The easier you make it to leave a review, the more reviews you get. A direct link opens the review box for your business straight away, so customers don't have to search for you on Google Maps first. A QR code or NFC tile does the same thing in person.
Here's how to get your link and QR code from Google, how to print a code that scans first time, how to set up an NFC tile, and where to share them.
Quick answer: On a computer, go to your Business Profile and select Ask for reviews, or Read reviews, then Get more reviews. Copy the link, or right-click the QR code to save it. Google only creates review QR codes in a computer browser, not on a phone. Print the code at least 2 cm wide, test it on a couple of phones, and share the link everywhere you talk to customers.
How to get your Google review link and QR code
According to Google's help page, on a computer:
- Go to your Business Profile, at business.google.com or by searching for your business name while signed in.
- Select Ask for reviews. If you don't see it, select Read reviews, then Get more reviews.
- Select Copy to copy your link, or right-click the QR code and save the image.
Google says review QR codes "can only be generated on a computer browser, not on mobile devices." So if you're on your phone, copy the link now and make the QR code later on a computer.
The two Google review link formats
Both formats open the same review box, so use whichever is easier:
- The short link: the one Google gives you under Get more reviews. It usually starts with g.page/r/, followed by a code and /review. This is the one to use for most things.
- The place ID link: if you can't get into the Business Profile, find your place ID with Google's Place ID Finder, then add it to the end of the address below.
https://search.google.com/local/writereview?placeid=YOUR_PLACE_IDWhichever you use, open it in a private browser window before you share it, to check it opens your business, not one with a similar name. Customers need to be signed in to a Google Account to post a review, so the link may ask them to sign in first.
How to print a QR code that scans first time
A QR code that won't scan is worse than no code at all. These are the basics, based on QR Planet's sizing guide:
- Contrast: keep it dark on a light background. Don't print it in light colours, or over a photo.
- Distance: make it about a tenth of the scanning distance. A code on a poster read from 2 metres away should be about 20 cm wide.
- Size: at least 2 x 2 cm for something people hold, like a business card or receipt.
- Space around it: leave a clear margin of white space around the code, so phones can find its edges.
- Test first: scan it with at least two different phones before you print a batch.
One extra tip: if you're printing a lot of cards or signs, point the code at a page on your own website, like yourwebsite.com/review, that redirects to your Google review link. If your link ever changes, you update the redirect instead of reprinting everything.
How to set up an NFC card or tile
An NFC card or counter tile opens your review link when a customer taps their phone on it. There's nothing to scan, which makes it quick at a counter or reception desk.
- Buy blank NFC tags, cards, or tiles. Any common tag type has plenty of space for a review link.
- Install an NFC writing app, like NFC Tools, which is available for iPhone and Android.
- Write a URL record with your review link, or with your own redirect page.
- Tap the tag with a couple of phones to test it.
Most NFC apps can also lock a tag, so no one can overwrite it. Locking is permanent, so only do it once you're sure the link is right. On Android, customers may need NFC switched on in their settings.
Where to share your review link
| Where | Format | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Counters and reception | NFC tile or QR code | Keep it low-key, so no one feels pressured to review on the spot. |
| Email signature | Link | Add a "Review us on Google" line under your name. |
| Follow-up emails | Link | Send it a day or two after the job or visit, while it's fresh. |
| Invoices and receipts | Link or QR code | Put it near the total, where people already look. |
| Social media | Link | Share it now and then, especially after a busy period. |
| Table cards and signs | QR code | Size it for the distance people will scan from. |
| Text messages | Link | Keep the message short, with the link at the end. |
| Your website | Link | Add a "Leave a review" link near the reviews on your site. |
Stay within Google's rules
Google treats rewarded reviews as fake engagement. Its help page says offering incentives, "like free or discounted goods or services," in exchange for reviews is "strictly prohibited." So:
- Ask everyone: share your link with every customer, not only the ones you think are happy. Google's content policy doesn't allow selectively asking for positive reviews.
- Keep it neutral: "How did we do?" works better than "Leave us 5 stars."
- No rewards: no discounts, prize draws, or freebies for reviews, even if you don't ask for a positive one.
For more ways to ask, see how to get more Google reviews without breaking the rules. If a fake or abusive review does turn up, here's how to report a Google review.
Send review requests with RepU
RepU Pro sends email review requests in seconds, and tracks every request, so you can see who has left a review and who to follow up. Pro is AUD $19 a month per location, with a 30-day free trial.
New reviews then appear on your website automatically through RepU's free Google review widget, which has no view limits and displays your latest 30 reviews. See how to embed Google reviews on your website.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find my Google review link?
On a computer, go to your Business Profile and select Ask for reviews, or Read reviews, then Get more reviews. Then select Copy.
Can I make a Google review QR code on my phone?
No. Google says review QR codes can only be created in a computer browser. You can copy your link on a computer and make the code there.
Do customers need a Google Account to leave a review?
Yes. Customers need to be signed in to a Google Account to post a review, so the link may ask them to sign in first.
How big should a review QR code be?
At least 2 x 2 cm for cards and receipts. For signs, make it about a tenth of the distance people will scan it from.
Can I offer a discount for scanning the QR code and leaving a review?
No. Google prohibits offering discounts, free goods, or other rewards in exchange for reviews.
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