Google Reviews Glitch: What Happened and How Businesses Can Respond

A recent glitch in Google Business Profiles caused widespread concern as review counts appeared lower than expected. Fortunately, no actual reviews were lost—only miscounted. The issue quickly gained attention among business owners and SEO professionals, prompting Google to investigate and implement a solution. While most profiles have been corrected, some businesses may still notice discrepancies.

The Google Review Count Glitch: What Went Wrong?

When the problem first surfaced, there was confusion about whether it was a technical issue or an intentional update. Business owners, worried about losing valuable customer feedback, took to online forums to discuss the unexpected drop in review counts.

Speculation quickly spread, with some believing Google was making significant changes to its review system. However, Google soon confirmed that it was an unintentional glitch and assured users that fixes were being rolled out to restore accurate review numbers.

The Importance of Reviews for Local Businesses

Customer reviews play a vital role in online visibility and consumer trust. Not only do they influence local search rankings, but they also serve as a major factor in customer decision-making. Studies show that many consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.

For businesses, a drop in visible review numbers—even if temporary—can impact credibility. Potential customers might hesitate to engage with a business that appears to have fewer reviews than competitors. This underscores the importance of maintaining an accurate and well-managed review profile.

Restoring Review Counts: What to Expect

Google has corrected most of the affected profiles, restoring accurate review counts. However, some businesses may still see inconsistencies.

Here’s what to do if your reviews are not displaying correctly:

• Allow Time for Updates – Google’s systems may take a few more days to fully restore all profiles. If your review count remains incorrect, waiting a bit longer may resolve the issue automatically.
• Reach Out to Google Support – If your review count is still inaccurate after a week, contacting Google Business Profile support may be necessary. Providing details about your profile can help them resolve the issue faster.

While most businesses will see their reviews restored without intervention, staying proactive is key.

Broader Challenges with Google Business Profiles

This review count glitch is not the only recent issue affecting Google Business Profiles. Many businesses have also faced delays in account verification, profile reinstatement, and other critical support services.

According to industry experts, Google’s support team is currently overwhelmed with a high volume of requests. Tasks that require manual review—such as suspended profile appeals and live video verifications—are experiencing longer wait times than usual.

While Google is actively working on fixes, businesses should anticipate potential delays when dealing with profile-related issues. Planning ahead and maintaining compliance with Google’s guidelines can help minimize disruptions.

Expert Guidance for Google Business Profile Management

Handling technical issues with Google Business Profiles can be complex, especially when support delays arise. Working with an experienced digital marketing agency can help businesses maintain a strong online presence and address challenges efficiently.

At MedShark Digital, our team specializes in managing Google Business Profiles, optimizing online visibility, and resolving technical issues. Whether you need assistance with profile management, review strategies, or digital marketing, our experts provide tailored solutions to keep your business competitive.

Final Thoughts

Although Google’s review count glitch has been largely resolved, some businesses may still experience delays in updates. Monitoring your profile and reaching out to Google support if necessary can help ensure your reviews are properly displayed.

Additionally, broader support delays continue to impact Google Business Profiles, particularly for businesses dealing with verification or reinstatement issues. Understanding these challenges and taking proactive steps can help businesses maintain a consistent and reliable online presence.

For expert assistance with your Google Business Profile and digital marketing strategy, MedShark Digital is here to help. Contact us today to enhance your online visibility and ensure your business remains competitive.