How to write properly a bad review on Maps?

Hello folks!
I have a tricky question for all of you: how do you write a bad review in Google Maps? To me is hard, I don’t like to be bad, rude or put zero or one star but I like to be honest, I like to tell the true about my experience (once or more than once in that place). So I need to be soft, but sometimes I don’t know how to do this. C’mon friends I’m sure more than one of you left a place, maybe a restaurant, angry because the food was awful, they treated you bad or was not what you really wanted. Or for example, once I rented a room in a place and the pics and the real place were so different, the worst was the matress, really bad and if you have some back problems you need to know that this place is not for you. I had troubles writing that review but finally I wrote the same who I’m telling to all of you now. So, I would like to read your thoughts and if you want to share some advice will be great!

Did you have any bad experience?
How do you handled writing a bad review?
Did you put zero stars?

#LocalGuides

#BuenosAiresLocalGuides

13 Likes

Hi @SilvyC

This is a good question

you can find an help on the Local Guides program Help Page, with special attention to: Tips for writing great reviews

In fact, a great review can be also negative (not bad, negative)

"Keep it real: Be authentic. Review your own experience, and explain why you liked or disliked the place. Try to be as accurate as possible, and include both the positive and negative aspects of your visit.

Be respectful: Not every experience with a place is going to be perfect. Sometimes you’ll want to share negative feedback. Even if you’re frustrated, make sure your criticism is constructive. Business owners often use feedback to improve their offerings"

Please remember that also a negative review, if written in the appropriate way, can help the business to improve

6 Likes

Thank you very much for the advice @ErmesT I always tried to do my best, and I like to help not only other people who read my reviews but also to the owners to improve.

Greetings!!

3 Likes

Hey @Silvynota,

Thanks for sharing your opinion about places on Google Maps. The best way to describe your experience is to be honest, realistic, but really respectful. If you have a bad experience you can just mention what you have tried, what was the service and why you didn’t like it. I would personally add a lower rating (2 or 3 stars).

You can check out the Maps User contributed contend policy for a reference.

4 Likes

You already have answers @SilvyC . As long as details of your experience are shared with others it seems okay to give a low rating.

9 Likes

I’ve also struggled with the concept of writing a negative review, so this has been a really helpful question. Thanks @SilvyC ! Nicely put.

1 Like

My best tip would be to wait (sleep on it) until your anger has evaporated and you are able to write in a respectful and helpful review.

I have also shared some tips on this in Common Review Violations where I recommend to avoid writing revenge reviews.

Cheers

Morten