How do you create a Google review link?
You make it from your Google Business Profile. Google gives you a short link and a QR code that open the review box for your business.
According to Google’s help page on review links, the steps are:
- Open your Business Profile at business.google.com on a computer.
- Click Read reviews, then Get more reviews.
- Copy the link, or right-click the QR code and choose Save image as.
Google notes that the QR code can only be made on a computer browser for now, not on a phone. Once you have the link, save it in your phone’s notes or as a text shortcut so you can paste it in seconds.
If your profile is not set up properly yet, start with our guide to a Google Maps business listing.
When is the best time to ask for a review?
Ask within a day of finishing the job, while the work is fresh in the customer’s mind. The longer you wait, the less likely they are to do it.
A good rhythm for most trades looks like this:
- On the day: mention it face to face as you pack up. “Would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? I’ll send you the link.”
- Same evening or next morning: send the link by text or WhatsApp.
- About a week later: one polite reminder if they have not left one. Then stop.
For example, an electrician could send the link the evening after a consumer unit swap, once the customer has seen everything working. A salon might send it the next morning, once the client has had a day with the new cut.
Want more calls from Google Maps?
We set up and optimise Google Business Profiles and build local SEO that turns reviews into enquiries. Tell us about your business for a tailored quote.
What should you actually say?
Keep it short, personal and easy. Use their name, mention the job, and put the link on its own line. Here are scripts you can copy and adjust.
Text message or WhatsApp (trades)
“Hi Sarah, thanks again for having us in today to fix the leak. If you were happy with the work, would you mind leaving a quick Google review? It really helps a small local business like ours. [link] Thanks, Dan”
Text message (salons and clinics)
“Hi Priya, thanks for coming in today. We’d love to hear how you found your appointment. If you have a minute, you can leave a Google review here: [link] See you next time, The team at [business]”
Subject: Thank you, and a quick favour
“Hi Mark, thank you for choosing us for your new boiler. We hope it’s keeping the house warm. We’re a small local firm and most of our work comes from people reading reviews. If you have two minutes, could you share your honest experience on Google? [link] If anything isn’t right, just reply to this email and we’ll sort it. Thanks, Lisa”
Notice the wording asks for an honest review, not a five-star one. That keeps you on the right side of the rules below.
Can you offer a discount or gift for a Google review in the UK?
No, not for Google reviews. Google bans any incentive for reviews, and UK law adds its own rules on top.
Google’s content policy says businesses must not offer incentives such as payment, discounts or free goods or services for reviews. It also says you must not discourage negative reviews or selectively ask only happy customers.
In the UK, the CMA’s fake reviews guidance explains the rules that came in with the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act in April 2025. Fake reviews are banned, and so are incentivised reviews that hide the incentive. The guidance also flags “review gating”, where you only invite customers you expect to be positive, as a problem.
| Do | Do not |
|---|---|
| Ask every customer, good job or bad | Only send the link to customers you think are happy |
| Ask for an honest review | Ask for five stars or suggest what to write |
| Reply politely to every review, including bad ones | Offer a discount, refund or gift for a review |
| Fix problems the customer raises | Write reviews yourself or ask friends to pose as customers |
How many Google reviews do you need to rank locally?
There is no magic number. Google says local ranking is based on relevance, distance and prominence, and that more reviews and positive ratings can help.
That comes from Google’s own help page on local ranking. In practice, what matters is how you compare with other businesses near you, and whether reviews keep coming in. A steady flow of recent reviews looks healthier than a big batch from two years ago.
Reviews are only one part of the picture. Your profile, website and service pages all feed into it, which is where local SEO comes in. If you want to know how reviews feed into AI tools too, read our guide on reviews and AI search.
What should you do about a fake or unfair review?
Reply calmly, then report it to Google if it breaks Google’s policies. Google will not remove a review just because it is negative.
You can flag a review from your Business Profile or through Google’s Reviews Management Tool, and you can check the report status there. If it is not removed, there is a one-time appeal. Meanwhile, a short, polite public reply shows future customers that you take feedback seriously.
Here is a simple checklist for building a review habit:
- Save your review link and QR code where your whole team can find them.
- Add the QR code to invoices, van stickers or a card you leave after the job.
- Send the link to every customer within a day.
- Send one reminder, then stop.
- Reply to every review within a few days.
- Show your best reviews on your website and share them on social media.
FAQs
How do I create a link for customers to leave a Google review?
Open your Business Profile at business.google.com on a computer, click Read reviews, then Get more reviews. Copy the short link, or save the QR code. Google says the QR code can only be made on a computer browser for now. Save the link on your phone so you can paste it quickly.
Can I offer a discount for a Google review in the UK?
No. Google’s policy bans incentives such as payment, discounts or free goods or services for reviews. UK law under the DMCC Act also bans fake reviews and incentivised reviews that hide the incentive. Simply ask every customer for an honest review instead.
When is the best time to ask a customer for a review?
Ask within a day of finishing the job, while it is fresh in their mind. Mention it in person, send the link the same evening or next morning, and send one polite reminder about a week later if they have not left one.
How many Google reviews do I need to rank locally?
There is no set number. Google says local ranking depends on relevance, distance and prominence, and that more reviews and positive ratings can help. What matters most is how you compare with nearby competitors and whether new reviews keep coming in.
Can I remove a fake Google review?
You cannot delete it yourself, but you can report it. Flag it from your Business Profile or Google’s Reviews Management Tool. Google removes reviews that break its policies, not ones that are simply negative. If a report is rejected, you can make a one-time appeal.
