· · 3 min read
How to create a Google review link: 3-step guide (2026)
A Google review link is a short URL that takes customers straight to your business's review dialog — no searching, no detours. That shortcut is what turns “I'll do it later” into an actual 5-star review. Here's the complete guide.
Prerequisite: a Google Business Profile
You need a verified Google Business Profile. If your business already shows up on Google Maps, the profile usually exists — you just need to claim and verify it.
Creating the review link: step by step
- Sign in to your Google Business Profile.
- Search Google for your business name — the profile dashboard shows an “Ask for reviews” option.
- Google displays your personal short link in the format g.page/r/…/review. Copy it — done.
On any device this link opens the review dialog with the five stars straight away. No login detour, no intermediate page.
Alternative: build the link from your Place ID
For tools and automations you can construct the link manually: https://search.google.com/local/writereview?placeid=YOUR_PLACE_ID. Find your Place ID with Google's Place ID finder.
You don't have to assemble the link yourself — paste a Place ID, g.page link or Maps URL here and get the finished review link plus a QR code:
All link formats compared, plus the print rules for the QR code, are on the review link and QR code generator page.
How to tell the link is wrong
The most common mistake in this task is not technical but a testing mistake: the link gets tested on your own phone, where your Google account is signed in to the Business Profile, and the page looks different from what a guest sees. So test on a device that has nothing to do with your business.
| What you see | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Five stars, a text field, “Post review” | the right link | print it, share it, done |
| Business profile with photos and opening hours | a profile link instead of a review link | get the g.page short link or build the writereview link |
| A map with coordinates in the URL | the long Maps URL | extract the Place ID and rebuild the link |
| “This page isn't available” | profile not verified or wrong Place ID | check ownership, look the Place ID up again |
Where to share your review link
- At the point of sale: as a QR code or NFC stand on the counter — by far the most effective channel.
- Email signature & invoices: “Happy with us? Review us on Google” with the direct link.
- WhatsApp / SMS after the appointment: a personal message 1–3 days after the visit.
- Website & social media: a button in the footer and link in the bio.
Shortcut
Common mistakes to avoid
- Long Maps URL instead of the short link: URLs full of coordinates and parameters look suspicious and wrap badly in messengers.
- Link opens the profile instead of the review dialog: always test on another device — it must open the star selector directly.
- Rewarding reviews: discounts in exchange for reviews violate Google's policies and German competition law — see our article on bought reviews.
Next step: turn the link into a QR code
In print, your review link only works as a QR code. Learn how to create one for free in Creating a QR code for Google reviews.
FAQ
- Why does my link open the profile instead of the review dialog?
- Then it is a profile or Maps link, not a review link. The right one points either at g.page/r/…/review or at search.google.com/local/writereview with your Place ID. You can check that in ten seconds on someone else's phone.
- Where do I find my Place ID?
- In Google's Place ID finder, without signing in and without an API key. Enter the address and the map shows the ID under the business name. It can also be extracted from a long Maps URL.
- Do I need a verified Business Profile?
- Yes. Without a verified profile there is no review form for the link to point at. If your business is findable on Maps the profile usually exists already and only needs claiming.
- Does the link change when I move?
- The Place ID can change when you move, because it is tied to the location. Check the link once after a move; if you use a stand with an editable target you simply swap the destination address.
- Can I use the same link for several branches?
- No, and it would not make sense: every branch has its own profile and therefore its own Place ID. Otherwise all reviews land at the same location.
Sources
- Tips to get more reviews (sharing a link or QR code) — Google Business Profile Help, 2026-08-01
- Place IDs — looking one up in the Place ID finder — Google Maps Platform developer documentation, 2026-08-01
