Blog
Google Reviews Blog
Guides to asking for Google reviews, replying to them, showing them on your website, and fixing problems with them.
Updated October 2026
Start here
- Leave a review: steps for desktop, iPhone and Android.
- Ask for reviews: scripts, channels and timing that follow Google's rules.
- Respond to reviews: what to say to good and bad feedback.
- Embed reviews on your website: widget, link or API, then your platform guide.
Something wrong? See Google reviews not showing or how to report fake reviews.
Get more reviews
Google review cards: QR vs NFC guide
How QR and NFC review cards work, when NFC is worth the extra cost, and how to make a card that opens the right Google profile.
How to ask for Google reviews: scripts
What to say, when to ask, and which channel to use for an honest Google review request, with ready-to-use scripts for in person, email, text, and receipts.
Get more Google reviews: a simple system
Build a repeatable system for more Google reviews: where to put your link and QR code, a staff process, a follow-up schedule, and multi-location tips.
How to leave a Google review (phone or PC)
Step-by-step: write a Google review on desktop, iPhone or Android, edit or delete it later, and review without a Gmail address.
21 Google review request text templates
Copy 21 distinct Google review request texts for restaurants, trades, salons, clinics, shops, hotels, and more, plus the US texting rules to follow.
Reply to reviews
Reply to Google reviews: steps and examples
How to reply to Google reviews on desktop, phone, or from the VerifiedWidget inbox, with a four-part formula and weak vs better example replies.
Respond to negative reviews: 15 templates
A calm response process and 15 adaptable templates for delays, billing, staff issues, unverifiable claims, and other negative Google reviews.
26 positive review response examples
26 fictional reply examples for positive Google reviews, from restaurants and trades to clinics and law offices, with tips for keeping each reply personal.
Fix problems and follow the rules
FTC fake review rule explained
Plain-English guide to 16 CFR Part 465: fake reviews, incentives, insiders, suppression, and practical review policies.
Google reviews not showing? Causes and fixes
Why a Google review is missing, delayed, or absent from your website widget, how to tell which, and how to contact Google support.
Google review stars not showing: why
Why Google star ratings may not show for your business, what review schema can do, and which review pages may be eligible.
How to report fake Google reviews for removal
Report a policy-breaking Google review in your Business Profile, track the decision, and make a one-time appeal. Not legal advice.
Show your reviews
Best Google reviews widgets in 2026: 8 compared
Eight Google reviews widgets compared by platform fit, review controls, setup and limits, with a clear disclosure that we make one of them.
Best Google reviews WordPress plugins in 2026
Compare eight Google reviews plugins using current WordPress.org pages, setup choices, and published installation counts.
Do Google reviews affect AI recommendations?
What BrightLocal and Insites found about local recommendations in ChatGPT and Perplexity, plus the limits for Google AI Overviews.
How to embed Google reviews on any website
Compare widgets, manual links or badges, and the Google Places API; then follow the guide for your website platform.
Show your Google reviews on your site — free
Create a free widget, choose a layout, and copy the embed code to your site.