How to create a link for customers to leave a Google review

If you’re the owner of a small business in need of some extra reviews up your sleeve, then you’ve come to the right place.

These days, even brick-and-mortar businesses need an online presence. And one of the best ways to market your products and services locally is through online reviews.

Google is the first port of call for most shoppers. In fact, research suggests that a whopping 93% of customers now read online reviews before committing to purchase.

We’re going to show you exactly how to create a link that your customers can use to leave a Google review for your business. We’ll take you through the entire process step by step.

But first, let’s talk about the power of positive reviews.

Why are positive reviews so important?

Positive reviews are a game-changer for any business. They encourage others to finalise their purchases or buy into your services.

For small and independent businesses, this can make a huge difference.

Positive Google reviews increase consumer trust, optimise search engine rankings, and give you a direct insight (and communication channel) with your customers.

And with so many of us online, the web is the best platform to show off your glowing customer appraisals.

How to get people to leave reviews

So, you’ve decided you need a bank of customer reviews to support your business. You might now be wondering — how?

You’re in luck. Google Business helps businesses of all sizes set up an online business presence. You’ll be able to share information about your business and customers can leave reviews about their experiences for future prospects to read.

Though some people might go out of their way to review products and services, many will not. Our fast-paced modern lives don’t leave much time for these things.

To get the most out of your Google Reviews you’ll have to make the process as simple and easy for your customers as possible. And the best way to do this is with a link.

Once you’ve got your unique Google Review URL, spread it far and wide.

You could:

• Include it in an email campaign (remember to use a call-to-action)
• Add a QR code to your products or receipts
• Share it on social media
• Send it via SMS

It’s time to get creative. But first things first, you’ll need to access your very own Google Business Review link. And we’re going to tell you exactly how to do it.

First, you'll need a Google Business Account

Creating a review link on Google Business is super easy - especially if you already have a Google Business account up and running. But for those of you who are totally new to Google Business, we’re going to start from scratch.

Step 1

Navigate to Google Business in your web browser

First, you'll need to head over to the Google Business landing page.

Step 2

Sign in

Once you arrive on the Google Business landing page, click ‘sign in’ in the top right-hand corner.

Step 3

Find (or add) your business

You’ll be taken to a page where you can find (or add) your business. For those of you with an existing Google Business account, simply type in the name of your business. If you’re new to Google Business, select ‘add your business to Google’.

Step 4

Name and categorise your business

Simply name your business and choose the most appropriate industry from the drop-down menu.

Step 5

Add a Google Maps location

Next, you’ll be asked whether you want to provide customers with your business’ location. For stores with a brick-and-mortar presence, this is super important.

When customers see positive reviews they’ll want to be able to locate your business as easily as possible. With a google location, they’ll be able to navigate to your address without any bother.

Step 6

Provide a postal address to verify your account

You will be asked to provide a postal address in order to verify your account. This is an essential step if you want to access the Google Review functionality. Bear in mind that it may take a few days for your verification code to arrive in the post.

Step 7

Some final details

We’re almost there. It’s time to add some final details. You’ll be asked for your website, phone number, open hours and some business images. Plus (and this is super important) remember to select yes when asked if you want business updates and recommendations.

Step 8

Navigate to your new Google Business homepage

Once you’ve set up your new account you’ll be taken to your new Google Business homepage. Think of this as your Google Business hub. This is where you can manage any updates, insights, reviews and messages generated through your Google Business platform.

At this point, you’ll probably already be on the homepage. But for future reference, you can return to this page by clicking on ‘home’ on the navigation menu.

You’ve made it!

Navigate to the ‘Get more reviews’ tab and copy that link. It’s time to start sharing your new Google Review URL far and wide.

How to create a custom hyperlink

If you are sending an email or linking customers to your review platform from your website, you can create a custom hyperlink.

This means that instead of writing something clunky like this:

If you’ve enjoyed our services, don’t forget to us leave a quick review by clicking the link below:

google.com/yourbusinesspage/leaveareview

You can create a short, neat link like this:

Don’t forget to leave us a quick review by clicking here.

The way to do this is to highlight some of the text from your instructions and click the ‘hyperlink’ button, which looks like two links in a chain.

Then, you can insert the link to your Google My Business review page and click ‘apply’.

If you are sending a direct Facebook/Instagram message or making a post, then you won’t be able to insert a hyperlink. However, many business SMS providers do allow hyperlinks in texts, which is great for saving space and looking tidy.

Let the reviews roll in

With your new URL in tow, it’s time to share that link with all your valued customers. With any luck, you’ll have some glowing reviews on your Google Business page in no time — and as we know reviews mean returns.

If you're a business owner keen to bring in more Google reviews, try Chalkboard: the second-line app for work makes it super simple to ask your customers for reviews and to respond to them.