Flagged Google Review Still "Decision Pending"? Here's What to Do!
No business owner enjoys receiving a negative Google review, but it happens to the best of them. Sometimes you just can't please everyone!
But what if a review is offensive, or you believe it is intended to unfairly impact your store's rating? That's aggravating, especially when you go to check the status of your review report in the review management tool and it reads "decision pending" for days, weeks, or months.
Did you know that you can file an appeal to expedite your report even if the verdict is still pending? After reporting a review (at least 3 days), you can submit an appeal, regardless of whether a decision has been reached.
Here's how to do it:
1. Go to the review management tool.
2. Return to the tool linked above and look for "Check the status of a review I’ve already reported and my appeal options"
3. Then select "appeal eligible reviews"
4. In the next screen, select the review you would like to appeal. If you don't see the review you want to appeal, that means it probably hasn't been long enough (3 days), or you already submitted an appeal.
5. Click "next" and then look for the button "submit an appeal"
6. A new window will open with the appeal form. Be sure to list the exact policy you believe to have been violated. You can also include other evidence, such as screenshots.
After you submit an appeal, you should see a new status: "check email for updates".
Google will now reach out to you via email with updates for your appeal, and since you can provide evidence, I find this often helps move things along quicker (and with better success!)
Be Patient, But Persistent
Patience is key. However, if the "Decision Pending" status has lingered for an unusually long time (more than a few weeks), it may be time to take another step.
- Re-report the Review: You can try re-reporting the review. It might get a second look from a different team member.
- Contact Google Support: If you have a legitimate case and the review is a clear violation, reaching out to Google My Business support directly can sometimes help. You'll need to provide all the details, including the specific review and why you believe it violates their policies.
Don't Let It Distract You
While you wait, don't let a single review consume your attention. A good overall reputation is established on a steady supply of favorable feedback.
This is where OmniLocal, an all-in-one platform, comes in. We help you remain up to date on all things Google:
- Reputation Management: We assist you in managing and optimizing your Google Business Profiles and other listings to establish a strong online presence.
- Lead Generation: We can help you produce inbound phone call leads and optimize your Local Service Ads so you can connect with genuine, local clients.
- Overall Optimization: We provide the tools and technical instruction you need to increase your search presence and ranks.
Don't allow a single review stymie your growth. Maintain your business's momentum by focusing on what you can control: providing outstanding service and actively monitoring your internet presence.
Ready to take control of your local online presence?