In the past week, many local business owners have reported a sudden drop in their Google Local Business review count. If you’ve noticed that the total number of reviews on your Google Business Profile (GBP) has decreased for no apparent reason, you’re not alone.

Countless users in Google Business Profile forums are raising concerns about review counts dropping, even though their individual reviews are still visible. While Google hasn’t issued an official statement about this problem, the issue appears to be a bug that affects the display of review counts—not an actual deletion of reviews.

What’s Causing This Issue?

The problem lies in how Google Local Business review counts are being displayed. Business owners are reporting that the review count has dropped from a higher number to a much lower one, even though the individual reviews themselves are still intact.

Key Facts:

  • Your reviews aren’t deleted—the count shown on your Google Local Business profile is simply incorrect.
  • No official response from Google has been released yet.
  • Widespread issue: Reports of this bug are coming from various industries and regions, indicating that it’s not an isolated problem.
  • Forums are buzzing: Business owners are flooding Google Business Profile forums to share their experiences and seek answers.
google business profile forum is buzzing with missing reviews issue

What If It’s Not a Count Issue?

If you verify your Google Local Business reviews and discover that it’s not just a count display error—but that some reviews are genuinely missing—you’ll need to take immediate action.

You can visit the official Google Business Support page and request assistance from Google. They can help investigate and potentially recover the missing reviews.

How Can This Impact Your Business?

1. Customer Perception and Trust

A lower review count can lead customers to question your credibility. Even if all your reviews are still visible, the incorrect count can raise doubts. If reviews are genuinely missing, it can be even more damaging.

2. SEO Rankings and Local Search Visibility

Google Local Business reviews are a critical part of your local SEO strategy. A drop in review count—or worse, actual missing reviews—could affect your rankings and visibility in local search results.

3. Reputation Concerns

Customers may assume that reviews were removed due to negative incidents. This can harm your business’s reputation and raise unnecessary concerns.

What Should You Do Now?

Here’s how you can handle this situation:

1. Check and Verify

Manually review your Google Local Business profile to confirm whether the issue is just a count display error or if reviews are genuinely missing.

2. Document and Monitor

Take screenshots of your current review count and any changes. This documentation will be useful if you need to escalate the issue with Google Support.

3. Stay Updated

Follow Google’s official channels and Google Business Profile forums for updates. These forums are often the first place where business owners report issues and where Google representatives share information.

4. Contact Google Support

If you find that your reviews are genuinely missing, visit this link to request help from Google. Be sure to provide details about your business, the missing reviews, and any supporting documentation.

5. Focus on Multi-Channel Reputation Management

While Google resolves the issue, increase your presence on other review platforms like Yelp, Facebook, and Trustpilot. This will help protect your online reputation and ensure customers can still find positive feedback about your business.

Final Thoughts

Google Local Business reviews are vital for building trust, enhancing your local SEO, and attracting new customers. While this recent bug is frustrating, it’s important to stay calm and proactive. If it’s just a display error, your reviews are safe. But if you discover that reviews are genuinely missing, don’t hesitate to contact Google Support for help.

If you need assistance with managing your online reputation or boosting your local SEO, reach out to our team at wpboys.com. We’re here to help you navigate these challenges and grow your business’s online presence.