Can my employees review my business on Google?

No. Google's policy lists current or former employment as a possible conflict of interest, even if the person really used the service.

What about family and friends?

Google names family and competitors as examples of personal or professional affiliations. The FTC lets a small-business owner's family review with clear disclosure, but Google can still remove the review.

Can I trade reviews with another local business?

Google's text doesn't name review swaps. They would likely count as a conflict of interest or fake engagement, so don't.

What if an employee posts anyway?

Ask them to delete it, because only the reviewer can. Google removes reviews that break its policy and can act on accounts.

Can employees leave Google reviews? The rules

No, your employees shouldn't review your business on Google. The policy bars reviews from anyone with a conflict of interest, and it names current or former employment as one. That holds even if they really did use the service.

The FTC's rule handles insiders in a different way. Officers and managers who write a review must disclose the connection clearly. Other insiders, family included, should do the same. Google's policy also bars asking staff to collect a set number of reviews.

The catch is that disclosure helps with the FTC but not with Google. A family member can follow the FTC's rule and still see the review removed.

Does the rule cover former employees?

Yes. Google's wording is current or former employment, so someone who left on good terms is still on the list.

It also covers contractual or consultory relationships. A subcontractor who runs a route for you would likely count, even if no one calls them staff.

What about family, friends and other business owners?

Google gives family and competitors as examples of the personal and professional affiliations that can make a conflict. The FTC says a small-business owner's family may review if they clearly and conspicuously disclose the relationship.

Review swaps with another local business are not named in Google's text. They would likely count as a conflict of interest or as fake engagement, so skip them. The same goes for one person posting from several accounts, which Google calls fake engagement.

Can I ask my staff to bring in reviews?

A crew member can hand a customer the same neutral link everyone else gets. That is Google's own recommended route, a link or a QR code.

What Google bars is asking staff to solicit a set number of reviews, or reviews with specific content, such as the staff member's name. Skip the quota and skip the scripts.

What happens if an employee posts anyway?

Ask them to delete it. Only the reviewer can delete a review, so the fix starts with them. Read can you delete a Google review for the owner's options.

Google removes reviews that break its policy and can act on accounts. FTC warning letters cite civil penalties of up to $53,088 per violation for knowing violations.

What do I do next?

Put the customer link in the hands of your crew and let customers do the writing. Start with your Google review link and QR code, and read can you offer incentives for Google reviews before you reward anyone.

ProveWorth sends a request to each customer you add after a job. You can get your free page or see how it works.

Can employees leave Google reviews for your business?