By Sammy Paget
So, just when you thought the Google Business Profile drama had simmered down, another glitch decided to crash the party. This time, it’s not suspensions causing headaches—it’s something that could hit even harder. Yes, we’re talking about disappearing Google reviews. Imagine waking up to find your hard-earned reviews have vanished into thin air. It’s every business owner’s worst nightmare, and it’s happening right now.
What’s Going On?
Mike Blumenthal, the go-to guy for all things Google Business Profile, first sounded the alarm. Reports started popping up on the Google Business Profile Community Help Forum about missing reviews. It turns out Google’s recent changes to Business Profiles might have triggered a new bug—one that’s messing with CID numbers and wiping out reviews in the process.
What’s a CID?
In case you’re wondering, the CID (Clustered Identification Number) is like your business’s fingerprint in Google’s system. It’s a unique identifier that ties all your business data—reviews included—into one neat package. If that CID changes, it’s like Google suddenly thinks you’re a brand-new business, meaning all those glowing reviews you’ve collected could just disappear.
Why Should You Care?
Reviews aren’t just nice to have—they’re crucial for your business’s credibility and visibility. They influence how potential customers perceive you and can make or break your presence in local search. If you’ve been hustling to get those five-star reviews, seeing them wiped out overnight is more than just frustrating—it’s a potential hit to your bottom line.
What To Do If You’re Affected
So, you’ve logged into your Google Business Profile and noticed reviews missing. Here’s how to take action:
Revert Incorrect Edits: First things first, click on the ‘Actions’ button in your Google Business Profile dashboard. If you spot any incorrect edits, reject them immediately. This might help reverse some of the damage.
File a Support Form: If your CID number has changed and reviews have been removed, you’ll need to provide both the old and new CID numbers when you submit a Google Business Profile Support Form. Make sure to explain what’s happened and ask Google to reinstate your reviews.
How to Protect Your Business from Future Glitches
While we hope this bug is just a temporary hiccup, it’s a good wake-up call to keep a closer eye on your Google Business Profile. Here’s how to stay ahead of the game:
Document Your Reviews: Keep a running log of all your reviews. This includes the reviewer’s name, the date, and the content of the review. You can do this manually by creating a dedicated email folder for review notifications.
Use Reputation Management Tools: If manual tracking sounds like a drag, tools like BrightLocal’s Reputation Manager can automate the process for you. It tracks, stores, and even lets you export all your reviews, so you have a backup ready.
Know Your CID Number: Make sure you have your current CID number stored somewhere safe. If you’re unsure how to find it, use a free tool like Google Review Link & Place ID Generator.
Monitor Suggested Edits: Keep a close watch on any changes made to your profile via Suggested Edits. It’s crucial to catch inaccuracies early to prevent any mishaps.
Have You Been Affected?
We want to hear from you. If your business has been hit by the disappearing reviews bug, share your experience with us on Twitter or drop a comment below. Google has acknowledged the issue and is working on a fix, with some reviews already being restored.
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