How Does Google Deal with Negative Reviews or Mentions

[Wagada]

I would really like to get everyone's opinion on how you all think Google deals with negative reviews, or just mentions on negative websites. One of my clients has a page on a powerful negative website (one that is designed to shame all those on it), and no other real reviews around the web.

I have never seen any evidence that Google takes positive or negative reviews into account when ranking websites. But maybe one of you has?

Currently when you search for my client by name, the negative website comes up second, which is obviously embarrassing for them. If we sought out a whole load of positive (obviously genuine) reviews from happy clients, do you think this might influence the prominent placement of this negative website?

Also would it influence the ranking of the website in general? I would love to hear your opinions on this topic.

[BTW We have already explored the path of the right to be forgotten, but it seems to be inundated so we are not holding our breaths.]

[SilverDoor]

Hi,

In my opinion, Google definitely does take certain reviews into account when ranking sites. What I mean by that, is reviews that can actually be measured numerically.

These are the two types of reviews that I believe affect rankings:

1. Google + reviews
2. Reviews using schema to markup the rating

Both the above can be easily measured by using the number of stars, points etc (which all represent a percentage out of 100%).

By using a very simple algorithm, you could collect this information from across the internet and calculate how well on average a particular website (this can also be done for products, recipes etc.) ranks with the public.

We have also had our fair share of negative reviews (it has to be expected) and have actively sought to increase our positive ones (honestly and naturally) to combat this. For us, it seems to have worked successfully.

What's your opinion on this?