When Google+ launched their new redesign, one glaring omission for local businesses was the fact Google dropped the business reviews from the Google+ local pages.  While many wondered if it was an oversight, we now have confirmation that they will not be returning.

Elizabeth P, a rep from Google on local confirmed that reviews are permanently removed from the Google+ local pages, but they would remain when doing searches in either Google Search or Google Maps.

Reviews will no longer be shown on Google+ Pages in the new Google+ design. Reviews are still accessible on Google Search and Maps which have always been the primary way that users find business reviews.

This is a pretty big deal, but we have seen Google taking steps to separate Google My Business from Google+.  And with the new direction of Google+, it does make sense to further sever that link.

But it also makes it harder (yet again) for businesses to ask their customers to leave a review via a direct link.  Instead, those wanting to leave a review will need to do it via Google Search or Maps.

Discussion on Local Search Forum.