How to Create a Google Review Link (3 Methods + Free Generator)

1. Why you need a direct Google review link

Without a direct link, a customer who wants to review your business has to: open Google Maps, search for your business name, find the correct listing, scroll down to the reviews section, click “Write a review,” and then actually write it. That's 5-6 steps. Most people abandon the process somewhere around step 3.

A direct review link skips straight to the “Write a review” popup. One click, the review form opens, and the customer just types and submits. According to a 2025 Podium study, businesses using direct review links see 3-4x more reviews than those relying on customers to find the review form themselves.

The math is simple: every step you remove from the process increases your review completion rate by roughly 20-30%. A direct link removes at least 4 steps.

2. Method 1: Google Place ID Finder (most reliable)

This is the most reliable method because it uses your unique Google Place ID, which never changes even if you rename your business or change your address.

Step-by-step

1. Go to Google's Place ID Finder: developers.google.com/maps/documentation/places/web-service/place-id
2. Enter your business name and location in the search bar on the map.
3. Click on your business in the results. Your Place ID appears below the map — it's a string that starts with ChIJ followed by letters and numbers (e.g., ChIJN1t_tDeuEmsRUsoyG83frY4).
4. Copy the Place ID.
5. Build your review link using this format:

https://search.google.com/local/writereview?placeid=YOUR_PLACE_ID

Replace YOUR_PLACE_ID with your actual Place ID. For example:

https://search.google.com/local/writereview?placeid=ChIJN1t_tDeuEmsRUsoyG83frY4

When someone clicks this link, it opens the Google review popup directly — no searching, no scrolling. This is the link you should use everywhere.

Why this method is best

• Permanent. The Place ID doesn't change, so the link never breaks.
• Direct. Opens the write-review dialog immediately.
• Universal. Works on desktop, mobile web, and the Google Maps app.

3. Method 2: Google Maps search (quick and easy)

If you don't want to deal with Place IDs, you can create a review link using a Google Maps search URL. This method is simpler but slightly less reliable.

Step-by-step

1. Open Google Maps (google.com/maps).
2. Search for your business name.
3. Click on your business listing in the results.
4. Click the “Reviews” section of your listing.
5. Click “Write a review.”
6. Copy the URL from your browser's address bar. This URL contains your business's unique identifier and links directly to the review form.

The resulting URL will be long and messy. You can shorten it using a URL shortener like Bitly or TinyURL, or better yet, use your Place ID to build the cleaner link from Method 1.

Limitations

• The URL may change if Google updates their Maps URL structure.
• If your business name is common, customers might land on the wrong listing if the link resolves via search.
• The long URL looks unprofessional in emails and text messages (use a shortener).

4. Method 3: Google Business Profile dashboard (easiest)

If you have access to your Google Business Profile (and you should), Google provides a ready-made short link for requesting reviews.

Step-by-step

1. Sign in to your Google Business Profile at business.google.com.
2. Select your business if you manage multiple locations.
3. In the Home tab, look for the “Get more reviews” card (or click “Ask for reviews” in the menu).
4. Google generates a short link that looks like: g.page/yourbusiness/review
5. Copy and share this link.

This is the easiest method because Google does the work for you. The link is short, branded, and reliable. The only downside is that you need GBP dashboard access, which some businesses have lost or never claimed.

If you haven't claimed your Google Business Profile yet, do that first. It's free and essential for managing your online presence. See our complete GBP guide.

5. Turning your link into a QR code

A QR code makes your review link accessible in physical spaces. Customers scan with their phone camera and land directly on the review form. Here's where QR codes work best:

Best placements

• Receipt footer. Print a small QR code at the bottom of every receipt with the text “Enjoyed your visit? Leave us a review!”
• Table tents / counter cards. A small card at checkout or on tables: “Scan to leave a review” with the QR code. Simple, non-intrusive.
• Business cards. Put the QR code on the back of your business cards. When you hand a card to a satisfied customer, the review link goes with them.
• Stickers on packaging. For businesses that bag or box products (bakeries, takeout restaurants), a sticker with the QR code is a passive but effective review generator.
• In-store signage. A framed sign near the exit: “We'd love your feedback” with a QR code and a short URL as backup for people who don't scan QR codes.

How to generate a QR code

Free tools like QR Code Generator (qr-code-generator.com), Canva, or even Google Chrome (right-click any page > “Create QR code for this page”) let you generate a QR code from your review URL in seconds. Download it as a PNG and add it to your print materials.

QR code best practices

• Test it. Always scan the QR code yourself before printing. Make sure it opens the review form, not a generic Maps page.
• Size matters. QR codes need to be at least 2cm x 2cm (about 0.8 inches) to scan reliably. Bigger is better for signage.
• Add a text backup. Not everyone scans QR codes. Include a short URL next to the code: g.page/yourbusiness/review
• Use high contrast. Dark code on a light background. Avoid placing QR codes on busy or dark backgrounds.

6. Where to share your Google review link

Once you have your link (ideally the Place ID version from Method 1 or the GBP short link from Method 3), distribute it through every customer touchpoint:

Digital channels

• Post-purchase email. Add the review link to your automated post-purchase or post-appointment email. Keep the ask simple: “How did we do? Leave a Google review: [link]”
• SMS follow-up. A text message 2-4 hours after the visit with the direct link. SMS has a 98% open rate compared to 20% for email, making it the highest-converting channel for review requests.
• Email signature. Add “Leave us a Google review” with the link to every email your team sends. Passive but cumulative.
• Social media bio. Put the review link in your Instagram and Facebook bio. When you post content and people visit your profile, the link is right there.
• Website. Add a “Leave a Review” button on your website, linking directly to the Google review form. Place it on your homepage, contact page, and thank-you/confirmation pages.

Physical touchpoints

• Receipts (QR code + short URL)
• Business cards (QR code on the back)
• Counter/table cards (QR code with call to action)
• Packaging stickers (for takeout, delivery, retail)
• Window decals (“Find us on Google” stickers are available from Google)

The strategy is saturation. The review link should be everywhere your satisfied customers are. Not aggressive, not desperate — just present and easy to find. For a deeper look at review generation strategy, see our guide on how to get more Google reviews.

What NOT to do with your review link

• Don't incentivize. No discounts, freebies, or rewards for clicking the link and leaving a review. Google prohibits this and can remove all your reviews if caught.
• Don't gate. Don't ask “Would you give us 5 stars?” and only share the link if they say yes. This is review gating, and it violates Google's policies.
• Don't spam. One ask per visit is enough. Sending multiple follow-up messages requesting a review is aggressive and can backfire.

Related: How to Get More Google Reviews · Google Business Profile Reviews Guide · Why Review Velocity Matters