Google review link: how to create it and collect reviews
A happy customer will gladly leave a review, but only if they don't have to search for where to do it. Every extra step, such as typing the business name into Maps, finding the profile and scrolling to the reviews, loses customers along the way. A Google review link cuts this to a single click: the customer opens it and immediately sees the stars to select.
Below we show how to create such a link on desktop and mobile, how to turn it into a QR code and an NFC sticker, and how to ask for reviews without breaking Google's rules or the law.
How to create a Google review link on desktop
- Sign in to the Google account that manages your Business Profile.
- Type your business name into Google Search. A profile management panel will appear above the results.
- Click Ask for reviews. In some views the button has a similar name, for example "Get more reviews".
- Copy the link from the window that opens. It is usually a short address starting with g.page/r/ and ending with /review.
- In the same window you can download a ready-made QR code that leads to the same form.
How to create a review link on your phone
- Open the Google Maps app and sign in with the account that manages the profile.
- Go to your business profile, for example through the tab with your business.
- Choose Ask for reviews and share the link by text message, messenger or email.
The link does not expire as long as the profile exists, so you only need to create it once and save it in your message templates.
Backup method: a link built from the Place ID
If you have no access to the panel and want to prepare a link quickly, you can build it manually from the Place ID:
- Open Google's "Place ID Finder" page in the Google Maps Platform documentation and find your business on the map.
- Copy the identifier, which usually starts with "ChIJ".
- Paste it at the end of this address:
https://search.google.com/local/writereview?placeid=
Such a link opens the same review window. In the long run you should still regain access to the profile, because without it you cannot reply to reviews.
QR code and NFC sticker on site
The link works best where the customer is most satisfied: when collecting their car, after a treatment, at the till. Three methods that work well in small businesses:
- QR code on a stand at the counter or on the receipt. The customer scans it with the phone camera.
- NFC sticker with the link saved on it: the customer taps it with their phone and sees the form straight away. You program the sticker with a free NFC writing app.
- Text message after the service with the link, sent the same day. A day later the emotions have already faded.
You can make a ready-to-use QR code and a printable card with our free QR code generator: paste the link from your profile, download the file and print a stand for your counter.
When and how to ask for a review
What works best is one fixed moment when you always ask for a review, for example right after the service is finished. The request should be short and neutral. Example text message:
"Thank you for visiting our workshop. We would be grateful for your review on Google, it takes a minute: [link]"
Note that this message does not say "if you are satisfied". We ask everyone, not only those who were smiling. More on why in a moment.
What you must not do
- Reward reviews. Google explicitly prohibits offering incentives, such as free or discounted products or services, in exchange for posting, changing or removing a review. A discount "for five stars" is a quick way to get reviews removed, or even to have the profile restricted.
- Ask only happy customers. Selectively collecting only positive reviews or discouraging negative ones also breaks Google's rules. That is why the request goes to everyone.
- Write reviews for customers or buy them. Since 1 January 2023, posting fake consumer reviews and commissioning others to post them has been a practice prohibited in all circumstances in Poland (Article 7 of the Act on Counteracting Unfair Market Practices). Fake reviews are handled by UOKiK, the Polish consumer protection authority.
- Ask employees and family for reviews. This is a conflict of interest under Google's rules. Such reviews are often removed.
How to reply to reviews
Replies to reviews are read mainly by future customers, not by the author. For a positive review, one specific sentence of thanks is enough, ideally referring to the service. Reply to a negative one calmly and to the point: thank them for the feedback, explain what happened and offer a phone call. Do not share the customer's details and do not get into an argument. A calm reply to criticism often builds more trust than another five-star review.
How many reviews do you need
There is no single threshold. What counts is the number of reviews compared with competitors in your area, how recent they are and how regularly they come in. Ten reviews collected over a year look more credible than ten from a single week. Data on how reviews affect your position on Google Maps is collected in our guide local SEO for small businesses.
If you don't have a profile yet or can't log in to it, start with the guide how to set up a Google Business Profile step by step. And if you'd rather have someone do it for you: a review collection system with a link, QR code and NFC sticker is part of our profile setup service for PLN 600. Details on the page local SEO and Google Business Profile.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find my Google review link?
Sign in to the account that manages your profile, search for your business name on Google and click Ask for reviews in the profile panel. Copy the link from the window that opens, together with a ready-made QR code.
Does the Google review link expire?
No, it works as long as the business profile exists. Create it once and use it in text messages, emails and on a QR code.
Can I give a customer a discount for a review?
No. Google's rules prohibit rewarding reviews, including with discounts or freebies. You can, however, ask every customer for a review, politely and without pressure.
How do I remove a fake review on Google?
Owners cannot remove reviews themselves. You can report a review as violating the rules, for example when it is offensive, concerns a different business or was posted by a competitor. Google makes the decision. Until then, reply briefly and to the point, because everyone can see your reply.
