Google reviews widget for ecommerce stores

Three kinds of Google ratings an online store can have

Online stores often mix these up, and the widget covers only the first.

1. Google Business Profile reviews: reviews of your business on Google Maps and Search. VerifiedWidget displays these, and only for stores that have a Business Profile.
2. Merchant Center Product Ratings: star ratings on Shopping ads and listings, built from a product-review feed. Google requires at least 50 reviews across all your products, and a review feed uploaded at least once a month with updated reviews (Product Ratings eligibility).
3. Google store ratings (seller ratings): store-level ratings that Google builds from several sources. These include Google Customer Reviews and independent review sites. Google says stores generally need at least 100 eligible, unique reviews before a store rating can show (store ratings overview).

The widget does not display or feed the second or third kind. If your store has no Business Profile, there are no Google Maps reviews to show. Google's profile guidelines allow a profile when a business has a location customers can visit, or travels to its customers. A store that only ships orders may not qualify. A showroom, pickup point, or market stall with stated hours may.

Where store-level reviews belong

Google Business Profile reviews describe your business: shipping speed, packaging, customer service, returns. They don't describe a single product, so don't place them as if they were product reviews. Put a carousel on the shipping and returns page and a grid on the about page. The badge layout floats in a corner of every page you add it to, so keep it off checkout if it covers buttons there.

On product pages, use your product review app for product feedback and keep the Google widget out of the way. Or label it clearly as reviews of the store.

Example: after delivery

1. Order ships: tracking email goes out, no review request.
2. Delivery confirmed plus 5 days: a plain email asks for a Google review of the store, with the link. Ask for product reviews in a separate email through your review app.
3. Customers with open support tickets get the same email once the ticket is resolved.
4. The widget on the shipping page updates with new reviews; with the Reviews plan this happens through automatic sync.

Request templates

1. After delivery: "Your order should have arrived by now. If you'd like to leave an honest Google review of the shop, here's the link: [link]."
2. After a return: "Thanks for letting us handle your return. If you want to share how it went, here's the link: [link]."
3. After support help: "We hope we sorted out your question. If you'd like to review the experience, here's the link: [link]."

Email every buyer. A coupon code for the next order in return for a review is a discount, and Google's review policy bans it. Don't send the Google link only to buyers who rated the product well in your own survey, either. The FTC's 2024 rule bars rewards that depend on a positive review.

Reply examples

• Positive: "Thanks for mentioning the packaging. We'll tell the warehouse team."
• Negative: "We're sorry the parcel arrived late. Please email [address] with your order number so we can check with the carrier."
• Product complaint: "That's not the experience we want. Please email [address] with your order number and we'll sort out a replacement or refund."

Set up the widget

Connect your Google Maps listing, pick a compact layout, and install via the platform guide: Shopify is one; see the guides hub for others. The Free plan covers one widget with up to 20 reviews, refreshed monthly. Search stars won't appear for reviews on your own site (why).

Frequently asked questions

Related reading