Originally published June 19, 2014. Updated October 16, 2026.
You want to thank a business with a Google review, but you can’t find where to write it. I’ve got your back.
The quickest route is a review link from the business. You can also find its listing in Google Maps and leave your rating there. Below, I’ll walk you through both options and show business owners how to make the process easier for their clients.
Key Takeaways
- Use the business’s review link or find its correct Google Maps listing.
- You’ll need to sign in to a Google Account, and your review is public.
- Describe your own experience honestly.
- Business owners can share a review link or QR code without buying a separate tool.
Written by Dotty Scott
Founder of Premium Websites, Inc.
Empowering small businesses to go from Invisible to Invincible.
Use a Direct Google Review Link
If the business sent you a review link, open it and check that the correct business appears. Sign in to your Google Account if you’re prompted, then choose a rating and describe your experience.
You don’t need a Gmail address specifically. Google lets you create a Google Account with an existing email address. If you already use Google services, check whether you have an account before creating another one.
How to Leave a Google Review on a Computer
- Open Google Maps and sign in.
- Search for the business. Confirm its name and location.
- In the business information panel, scroll to Write a review.
- Choose your star rating, add your comments, and select Post.
How to Leave a Google Review on Your Phone
On Android or iPhone, open the Google Maps app and sign in. Find the business, open its listing, and tap Reviews. Tap the empty stars in the rating area, choose your rating, write your comments, and post.
Choose Your Starting Point
I suggest starting with a direct link when the business provides one. Otherwise, search its full name and city so you don’t accidentally review another location.
Which Option Fits Your Situation?
| What you have | Where to start |
|---|---|
| A review link from the business | Open it and confirm the business name. |
| A computer | Find the business in Google Maps. |
| An Android phone or iPhone | Open the listing in the Maps app. |
What Should You Write in a Google Review?
I find specific feedback more useful than a string of superlatives. Think about the service you used, what happened, and what you want another person to understand. Write it in your own words and keep private information out.
Your review should reflect a real experience. Google’s review policies prohibit fake reviews, incentives, and rating manipulation. Business owners shouldn’t offer a discount for a review, ask only happy clients, or dictate what clients must say. Ask for honest feedback and let people decide what to write.
Business Owners: Get Your Review Link or QR Code
So… don’t make a client search through your website to figure this out. Put the direct link in a short thank-you email or on a receipt.
- On a computer, open the Google Business Profile you manage.
- Select Read Reviews, then Get more reviews.
- Copy the review link. To save the QR code, right-click it and choose Save image as.
- Test the link before sharing it.
Google says its review QR codes are currently generated in a computer browser. See its review-link and QR-code instructions for the latest controls.
Keep the request simple: “Thank you for choosing us. If you’d like to share your experience, here’s our Google review link.” Give clients the same opportunity regardless of whether their feedback is positive or negative.
Why Isn’t My Google Review Showing?
Full transparency: posting a review doesn’t guarantee that it will appear immediately or remain visible. Google checks reviews, and some checks can take a few days.
Confirm that you reviewed the right listing and check your own Google Maps profile. If you’re having trouble posting from an older phone, update the Maps app. Business owners can follow Google’s missing or delayed review guidance; merged profiles, moderation, and policy violations can affect visibility.
Don’t try to work around a missing review by posting from several accounts. Check the underlying issue first.
Make Reviews Easier for Your Clients
A clear review link removes one small obstacle between a client’s experience and their feedback. I recommend testing yours whenever you update your website or email follow-up.
If your profile needs attention beyond the review link, explore my Google Business Profile Optimization service. For the broader picture, read my Google Business Profile guide for service businesses.
Need help connecting the pieces? Schedule a Discovery Call and we’ll talk through what makes sense for your business.
Common Questions About Google Reviews
Can I leave an anonymous Google review?
No. Google reviews are public and associated with your Google profile. Check what you’re sharing before you post.
Can I change a review later?
Yes. Find your review in your Google Maps contributions or profile, open its three-dot menu, and choose the edit or delete option.
Can a business write my review for me?
Your feedback should be your own. A business can share its review link, but it shouldn’t control your rating or the content of your review.
Do I need Google Plus?
No. This article’s original Google+ screenshots have been replaced. Use Google Maps or the business’s direct review link.
Read the rest of the posts in this series: The Honest Truth about Your Website
- Is Your Website Actually Working? (Or Just Sitting There Looking Pretty)
- Why the Phone Isn’t Ringing (And It’s Probably Not What You Think)
- The Truth About AI-Built Websites (What They Don’t Tell You Before You Click Generate)
- The Truth About Wix, Squarespace, and DIY Website Builders
- What a Good Web Designer Actually Does (And Red Flags That Say Run)
- Why Your Competitor Shows Up on Google and You Don’t
- What Is Schema Markup (And Why You Should Care)
- Does Your Business Show Up in ChatGPT? Here’s How to Find Out
