Google Review Link and QR Code: How to Create Yours
A Google review link is a short web address that takes a customer straight to the review box for your business. Share it, and they can leave a review in a few taps instead of hunting for your business on Maps. You can also turn it into a QR code to print and display.
You create both from your Google Business Profile, for free, in a couple of clicks. This post shows you exactly where to find them, where to put them, the one rule that gets businesses penalised, and four ready-to-send messages for asking customers the right way.
Key takeaways
What it is: a Google review link (and QR code) created free inside your Google Business Profile, so customers reach the review form in one tap.
Where to use it: receipts, thank-you WhatsApp or email, and a printed QR card at the counter.
The one rule: you can ask for reviews, but Google prohibits offering any incentive for them.
Keep it going: ask every happy customer, reply to reviews, and check your count once a month.
What is a Google review link?
It is the direct link to your review form. Instead of telling a customer "search for us on Google and scroll down", you send one link that opens the review box with the stars ready to tap.
A Google review QR code does the same thing offline. A customer scans it with their phone camera and lands on your review form. It is ideal for a shop counter, a receipt or a table card.
Both make it easier to leave a review, and easier usually means more reviews.
How to get your review link and QR code
Google's own help page gives the steps. You create them from your Business Profile:
Go to your Business Profile (the one you manage for your business on Google).
Select Read Reviews, then Get more reviews.
Copy the review link with the Copy option, or download the QR code.
To save the QR code, right-click it and choose Save image as.
That is it. The link is ready to paste into messages, and the QR image is ready to print.
Important: per Google, review QR codes can currently be generated only on a computer browser, not on a mobile device. So do this step on a laptop or desktop, then move the files to your phone if you share from there. (Checked October 2026; Google can change where the QR code is available.)
Why the QR code may not appear on your phone
If you cannot find the QR code, you are probably on your phone. Google states the QR code option is available only in a computer browser right now. Open your Business Profile on a laptop, go to Get more reviews, and the QR code will be there to download.
Where to put your review link
A link no one sees earns no reviews. Google suggests putting it where customers naturally are, and these spots work well for Indian small businesses:
On receipts: a short line and the link, or the QR code printed on the bill.
In a thank-you message: send it on WhatsApp or email right after the service.
At the end of a chat: when you finish helping a customer, drop the link.
On a counter card or poster: print the QR code and stand it by the till or reception.
Google's help pages list receipts, thank-you emails, the end of a chat interaction, and a printed QR code in your store as the main places. Pick two that fit how you already talk to customers, and use them every time. If you send a lot of these on WhatsApp, our guide to the WhatsApp broadcast limit explains how to reach many customers safely.
What Google does not allow
This is the rule that matters most, and it is easy to break by accident. You cannot offer anything in exchange for a review.
Google is explicit: offering incentives, like free or discounted goods or services, in exchange for customers to post reviews, change reviews, or remove negative reviews is considered fake engagement and is strictly prohibited. That includes "leave a review and get 10% off".
You can ask for a review. You cannot pay for one, in money or in kind. Breaking this rule risks your reviews being removed and your profile penalised. Ask for honest feedback, and leave it there.
How to ask in your own words
The best ask is simple, personal and sent at the right moment, just after you have done good work. Here are four copy-ready messages. Change the name and the detail so they sound like you.
1. WhatsApp, right after the job
"Hi [name], thanks for choosing us today. If you were happy with the [service], a quick Google review would mean a lot and helps other people find us. Here is the link: [review link]. No pressure at all."
2. SMS, short
"Thanks for visiting [business], [name]. A quick Google review helps us a lot: [review link]. Thank you."
3. Receipt line
"Enjoyed your visit? Scan the code to leave us a Google review. It takes 30 seconds and helps a small business like ours."
4. Counter card
"Scan to review us on Google. Your honest feedback helps us improve and helps others find us."
Notice none of them offer a discount or a gift. They ask for honest feedback and make it easy. That is the line between a healthy review profile and a penalised one.
How to reply to reviews, including bad ones
Replying shows customers their feedback matters, and your replies are public. Google notes replies usually take up to 10 minutes to be checked against its content policies before they appear, and the reviewer is notified when you reply. Google's own tips are worth following:
Keep replies short, polite and relevant. A long reply loses the reader.
Make them count: instead of the same "thank you" everywhere, focus on reviews where you can add something useful.
Be conversational, not promotional: do not use a reply to push a deal.
For a negative review, Google's guidance is calm and practical:
Protect privacy: never share the reviewer's private information or attack them. If it is complex, invite them to continue by phone or email.
Be honest about limits: acknowledge a genuine mistake, but do not take blame for things outside your control.
Apologise when appropriate and show you understand how they felt.
Personalise and respond promptly. Use their name and reply in good time.
A good reply to a bad review can even lead the customer to update it. And if a review truly breaks Google's content policies, you can flag it for review rather than arguing in public.
How to track new reviews each month
You do not need a tool for this. Once a month, open your Business Profile, note your total review count and your star rating, and compare it to last month. Reply to anything new. A simple habit of asking after every job and replying within a day or two does more than any one-off push. It is also a core part of local SEO for your city.
A 30-day routine: ask every happy customer for a review on the day, reply to every new review within 48 hours, and check your count on the first of each month. Steady beats sudden.
FAQ
How do I create a Google review link?
Go to your Business Profile, select Read Reviews then Get more reviews, and copy the link. You can also download the QR code there.
Why can't I generate the QR code on my phone?
Google currently allows review QR codes to be generated only on a computer browser. Use a laptop or desktop, then move the image to your phone.
Can I offer a discount for a Google review?
No. Google strictly prohibits offering incentives for reviews and treats it as fake engagement. Ask for honest feedback only.
Where should I share my review link?
On receipts, in thank-you WhatsApp or email messages, at the end of a chat, and as a printed QR code at your counter.
Should I reply to reviews?
Yes. Google recommends it. Keep replies short, polite and personal, and reply calmly to negative ones. Replies are checked against Google's policies, usually within about 10 minutes.
What do I do about a fake or abusive review?
If it breaks Google's content policies, flag it for review rather than responding emotionally in public.
A quick next step
If you want help setting up your review flow and local presence, you can book a consultation.
Sources
Google Business Profile Help, Create a Google link or QR code to request reviews: the steps, QR codes only on a computer browser, the prohibition on incentives, and where to place the link.
Google Business Profile Help, Tips to get more reviews: reply tips, handling negative reviews, and the incentive prohibition restated.
Google Business Profile Help, Manage customer reviews: how to read and reply to reviews, the roughly 10-minute policy check on replies, and flagging reviews that break the rules.
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