What is a Google review link?
It is a short URL tied to one Google Business Profile. When a customer opens it, they land on the rating and review form for that business. It removes the steps of searching for the business and finding the review button, which is where most people give up.
What is a Google review QR code?
It is the same destination encoded as an image. A customer points their phone camera at it and the review form opens. Nothing needs to be typed, which makes it the practical option for anything physical.
How do you get your Google review link and QR code?
Google's help page on creating a link or QR code to request reviews gives these steps:
- Go to your Business Profile.
- Select Read reviews.
- Select Get more reviews.
- Copy the link, or save the QR code image.
Google notes that review QR codes can currently be generated only in a computer browser, not on a mobile device. The same screen offers sharing by email, WhatsApp and Facebook.
If you are on a phone, or want a QR code from a link you already have, the free Google review link and QR code generator works on any device.
Link vs. QR code: which should you use?
| Review link | QR code | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Email, text messages, website, invoices sent digitally | Counter signs, table cards, receipts, packaging |
| Customer action | Tap | Scan with phone camera |
| When it reaches them | After the visit | During or right after the visit |
| Watch out for | Getting lost in a long message | Printing too small, or where there is no signal |
Most businesses use both.
Where should you use them?
Signage
A small sign at the register, front desk or waiting area with the QR code and one line of text: "How did we do? Scan to leave a Google review." Make the code large enough to scan from arm's length.
Receipts and invoices
Print the QR code at the bottom of paper receipts. Put the link in emailed receipts and invoices.
Follow-up communications
Add the link to messages you already send after a visit or a completed job. One sentence is enough.
Other places
- Business cards and appointment cards
- Packaging inserts and takeout bags
- Service vehicles and leave-behind cards
- Your website's contact or thank-you page
How do you ask ethically?
- Ask everyone. Google's content policy prohibits selectively soliciting positive reviews.
- No rewards. Incentives in exchange for reviews are prohibited.
- No pressure. Customers should not be required or pressured to review while on the premises.
- Ask for honest feedback, not for five stars.
More on timing and wording is in how to get more Google reviews.
What changes with multiple locations?
Each location has its own Business Profile, so each needs its own link and QR code. Label printed materials clearly so the downtown store's sign does not end up at the airport location.
What to do when reviews come in
More requests mean more reviews to answer. Reply to all of them, including the critical ones. The steps are in how to respond to Google reviews.
How Review Booster relates to this
Google's own link goes straight to the review form. Review Booster, part of Replora AI, takes a different approach: each location gets a QR code and link to a short feedback page. The customer rates the experience and writes in their own words, can use AI to tidy up their wording, and then chooses between posting on Google and sending the feedback privately to the business. Both choices are offered to every customer at every rating.
Use Google's link when you want the shortest path to a review. Use Review Booster when you also want a private channel for feedback and a view of how many customers start and finish the process.