How to Encourage More Google Reviews (Without Annoying Your Customers)

Online reviews play a huge role in how potential customers choose who to trust - and for local businesses in particular, Google reviews can make or break first impressions.

Here's what's changed, why it matters, and how you can use it properly.

Google's New Review QR Codes - What's Changed?

For years, business owners have been able to share a direct link to their Google reviews. The problem? Turning that link into something customer-friendly (like a QR code) usually meant relying on third-party tools.

Google has now removed that extra step.

Inside your Google Business Profile, you can generate:

• A direct review link
• A ready-made QR code, created by Google itself

The QR code takes customers straight to the “Write a review” box, skipping the need to search for your business or navigate your profile. And fewer steps leads to more completed reviews.

Who Is This Most Useful For?

This feature is ideal for any business that deals directly with customers, especially where feedback is strongest right after an interaction:

• Shops, cafés and retail premises
• Trades and service businesses visiting customers
• Restaurants, pubs and hotels
• Clinics, salons, and professional services

If customers leave you happy, this tool helps you capture that moment before it fades.

Why This Matters for Your Business

1. It Removes Friction

Most people are willing to leave a review - but only if it's easy. The option to opens the review box instantly is far more effective than “search for us on Google later”.

2. It Improves Review Volume (Naturally)

When something takes seconds rather than minutes, more people do it. QR codes work particularly well at the point of payment, checkout, or job completion.

3. It Supports Local SEO

Regular, genuine reviews are a key factor in how businesses appear in Google's local results. A steady trickle of new reviews often performs better than occasional bursts.

4. It Looks Professional and Trustworthy

Because the QR code is generated by Google, it's reliable, branded correctly, and won't break if Google changes something behind the scenes.

How to Get Your Google Review Link and QR Code

Accessing it is straightforward:

1. Search “my business” on Google while logged into the account that manages your profile
2. Choose Read reviews
3. Click Get more reviews
4. You'll see your unique review link and QR code
5. Right-click the QR code to save it as an image

That's it - no third-party tools required.

Practical Ways to Use It (That Actually Work)

Here are some proven, low-effort ways to put the QR code to work:

• At the point of sale - small signs or stickers near the till
• On printed materials - business cards, invoices, delivery notes
• Receipts and emails - add the review link to confirmation emails
• Packaging - a simple “Thank you” card with the QR code
• Follow-up messages - send the link after a job well done

The key is timing: ask when the experience is still fresh and positive.

One Important Rule: No Incentives

This is really important. Google forbids offering incentives for reviews. That includes:

• discounts
• free items
• prize draws
• loyalty points

Even subtle “reward-based” encouragement can result in reviews being removed, or worse, your business profile being suspended.

So if you're going to be asking for reviews, keep it simple, honest and pressure-free.

Final Thoughts

This update doesn't reinvent Google reviews, but it removes unnecessary friction and makes it easier to ask at the right moment.

Used properly, Google's official review QR code is a clean, compliant, and effective way to build social proof, improve local visibility, and strengthen trust with potential customers.

If you'd like help setting this up, or want advice on improving your google visibility please get in touch.