How to Leave a Google Review (A Simple Guide You Can Send Customers)

Leaving a Google review takes about a minute. Whether it's for a plumber, a dentist or the restaurant you had dinner at last night, the steps are the same.

This guide walks through it on a phone and on a computer, with a few tips on writing a review that actually helps people. If you run a business, it's also a page you can send to customers who aren't sure how to do it.

Before you start: you need a Google account

You can't leave a Google review anonymously. You need to be signed in to a Google account. If you use Gmail, YouTube or an Android phone, you already have one.

If you don't, you can create one for free at accounts.google.com. It takes a couple of minutes.

Your review will show the name and photo on your Google account, so the business and anyone reading the review will see who wrote it.

How to leave a Google review on your phone

1. Open the Google Maps app (or the Google app)
2. Search for the business by name
3. Tap the business to open its page
4. Scroll down to the Reviews section, or tap the Reviews tab
5. Tap the stars to choose your rating, or tap Write a review
6. Write a few lines about your experience
7. Add photos if you like
8. Tap Post

How to leave a Google review on a computer

1. Go to Google and search for the business name, plus the town if it's a common name
2. The business's details appear on the right-hand side of the results (or at the top on smaller screens)
3. Select Write a review. You may need to select Reviews first
4. Choose your star rating
5. Write your review and add photos if you want
6. Select Post

The easiest way: use the business's review link

Many businesses send a direct review link by text or email after a job or appointment. If you've got one, just tap it. It opens the review box for that business straight away, so you don't need to search for anything.

What to write in a Google review

You don't need to write an essay. A couple of sentences is plenty. The most helpful reviews answer the questions the next customer will have:

• What did they do for you? "Replaced our boiler", "fitted a new kitchen", "a filling and a check-up"
• What were they like? On time? Tidy? Easy to deal with? Did they explain things clearly?
• How did it turn out? Are you happy with the result?
• Would you use them again, or recommend them to a friend?

For example:

"Dave fixed a leak under our kitchen sink the same day I called. Turned up when he said he would, explained what had gone wrong, and left everything spotless. Fair price too. Would definitely use again."

That's three sentences, and it tells the next person everything they want to know.

What to avoid

• Phone numbers, links or email addresses. Google's spam filters often hide reviews that include them.
• Other people's personal details. It's fine to name someone who helped you. It's not fine to share their phone number or address.
• Swearing. Even if you're angry, a review with bad language is likely to be removed.

Common questions

How long does it take for my review to appear?

Usually a few minutes. Sometimes Google holds a review for a day or two while it checks it. We've written a full explanation of how long Google reviews take to show up and why some don't.

Can I edit or delete my review?

Yes, at any time. In Google Maps, tap your profile picture, go to Your contributions (or Your profile), then Reviews. Find the review and use the menu next to it to edit or delete it.

Will the business see my review?

Yes. The business gets notified about new reviews and can reply publicly. You'll get a notification if they do.

Can I leave a review without a star rating?

No. The star rating is required. The written part is optional, but a review with a few words is far more useful to other people than stars on their own.

Can I review a business I haven't used?

No. Google's rules say reviews should be based on a genuine experience. Reviews from people who haven't used the business, including friends and family doing them a favour, count as fake and can be removed.

For business owners: send this to your customers

Most customers are happy to leave a review. What stops them is not knowing how, or not getting round to it. Sending a direct review link, with a short note, fixes both.

You can find your review link in your Google Business Profile. Our Google Business Profile guide shows you where. And if you're not sure when or how to ask, read the best time to ask a customer for a Google review.