Business Owners Beware: A New GBP Bug is Wiping Out All Your Reviews

As a business owner, your online reputation is everything. Positive reviews from satisfied customers can help attract new business and build trust with potential customers. However, a new bug in the Google Business Profile (GBP) system is causing havoc for business owners, wiping out all of their hard-earned reviews. In this article, we will discuss what the new GBP bug is, its impact on businesses, and what you can do to protect your online reputation.

What is the New GBP Bug?

The new GBP bug is causing businesses to lose all of their reviews after their listings are auto-updated. This bug was first reported last month, and according to a detailed report by Mike Blumenthal, it has affected many businesses across the globe.

The cause of the bug is still unclear, but it appears to be a technical glitch in the system. Once the bug hits a business, it wipes out all of their reviews, leaving them with a blank slate. This can be a devastating blow to businesses that have spent years building up their online reputation.

The Impact on Businesses

Losing all of your reviews can be a catastrophic event for any business. Reviews help build trust with potential customers, and losing them can make it harder to attract new business. It can also cause businesses to lose their search engine rankings, as Google uses reviews as a ranking factor.

According to the Blumenthal report, businesses that have been affected by the bug are reporting a significant drop in business. Customers are hesitant to trust businesses with no reviews, and this can lead to a decrease in foot traffic and online sales.

What Can You Do to Protect Your Online Reputation?

If you are a business owner, it’s important to take steps to protect your online reputation from the new GBP bug. Here are some tips to help you safeguard your reviews:

1. Backup Your Reviews

The first step is to back up your reviews regularly. You can do this by exporting your reviews from the Google My Business dashboard. This will allow you to keep a copy of your reviews in case they are wiped out by the bug.

2. Monitor Your Listing

Keep an eye on your Google Business Profile listing and monitor it for any changes. If you notice that your reviews have disappeared, contact Google support immediately. They may be able to restore your reviews or provide you with more information about the bug.

3. Encourage Customers to Leave Reviews

Encourage your customers to leave reviews on your Google Business Profile. The more reviews you have, the less impact the bug will have on your online reputation. You can do this by including a link to your profile in your email signature, on your website, and in your social media profiles.

4. Diversify Your Reviews

Don’t rely solely on your Google reviews. Encourage your customers to leave reviews on other platforms, such as Yelp or Facebook. This will help diversify your reviews and make it harder for the bug to wipe out all of your online reputation.

Conclusion

The new GBP bug is a serious threat to businesses of all sizes. Losing all of your reviews can be a devastating blow to your online reputation and can lead to a drop in business. However, by taking proactive steps to safeguard your reviews, you can protect your online reputation and minimize the impact of the bug.

FAQs

1. How can I backup my Google reviews?
   You can export your reviews from the Google My Business dashboard.

2. What should I do if my reviews disappear?
   Contact Google support immediately and monitor your listing for any changes.

3. Can Google restore my lost reviews?
   Google may be able to restore your reviews, but this is not guaranteed.

4. Should I rely solely on Google reviews for my online reputation?
   No, it’s important to diversify your reviews and encourage customers to leave reviews on other platforms.

5. How can I encourage customers to leave reviews?
   Include a link to your Google Business Profile in your email signature, on your website, and in your social media profiles. You can also offer incentives such as a discount or free product/service for leaving a review.

Remember, your online reputation is a crucial aspect of your business. Take the necessary steps to protect it from the new GBP bug and other potential threats. By doing so, you can continue to attract new customers and grow your business.