Online reviews, especially Google reviews, are powerful assets for any business, and learning how to link to and share these reviews can be a game-changer for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Google review links are more than just URLs—they are a gateway to boosting credibility, attracting more customers, and ultimately driving sales.

Today’s consumers, much like those in the past, place significant trust in personal recommendations. The difference? Now, instead of relying solely on friends and family, they turn to Google Business Profiles to see what peers and past customers have to say.

In this way, Google reviews serve as modern-day word-of-mouth, proving far more authentic and trustworthy than traditional ads or endorsements.

What Are Google Review Links?

Today's consumers rely heavily on peer feedback, and these review links become powerful tools for showcasing authentic customer experiences and boosting a business’s online reputation. 

Google review links are unique URLs that businesses can share to encourage customers to leave reviews directly on their Google Business Profile. When a customer clicks the link, they’re taken straight to the review form, bypassing the need to search for the business or navigate through multiple steps. 

This convenience increases the likelihood of receiving more reviews, helping businesses build trust, improve local SEO rankings, and attract new customers. By sharing these links in emails, on websites, or even through social media, businesses can easily invite satisfied customers to share their thoughts and help build social proof!

How Do Google Review Links Work?

Google review links are an easy way to help your customers leave reviews on your business's Google profile. Instead of asking them to search for your business manually, you can generate a direct link that takes them straight to your Google review page. This saves time and effort for customers, which makes them more likely to leave a review.

Here’s how it works:

1. Generating the Link

To create a Google review link, you’ll first need a Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business). Once your profile is set up, you can generate a custom link that, when clicked, opens directly to the review box on your Google listing. It’s like rolling out the red carpet for your customers to drop a quick review!

2. Sharing the Link

Once you have the link, share it! You can include it in your email signature, website, social media posts, or send it directly in follow-up emails after a purchase. You can also add a friendly call to action like, "We’d love to hear your feedback!" to encourage more responses.

3. Why It’s Effective

This approach simplifies the review process, so customers don’t have to jump through hoops. Since Google reviews play a significant role in your online reputation, offering an easy way for customers to leave reviews can boost your visibility and credibility. Plus, it’s a form of social proof – the more positive reviews you have, the more trust you build with potential customers.

Google review links are a small yet powerful tool in your customer feedback strategy. By making the process seamless, you encourage more reviews, which in turn can boost your local SEO and attract more business!

Why Should Businesses Care About Google Review Links?

Businesses should care about Google review links because they’re a direct path to building a stronger online reputation and attracting more customers. Here’s why:

1. Boost Credibility and Trust

In today’s digital world, people rely on reviews to make decisions. Positive reviews on Google help build trust with potential customers who might be on the fence about choosing your business. Google review links make it easy for satisfied customers to share their experiences, which in turn boosts your credibility.

2. Improve Local SEO

Google loves reviews! The more reviews your business gets, the higher it’s likely to rank in local search results. When people in your area search for services or products you offer, having a good number of positive reviews can help you show up at the top. Google review links encourage more customers to leave feedback, which directly impacts your visibility.

3. Influence Purchase Decisions

Reviews often make or break a sale. A recent study showed that 88% of people trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. By making it easier for happy customers to leave reviews, you’re increasing the chances that others will be convinced to choose your business.

4. Gather Valuable Feedback

Customer reviews are like free market research! They give you insights into what you’re doing well and what might need improvement. By encouraging more reviews through a simple Google review link, you can gather valuable feedback that helps improve your services or products.

5. Enhance Customer Engagement

Sharing a Google review link shows that you care about your customers' opinions. It makes customers feel valued when you ask for their feedback. Plus, when businesses respond to reviews – even the critical ones – it shows future customers that you’re attentive and committed to great service.

By caring about Google review links, businesses can take control of their online reputation, build trust with potential customers, and ultimately drive more sales. It’s a small effort with a big payoff!

Pro Tip: Are you looking for white-label software to manage your clients’ online reviews and reputation? Try Vendasta’s Reputation Management software to manage all Google Q&A and reviews. You can manage all client reviews in one place and easily respond with AI tools that provide intelligent response suggestions. 

How to Create a Google Review Link: A Step-By-Step Guide

Creating a Google review link is a great way to make it easy for customers to leave feedback. 

Here are several methods to create and share your Google review link so your customers can quickly access your review page:

Before Starting

Before you dive into creating a Google review link, make sure you have a Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business). This is essential because the review link will point directly to your business listing on Google. 

If you don’t have one yet, you can create a profile for free by visiting Google Business Profile. It’s a must-have for managing your business’s presence on Google, including reviews, contact info, and more.

1. How to Get a Google Review Link Through Google Business Profile

• Step 1: Log in to your Google Business Profile. You can find it by searching for "Google Business Profile" or visiting the website directly.
• Step 2: On the dashboard, click on the “Home” tab. This page provides an overview of your profile.
• Step 3: Look for a section that says “Get more reviews” and click “Share review form.”
• Step 4: You’ll see a pop-up with your review link. Simply copy it and share it with your customers via email, social media, or wherever you see fit!

This method gives you a straightforward link that will direct your customers right to the review box.

2. How to Get a Google Review Link Using Place ID

If you’re a fan of customization and want to generate your link using Google’s Place ID, this method is for you. Place IDs are unique identifiers for places in Google’s database.

Here’s how to get a review link using your business’s Place ID:

• Step 1: Go to the Google Place ID Finder.
• Step 2: Enter your business name and location in the search bar.
• Step 3: Once your business appears on the map, you’ll see your Place ID listed underneath your business name.
• Step 4: Copy your Place ID, and now you can create your Google review link by adding it to the end of this URL:
  https://search.google.com/local/writereview?placeid=YOURPLACEID
  Replace “YOURPLACEID” with the actual Place ID you copied, and you’re good to go!

3. How to Get a Google Review Link Using Google Search

If you want the quickest method, you can generate a review link directly from Google Search itself:

• Step 1: Open Google and search for your business name. You should see your Google Business Profile appear on the right-hand side of the search results.
• Step 2: Scroll down in your business listing, and you’ll find a “Write a review” button.
• Step 3: Right-click on this button and select “Copy link address.” That’s your review link!

This method is fast and easy, perfect for when you’re already on Google and need the link on the fly.

4. How to Get a Google Review Badge

Google offers a review badge widget that you can add to your website to encourage customers to leave reviews directly from your site. 

Here’s how to get it:

• Step 1: Log into your Google Business Profile.
• Step 2: Go to the “Marketing Kit” section, where Google provides various promotional materials for your business.
• Step 3: Scroll until you find the Google review badge option. You’ll see different styles of badges you can customize to fit your branding.
• Step 4: Copy the badge’s embed code and paste it into your website’s HTML.

This badge serves as a visual prompt for your customers to leave reviews and shows them that you value their feedback.

How to Share a Google Review Link

Sharing your Google review link is key to gathering valuable customer feedback and improving your online reputation. The easier you make it for customers to leave reviews, the more likely they’ll do it. 

Here’s how to get your review link in front of them in fun, effective ways.

1. Automated Emails: A Simple Yet Powerful Tool

Automated emails are a great way to consistently request reviews without any extra effort. After a customer makes a purchase or uses your service, you can trigger a follow-up email with the review link. Here’s how you can make the most of this strategy:

• Step 1: Set up an email sequence that automatically sends a review request a few days after the transaction. This keeps your business fresh in their minds.
• Step 2: Personalize your email! Use the customer’s name and reference the product or service they purchased. 
• Step 3: Include a clear call to action (CTA) and the review link in a prominent place – ideally, toward the end of the email when you’ve already thanked them for their business.

2. Tips for Sharing the Google Review Link

• Social Media: Post your Google review link on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. You can even pair it with a fun post thanking your customers for their support. Add a catchy line like, “Loved your visit with us? Leave us a review!”
• Website Integration: Adding a “Leave a Review” button to your website makes it easy for customers to share their feedback without any extra effort. This works especially well on thank-you pages after a purchase.
• Receipts & Thank-You Notes: Whether digital or printed, you can include your review link on customer receipts or thank-you notes. It’s a subtle way to ask for feedback when the experience is still fresh.

3. SMS Marketing: Quick and Direct

If your business uses SMS marketing, this is another excellent way to get reviews. People tend to check their text messages more frequently than emails, making SMS an effective channel for gathering reviews.

4. Encourage Employee Participation

Your employees interact with customers every day, so why not get them involved in gathering reviews? They can politely ask customers to leave a review during checkout or after providing a service. 

To make it even easier, equip your team with small cards that have the Google review link printed on them. These cards can be handed out to customers at the end of their visit.

5. Go Old School with QR Codes

QR codes are making a comeback, and they’re perfect for sharing your Google review link.

• Step 1: Generate a QR code that links directly to your Google review page. You can use free online QR code generators to do this.
• Step 2: Print the QR code on receipts, business cards, or even signs around your store. A small sign at your checkout area or on your tables can prompt customers to scan and leave a review instantly.
• Step 3: Make it fun! You can even add a small incentive like “Scan this code to leave a review and get 10% off your next visit!” It adds a bit of excitement and motivates more customers to participate.

By generating more Google reviews, SMBs can encourage more conversions, improve their local SEO performance, and demonstrate their commitment to customer satisfaction in a public forum. Not bad for a free tool!

Google Review Link Best Practices

Let’s dive into some best practices that can help you get the most out of your review link and improve your online reputation!

1. Keep It Simple and Easy to Access

The whole point of creating a Google review link is to make it as easy as possible for your customers to leave feedback. If the process is complicated, most people won’t bother. 

Here’s how to make it easy:

• Direct Link: Use the exact link that takes them straight to the review page, not just your Google Business Profile. This eliminates the need for them to navigate through extra steps.
• Shorten the Link: If the link is too long and looks clunky, consider using a URL shortener. This makes it look cleaner and less intimidating, especially when sharing it in text messages or social media posts.

2. Timing is Everything

One of the most important aspects of asking for reviews is timing. You want to request reviews when the customer’s experience is still fresh in their mind.

• Right After the Purchase/Service: Whether it’s through an email, text, or face-to-face, ask for a review within a day or two of their purchase or service. When people feel satisfied, they’re more likely to leave positive feedback.
• Follow-Up Emails: Don’t be afraid to send a friendly reminder a week later if they haven’t left a review yet. You can phrase it as a gentle nudge like, “We’d still love to hear your feedback if you have a moment!”

3. Personalize Your Request

Generic review requests can feel like spam, but when you personalize the message, it shows you genuinely care about their opinion. Here’s how to do it:

• Whether you're sending an email or text, make sure it’s addressed to the customer by name. It’s a small touch, but it makes the request feel more personal.
• If you know what they bought or the service they used, mention it! For example, “We hope you’re loving your new [product]. We’d be thrilled if you could share your experience in a quick review!”

4. Be Genuine, Not Pushy

It’s tempting to aggressively ask for reviews, but being overly pushy can turn customers off. Instead, focus on framing your request as a way for them to help others.

• Say something like, “Your review will help other customers make the right decision!” This shifts the focus from just benefiting your business to also providing value to future customers.
• Always express your gratitude, even before they leave the review. A simple “Thank you for your time and feedback!” goes a long way in making the request feel polite and respectful.

Pro Tip: Never miss an opportunity to request a review from your customers. Vendasta’s Business App leverages automation to prompt a review request and helps build a solid online reputation. Check out this video to learn how you can do it. 

5. Avoid Offering Incentives

While it may be tempting to offer discounts or freebies in exchange for reviews, it’s a practice that Google frowns upon. Incentivized reviews can come across as biased and could even get your profile flagged by Google.

Instead of offering incentives, focus on making the process simple, and encourage authentic feedback. Genuine reviews are far more valuable and trustworthy to future customers.

6. Respond to Reviews (Good and Bad)

Once you’ve received negative or positive reviews, don’t forget to respond to them! Engaging with your reviewers shows that you value their feedback and are committed to improving your business.

• Thank Positive Reviewers: A quick “Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad you had a great experience.” lets your happy customers know you appreciate their time.
• Address Negative Reviews Gracefully: If you get a less-than-stellar review, respond professionally. Acknowledge their concerns and offer to make it right. This shows future customers that you care about resolving issues.

7. Keep Sharing Consistently

Don’t just share your Google review link once and forget about it! Incorporate it into your ongoing customer communication:

• Include It in Your Email Signature: This way, every email you send is a subtle invitation to leave a review.
• Post It on Social Media Regularly: Every few weeks, share your review link on social media with a fresh, friendly post asking for feedback.

9. Focus on Quality, Not Quantity

While it’s tempting to aim for as many reviews as possible, what really matters is the quality of the reviews. Five thoughtful, detailed reviews are far more impactful than 50 one-liners. Encourage customers to share specific details about their experience, like what they loved most about your product or service.

10. Don’t Buy Fake Reviews

Purchasing fake reviews is not only dishonest, but it is also against Google's terms of service. It can result in serious penalties, including being removed from Google. Instead, SMBs should focus on delivering an excellent customer experience and sharing their Google review link whenever possible.

Benefits of Google Review Links

Here are the benefits and why every business should be using Google review links!

1. Boost Your Credibility and Trustworthiness

Google reviews are like personal recommendations from strangers, and the more you have, the more trustworthy you seem. A simple Google review link makes it easy for happy customers to share their positive experiences, which helps build your credibility.

2. Improve Your Local SEO

Google loves businesses that have a lot of reviews, and they reward them by bumping them up in local search results. More reviews tell Google that your business is active and valued by customers, which helps you rank higher when people search for services in your area.

3. Encourage More Reviews with Less Effort

Without a review link, customers have to go through a few steps to leave a review – search for your business, find your profile, click the review button…you get the idea. A Google review link takes away all that hassle. One click, and they’re ready to leave a review!

4. Stand Out from Competitors

In competitive industries, having more (and better) reviews can make you stand out. A steady flow of positive reviews through your Google review link can help you differentiate from competitors who may not be actively managing their online reputation.

5. Gather Valuable Customer Feedback

Google reviews and ratings don’t just help with marketing, they also provide important insights into how your customers feel about your products or services. By regularly sharing your Google review link, you’re opening the door to honest feedback that can help you improve your offerings.

6. Build Stronger Customer Relationships

When you ask for feedback (especially through a personalized message with a Google review link), it shows that you value your customers’ opinions. This makes them feel appreciated and more connected to your business. Plus, responding to reviews – both good and bad – shows future customers that you care about their experience.

7. Influence Purchase Decisions

Positive reviews can be a major factor in someone’s decision to choose your business. Having easy-to-access reviews thanks to your Google review link means potential customers can quickly see that others have had great experiences with you.

8. Strengthen Your Online Presence

Every review is essentially another piece of content that contributes to your digital footprint. The more reviews you have, the stronger and more active your online presence becomes. Google review links help you consistently build this presence over time, making your business more prominent online.

9. Help Shape Your Brand Image

Your reviews play a big role in how people perceive your brand. By making it easy for happy customers to leave reviews through your Google review link, you have more control over shaping a positive brand image.

Are you wondering how to get more online reviews for your SMB clients? Check out this video to learn how Vendasta can help you. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a link to Google Reviews?

A link to Google Reviews is a direct URL that leads customers straight to your business's review page on Google. This makes it incredibly easy for them to leave feedback after interacting with your business. Instead of asking them to search for your business online, a Google review link eliminates any extra steps, taking them directly to the review form.

Can I link to specific Google Reviews for my business?

While you can’t create a direct link to individual reviews, you can share a link to your business’s Google review page, where all your reviews are listed. This allows customers to see every review left for your business, from the glowing five-star ones to the more constructive ones. 

If you want to showcase specific reviews, you can take screenshots or manually copy the text and highlight them in your marketing materials, on social media, or on your website. However, users will always need to visit your main Google review page to read all the reviews in one place.