96% of customers look for negative reviews before making a decision. From my experience running a beauty review platform, you can’t/shouldn't remove the negative reviews, but you can: - Reply & debunk them if possible - Counterbalance them by flooding with more reviews (positive) to shift the overall perception

Troll traps. You can get them in aisle 31 at Bunnings, $249. Really good - they bait them, then when the first one is poisoned it attracts others. As you know they eat their own, so soon enough you’ll be rid of the lot. Revolting, I know.

Safeguarding your brand's reputation from false online reviews requires proactive strategies. Begin by monitoring platforms like Google, Yelp, and Trustpilot using tools such as Google Alerts or Mention to identify suspicious activity quickly. When addressing false reviews, respond professionally, providing facts and asking for clarification to expose inaccuracies. Flagging false reviews through the platform’s reporting system is crucial, along with encouraging satisfied customers to leave authentic reviews to balance negativity. Strengthen credibility by maintaining transparency, sharing real customer experiences, and leveraging verified review systems. In severe cases, consider legal action for defamatory content.

One thing I needed to share that to tarnish the brand image sometimes your competitors plant it against it...take it head on in terms of protecting the brand image/ reputation. Getting positive reviews from the users further reinforces the brand image. Portraying exact image help in creating positive perception in customers mind & it increased the mind share of your brand

Speed and being proactive is critical to win in this season of false information. Be clear through your leadership by way of statements preferably in written or video format to state the true position of the business and brand. Doing a "flight simulation" as well internally on possible reputation risks occasionally can also help in managing such cases in future

Dealing with false information in online reviews can be challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to showcase your brand’s values. From my experience, the first step is to respond promptly and professionally to negative or false reviews. Addressing concerns with empathy and facts demonstrates your commitment to transparency and customer satisfaction. Encouraging happy customers to share their positive experiences is equally vital—it helps build a more balanced and authentic online reputation. Regular monitoring tools like Google Alerts or review management platforms ensure you catch and address misinformation early.

1. Monitor Online Reviews : Use tools to review platforms to track mentions and quickly identify false information. 2. Respond Professionally and Promptly: Address false reviews with factual, calm, and courteous replies to demonstrate transparency and concern for customer feedback. 3. Report False Reviews: Utilize the review platform's reporting feature to escalate clearly fraudulent or inappropriate content for removal. 4. Encourage Positive Reviews: Actively request feedback from satisfied customers to outweigh any false or negative reviews with authentic, positive ones. 5. Build Trust Through Transparency: Share brand’s story, values, and customer testimonials across channels to create a credible and trustworthy online presence.