Reviewing Testimonials: Spotting Fake Reviews on Fiverr or Google

Shopping for a cheap web designer? Reviews are a key tool, but not all of them are legit.

Fiverr and Google are full of testimonials for cheap web design services. Some are truthful, others are cooked up to trick you. Betting on fake reviews could mean tossing money at a website that’s a dud.

Here’s how to spot the phonies.

Why Fake Reviews Are a Thing

Reviews create confidence. A freelancer with a slew of five-star ratings feels like a low-risk pick, especially at budget prices. But some sellers game the system. They buy reviews, swap them, or write their own using fake profiles.

On Google, some hire agencies to “build” their reputation.

It’s sneaky, but it’s widespread.

Red Flags to Watch

1. Over-the-Top Praise

Real clients don’t sound like they’re selling you something.

Fake:
“This cheap web design service was life-changing! Perfect work, insanely fast, total pros!!!”

Real:
“They built a site for my craft shop. It’s clean and works fine.”

Excessive hype or too many exclamation marks? Be wary.

2. Empty Compliments

Legit reviews have details — project type, business name, or specific fixes.

Fake:
“Fantastic job. Very professional. On time.”

Real:
“Made a portfolio for my photography business. Fixed a mobile glitch fast.”

Generic praise that could fit any service is a red flag.

3. Dodgy Reviewer Profiles

Check the reviewer’s account.

• On Google: Only one review? Posted with a bunch of others on the same day?
• On Fiverr: No profile pic, no order history, no other reviews?

Accounts made just to drop one review are suspicious.

4. Repeated Language

Spot the same phrases across reviews?

Example: “Top cheap web designer, highly recommend!”

If reviews sound like they’re from a script, they probably are. Some sellers even reuse usernames across gigs.

5. Sudden Review Spikes

A new profile with 75 five-star reviews in a week? Unlikely.

Most happy clients don’t review. A rapid flood of perfect feedback often means paid reviews. On Fiverr, this is common for sellers chasing higher ranks.

Google Reviews: Same Tricks, Different Look

Freelancers with websites use Google reviews to seem trustworthy. Watch for:

• Reviews from accounts with only one review
• All five-star ratings, no variety
• Generic names (“Jake T.,” “Sophie L.”) with no profile pics
• Reviews posted in a short time frame
• Stilted or recycled wording

If it looks off, it probably is.

Signs of Real Reviews

Honest feedback looks like this:

• Plain Talk: “They built my bakery’s site. Looks good, runs smoothly.”
• Mixed Feedback: “A bit slow on delivery, but the final site is great.”
• Specific Details: “Used WordPress for my blog. Mobile layout is clean.”
• Natural Tone: Like a casual chat, not a sales pitch.

Pro Tip: Reach Out

On Fiverr, you can sometimes message past clients. Ask:
“Hi, saw your review. Is the website still working well?”

Not everyone replies, but those who do can give you the unfiltered truth.

Don’t Trust “Perfect + Cheap” Claims

A designer offering premium work for dirt-cheap prices with endless glowing reviews? Pause.

Most cheap web design services are basic or spotty. That’s okay if you’re expecting simple. But fake reviews can fool you into thinking you’re getting a bargain masterpiece. You’re not.

Final Thoughts

Real reviews are raw — detailed, imperfect, and human.

When searching for a cheap website designer, don’t just glance at star ratings. Read the words, look for patterns, and dig deeper.

Spotting fake reviews saves your money and keeps your website on track.