Fake reviews, bad seeds, contaminated water, and expired milk all have one thing in common: they're bad for your health—or, metaphorically speaking, your brand!
Brands worldwide fall victim to fake online reviews and false information. It's a continuous, daily attack on online reputation management. Some brands see it as routine—a daily dose of drama and product criticism, the kind that convinces you not to eat at a certain restaurant because it's “known for rude staff,” or to avoid a certain consultant because “she ruined my life forever.”
Identifying negative content as a business owner is part of the solution—so is recognizing fake reviews. It's important to spot them by looking for a sudden spike in negative reviews over a short period, which usually signals a targeted campaign. Fake reviews don’t come naturally and are full of negative, generic content. Something is always off about them.
You might notice overuse of “I” and “me” along with lots of action verbs—people do this to sound credible while lying. These don’t read like honest reviews. A fake review usually doesn’t focus on one issue but rather throws out vague statements like “the food was bad” without mentioning the dish they ordered.
Try checking the customer’s purchase history—an unverified purchase is likely a fake. Also, look out for generic names and/or profiles with no photos or prior activity.
Here are some practical steps to fight the issue while protecting your online reputation:
1. Craft a quick, consolidated response.
React fast to clarify the facts. It’s important to immediately state your brand’s real position—avoid long-winded statements. Keep it simple and direct. The more visible the brand, the quicker the response should be. Smaller brands can afford a bit more time to assess the situation.
2. Report it and file a complaint with the platform.
No need to grab your pitchforks. Stay calm and write a professional complaint to the platform explaining the issue and asking for resolution. Most platforms—whether Google or Zomato—have systems in place for handling such situations. Remember, it’s all about reputation management.
3. Ask for proof in your response.
If you’re confident the review is 100% fake, ask for proof of the experience. For example, if someone’s claiming your vacuum cleaner didn’t work, ask for a demonstration. The same logic applies to your brand: insist on verifiable feedback.
4. Flood social media with positive brand stories.
Turn the crisis into a marketing opportunity. It’s easy to mope—but that doesn’t help. Instead, use the situation to tell your brand story, extend social reach, and spread the truth with clever posts, videos, testimonials, or cool animations. Creativity resonates.
5. Consider the law.
In countries like the U.S., there are laws that combat unnatural reviews. The Consumer Review Fairness Act protects against fake or fraudulent reviews. Knowing the legal support available in your region can be a valuable defense tool.
6. Monitor content and evaluate review sites.
Use search engines to check your review presence across sites. Or make it easier: talk to us at Localyser. We'll help you find and handle fake reviews, ensuring your reputation stays intact.
In Conclusion
Just like those who spread negativity hack media with fake reviews, you can do the opposite—flood the internet with positive stories and experiences. This not only boosts your SEO but also influences algorithms.
And remember: don’t villainize fake reviews—own them. Consider them a sign of your success. Celebrities get slammed with rumors all the time—success has its pros and cons. As long as you take action, no harm will be done.
Keep an eye on your brand’s digital presence—and if needed, contact us at Localyser to protect and elevate your online reputation. A five-star rating awaits.
