How to Write a Google Review: Simple Steps to Send Your Customers

A lot of happy customers would leave you a review. They just don’t know how, or they open Google and can’t find the button. This guide fixes that.

It’s written for customers, so you can send the link to anyone who asks “how do I leave a review on Google?” If you own the business, skip to the last section to learn how to share your own review link.

Before you start

You need a Google account, and you need to be signed in. Google doesn’t allow anonymous reviews, so the name on your Google account shows next to what you write.

That’s it. No app download is needed on a computer, and on a phone you just need the Google Maps app.

How to write a Google review on a computer

1. Go to Google Maps and sign in.
2. Search for the business by name.
3. In the panel on the left, click Write a review.
4. Click the stars to choose your rating.
5. Write a few lines about your visit. You can also add photos with the camera button.
6. Click Post.

How to leave a review on Google on an iPhone

1. Open the Google Maps app and make sure you’re signed in.
2. Search for the business, or tap it on the map. If you see more than one location, pick the one you visited.
3. Tap the business name or address at the bottom of the screen.
4. Tap Reviews near the top.
5. Tap the stars to give your rating.
6. Under “Share more about your experience,” type your review.
7. Answer any quick questions that show up, if you want to. Not every business has them.
8. Tap Add photos if you’d like to include pictures, then tap Post.

How to add a Google review on Android

The steps are the same as on iPhone.

1. Open the Google Maps app and sign in.
2. Search for the business, or tap it on the map, and pick the right location.
3. Tap the business name or address at the bottom.
4. Tap Reviews at the top.
5. Tap the stars to rate it.
6. Type your review under “Share more about your experience.”
7. Answer any optional questions, add photos if you like, and tap Post.

The easiest way: use the business’s review link

If the business sent you a review link or has a QR code at the counter, use that. It opens the review box for the right location, so you don’t have to search at all. Just pick your stars, write a line or two and post.

What makes a review helpful

You don’t need to write an essay. A few honest sentences help other people more than five stars on their own.

• Say what you came in for. “Got my winter tires swapped” or “Booked a cleaning for a three bedroom house” tells the next person this business does what they need.
• Mention what stood out. Fast service, a fair price, someone who explained things clearly. If a staff member helped you, use their first name.
• Keep it about your own visit. Google asks for reviews that reflect a real experience. Stick to what happened to you.
• Add a photo if it fits. A finished project, a plate of food or the storefront all help.
• Leave out personal details. Don’t post phone numbers, addresses or private information about anyone.

If something went wrong, it’s fair to say so. Be specific and calm. Most owners want to hear it and fix it.

How long until my review shows up?

Most reviews appear on Google Maps soon after you post them. Google does moderate reviews, though, so some take longer while they’re checked, and a review that breaks Google’s rules can be removed.

If yours hasn’t appeared after a day or two, open Google Maps, go to your contributions and check your reviews. A review that is still being checked may show a status like “Pending.” Google doesn’t publish a set timeline, so a short wait is normal.

Can I edit or delete my review later?

Yes. On a computer, open Google Maps, click the menu at the top left, then Your contributions and Reviews. Click More next to the review and choose Edit review or Delete review. Editing changes the date shown on the review to the day you edited it.

For business owners: how to share your review link

The fastest way to get more reviews is to make it easy. Send people one link that goes straight to your review box.

To get your link on a computer:

1. Go to business.google.com and open your Business Profile.
2. Select Read reviews, then Get more reviews.
3. Click the share icon and choose Copy to copy your link.

On that same screen you can save a QR code by right clicking it and choosing “Save image as.” Google says review QR codes can only be made in a computer browser, not on a phone.

Good places to share it:

• Your receipts and invoices
• Thank you emails after a job or a visit
• The end of a chat or text conversation
• A printed QR code by your till or front desk
• A Facebook post every so often

One rule to know: Google doesn’t allow you to offer discounts, freebies or anything else in exchange for reviews. Ask nicely, make it easy, and leave it there.

Want more ideas? Read our guide on how to get more Google reviews without asking awkwardly, and see how to respond to a bad Google review for when one goes sideways. If you’d rather we look after your Google Business Profile for you, it’s part of our SEO service.