Will google track the IP of users logged in under different account when posting reviews?

[allstatetransmission]

We want to set up a kiosk in our lobby where our clients can review us on google places, while they wait or are helped.

If they log in under their own account (different users) will the reviews posted be allowed? So coming from the same IP but different users.

thanks for your input.

[RobertFisher]

Jeff, I do not believe having them place the review from the same IP address will be blocked as long as they are logged in as, for example, me. So, I come in, I like the service you have it available and in some way I am induced to leave a review. I log in as Robert with my Gmail account and leave a review. I think it will post. My concern is this, if there is ever an issue for any reason, I think you will lose all. Ultimately they have the IP address. If an issue arises they will look. If they look well, "...you got some 'splainin to do!" As it stands today, I can typically look at a site that has ten reviews and knock off the ones that are cheating 90-95% of the time. I am not Google so, they are pretty good. Even though you won't be, it could be seen that way. I would decide based on this: "If it works for 6months or a year and I believe the value of that is 100, If Google panics and rips it down in a year and I factor in any loss as the result, where do I come out and is that value worth the effort?" Great question though. Thanks Robert

[allstatetransmission]

Brilliant point about future usage and the thought process on its value vs possible action.

thank you for your thoughtful response. I really appreciate it!

[SEODinosaur]

Google is good, however can they detect a proxy?

[RobertFisher]

Of course they can because that is what a proxy server is meant for: the proxy IP address shows and the originating IP does not.

But, that was not the question at all. They are not trying to beat the system; they are trying to maximize it and not be perceived as doing something unacceptable.

So, are you stating that he should consider a proxy server? If so, it does not change his equation at all unless he is using rotating proxy servers which show varying IP addresses. Another thing he would need to consider is making sure that if the business is local, the proxied IP addresses are not all in different areas as that would be a red flag.

I just don't see how any of that assists him in what he is trying to achieve.

[peterlaurent]

I think this is a grey area at this stage Jeff, I always thought anything on the same Class C Network could draw attention. However, I also think what you are wanting to do is a good idea, thus I would recommend doing a blog post or press release with pictures etc or a feature on your website about it as to give yourself a strong case with Google if you were to be penalised. In essence having customers rate their in store experience is what Google is trying to achieve and if a business is enabling that to happen that has to be a good thing with Google. Be interesting to note whether an in store kiosk also increases the amount of people who review your business when they return home by planting the seed in their mind.

[MiriamEllis]

This is a tricky subject, Jeff, and here is why: Google publicly announced that they supported in-store review kiosks last December (see: http://blumenthals.com/blog/2011/12/06/google-places-onsite-review-stations-aok-with-google/) but the most recent word from the horse's mouth is that they have become suspicious of 'waves'  of reviews. We actually just published my piece concerning this here at SEOmoz:

http://www.seomoz.org/blog/lost-your-google-reviews-take-a-proactive-stance

Every Local SEO I know has listened to Google's recent snippets on review solicitation and velocity and has thought about that public endorsement of review stations in 2012. Technically, Google did endorse these stations, but right now, with the way they are wiping reviews off the board right and left, I would personally be very wary of this. If Local SEOs are finding the messaging coming from Google to be confusing, just think how a brand new local business owner must feel trying to work his/her way through all of this. Personally, I would not tell a client to set up a review kiosk these days. I recommend thinking this over very, very carefully. It would be a shame to put in the effort, lose your reviews and gain black looks from Google at your profile. Not saying this would definitely be the outcome, but the possibility of it would turn me off.

[RobertFisher]

Miriam,

I really do appreciate this insight you provide continuously.

Best,

Robert

[MiriamEllis]

Robert - I am sincerely appreciative of hearing that from you. It is so good to know I am adding value here at SEOmoz. I'm always glad to see your avatar on a discussion, too! Miriam

[allstatetransmission]

Thank you for your awesome insight, and resources. Very much appreciated!