alex Sparks
Alex Sparks
Updated - February 17, 2024

If you've ever taken the time to write a Google review, you'll know it's a process that requires some thought and effort. However, what many don't realize is that not all reviews get approved and published by Google. It could be a technical glitch, or the review might not adhere to Google's content policies but there is now a notification system in place to alert reviewers if a review was not posted. This small obscure mechanism has some surprising implications for small businesses going forward but the business owners still need to go that extra mile to outpace their competition.

App icons for email and news displayed on a phone, with an email notification badge.

Google's top of page ranking on their search engine rely heavily on customer reviews. Also, reviews that people can view provide a level of credibility and trust, which is crucial in the today's era where competition is fierce. But what happens when a customer leaves a genuine review, and it doesn’t get published?

On the surface, it may seem like a frustration point but remember that all other businesses on Google will experience this in some manner as well. However, it can also be viewed as a great opportunity for small businesses to engage with their customers on a more personal level. When a business owner realizes that a recent customer's review has not been posted, they need to reach out to the customer directly. This not only provides them with the missing feedback verbally but also allows them to establish a more personal relationship with their customers.

In conclusion, Google not notifying the business owners for unapproved reviews could initially seem like a setback, it can actually be turned into a positive experience. It prompts small businesses to have more direct relationships with their customers and helps protect business against competitors that may be paying for online reviews.. The power is ultimately in the hands of the small business owners to leverage this situation to their benefit.