Navigating the Google Review Count Glitch: What Auto Repair Shops Need to Know

Blogs are forever, so let me date this article, in early 2025, several auto repair shop owners have reported significant drop in their Google review counts even though it appears that no actual reviews have been removed. Fun glitch to think that Google can't count, but it's affecting how the reviews are displayed on your Google business profile and potentially impacting your online visibility and customer trust. So here's what we know:

Discrepancy in Counts:  If you have surplus time, you can test this by manually counting each one of your reviews and so far, we have seen that the manual count does not match the number being displayed. This matters because the more reviews, particularly the more recent reviews, the more potential trust you can establish with an online visitor.

Technical Glitch: The issue appears to be only a display error and not a deletion of reviews. Google's system for counting reviews has momentarily bogus.

No Reviews Lost: Not all is lost because the reviews themselves are still there, only the count is off. This means the content and feedback from customers are preserved.

SEO and Local Search: A lower review count could impact your local SEO, potentially reducing your visibility on Google Maps and organic search results.

Customer Perception: Fewer displayed reviews could mean that some people will perceive your shop to be less popular or trustworthy, even though your service quality hasn't changed.

Marketing and Reputation: Your position on Google Maps matters so this glitch might be a short-term setback.

Engage with Customers: Do you have a system in place to ask for reviews? Is it a stale, computer-based messaging system or does the request sound like it could be a personal message from your people? The better way is obvious. Get more reviews; grow your relationships with your customers.

AA Shop Marketing Customers:  No action required just keep managing your day to day operations and engaging with your customers because we've got this. We're of the opinion that Google is well aware of this issue and actively working to resolve it. However if this temporary glitch goes beyond a temporary, then we will be contacting support for each and every customer. 

• Monitor Your Profile: Regularly check your Google Business Profile to see if there's any discrepancy in the review count. You should do this anyway, but right now notice if there is a review count drop.

• Stay Informed: Follow updates from Google or from us. Google might acknowledge the issue or provide a fix soon.

• Report the Issue: Use Google's support channels to report discrepancies. Warning: this can be a time consuming challenge.

This Google review count issue is an unexpected & temporary hurdle but most likely you'll be fine.  AA Shop Marketing customers will be fine.  We've committed to helping auto repair shops deal with these digital marketing challenges Since the reviews seem to still be intact just under counted I am we are less alarmed.  You should follow AA Shop Marketing on Facebook and we'll keep you updated as more information comes out. 

At AA Shop Marketing, we specialize in digital marketing strategies tailored for U.S. based independently owned auto repair shops from websites to Local SEO to social media management, we're here to drive your business forward.  Oh and we're always trying to help auto repair shops which is why the Garage Grit Podcast exists. If you haven't taken a listen, please do. I'm anxious for your feedback on any of the episodes. So connect with Brad Hurlock on Facebook, or call or text 737-228-1776.