Google updated its review policies in April 2026—and many of the strategies play café and indoor playground owners have relied on for years are now considered violations.

BLOG for this episode: https://www.michelecaruana.com/blog/new-google-review-rules

In this episode, I break down what actually changed, what’s now banned (including incentivized reviews, in-person asks, and review gating), and how Google’s AI is actively flagging suspicious behavior.

More importantly, I walk you through exactly what to do instead—so you can continue generating consistent, high-quality reviews without putting your business at risk.

If reviews drive your bookings (and they do), this is a shift you need to understand.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The biggest Google review policy changes in 2026
• Common review tactics that are now violations
• What “review gating” is and why it’s banned
• Whether you can still share your Google review link (and how to do it correctly)
• The new role of AI in detecting review manipulation
• How to build a compliant, system-driven review strategy
• Practical ways to still get consistent, high-quality reviews

GOOGLE'S POLICIES: https://support.google.com/business/answer/3038177?hl=en

OTHER RESOURCES:

Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society

Getting Started With Your Play Cafe [YouTube Video Playlist]

What's Working In The Indoor Play Industry 2025 Guide

Fund Your Indoor Play Business [Free Training]

Indoor Play Courses & 1:1 Consulting Waitlist

Michele’s Instagram

Michele’s Website

Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel

ETSY Template Shop

Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession

Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society

Questions and Support: [email protected] 

TOOLS & OTHER LINKS:

Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD

Questions and Support: [email protected] 

TOOLS:

Play Space Brain (Mention This Podcast For Special Pricing!)

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