To post a Google review for a business, find the listing in Maps or Search, choose Reviews, rate with stars, write details, and publish.
New to ratings on Google? This guide shows clear steps on phone and desktop, with screenshots you can recreate on your screen. You’ll learn what to tap, what shows on your public profile, how to edit or remove a comment later, and what content stays within policy. No fluff—just the actions that get your words live.
Ways To Post A Google Review For A Business
There are three main paths: from Google Search on a web browser, inside the Maps app on iPhone or Android, and from the Maps website on a computer. The taps are nearly identical. Pick the route you use most and follow the steps below.
Quick Methods At A Glance
| Method | Where You Tap/Click | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Search (Desktop) | Business panel → Reviews → Write a review | Appears on the right side of results. |
| Maps Website | Open place → Reviews tab → stars box | Great when you’re comparing spots on a map. |
| Maps App (iPhone) | Place card → Reviews → stars → text box | Attach photos from the camera roll. |
| Maps App (Android) | Place card → Reviews → stars → text box | Photos and short videos are allowed. |
Step-By-Step On A Phone (Maps App)
Open Maps. Search for the company name and pick the correct listing. Scroll to the section labeled Reviews. Tap the stars to start your post. A text box opens; add what went well, what didn’t, and any tips for other customers. Tap Post. You’re done.
Step-By-Step On A Computer (Search Or Maps)
Go to google.com or maps.google.com. Enter the business name and city. On the business knowledge panel or place page, pick Reviews, then Write a review. Choose a star rating, type your notes, and post. You can paste photos from your computer as proof of your visit.
What You Need Before You Write
You must be signed in to a Google account. A Gmail address isn’t required—you can use any email to create an account and then post reviews. All posts are public and show the name on your profile; anonymous reviews aren’t possible.
Account And Identity
Your display name and past public contributions appear with your review. If you want a different display name, change it on your About me page before posting. Photos and videos you attach include location info saved by your device.
Good Review Basics That Help Readers
Short, clear, and specific wins. Add details shoppers care about: service speed, staff attentiveness, product quality, wait times, pricing clarity, access, parking, and refunds. Mention date and time, especially for peak hours. If you attach photos, label them in the text so readers know what they’re seeing.
Write With Useful Structure
- Context: What you bought or the reason for the visit.
- What went well: A concrete note or two.
- What fell short: Keep it factual; avoid personal attacks.
- Tip for others: A practical takeaway like best entrance or quiet hours.
Stars, Photos, And Edits
Stars set the tone; the text carries the insight. One strong photo adds trust. You can return later to change the text or rating, and the post date will reflect the latest edit.
Rules You Should Know
Google removes reviews that break content rules. No spam, off-topic rants, hate or harassment, conflicts of interest, or links that push deals and coupons. Incentivized reviews are not allowed. If you publish something risky, it can vanish without notice and repeat issues can limit posting.
Read the official policy pages before you post. The page titled Prohibited & restricted content lists what’s not allowed. For how posting works and what is public on your profile, see Add, edit, or delete reviews.
Detailed Steps With Tips
From Google Search (Desktop)
- Search the company name and city.
- On the right-hand business panel, click Reviews.
- Select Write a review.
- Pick 1–5 stars, type your notes, add photos if relevant, and post.
Tip: If there are duplicate listings, pick the one with the correct address and hours; your post sticks to that page.
From The Maps Website (Desktop)
- Open maps.google.com and search for the place.
- Click the correct result on the map.
- On the place page, open the Reviews tab and click the stars.
- Write your text and click Post.
From The Maps App (iPhone And Android)
- Open the app and search for the place.
- Swipe up on the place card.
- Tap Reviews then tap the stars.
- Write, add media if you’d like, and tap Post.
Editing, Deleting, And Sharing Your Post
You can change or remove your review any time. On desktop, open Maps, click the menu, then Your contributions → Reviews. Pick the three-dot menu next to your post to edit or delete. The mobile path is similar under your profile in Maps.
Find Your Past Reviews Fast
- Open Google Maps while signed in.
- Tap your profile photo → Your profile.
- Open Reviews to see all posts. Use the share icon to copy a link.
If You Can’t Post, Try These Fixes
Most posting issues boil down to account access, network glitches, or policy flags. Start simple: switch Wi-Fi to mobile data, close and reopen the app, then try again. If the publish button spins, save your text in Notes, restart the device, and paste it back.
Troubleshooting Guide
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Can’t find Write a review | Not signed in | Sign in to your Google account, reload the page. |
| Post vanished later | Policy filter | Remove banned content; repost with neutral wording. |
| Can’t upload photos | App permissions | Allow Photos/Files access in device settings. |
| Review stuck on “Posting…” | Connectivity | Toggle airplane mode, try again; switch networks. |
| Business page changed | Listing merge or rename | Find the current listing and post again if needed. |
What Makes A Helpful Comment
Readers want firsthand detail they can act on. Use simple sentences. Stick to what you saw, heard, or received. Skip private info about staff. If there was a problem, say what the staff did next—replacement, refund, or no action. That single note helps others pick wisely.
Balanced Language That Stays Within Policy
- No profanity or slurs.
- No incentives or links to deals.
- No private info like phone numbers, emails, or order codes.
- No copy-paste from another site.
Common Concerns When Posting
Do You Need Gmail?
No. You need a Google account, which can use any email. This lets you rate and write from Search or Maps on any device.
Can You Post Without Showing Your Name?
No. Reviews are public and tie to the name on your profile. If you want a different label, change your profile name before posting.
Can A Business Ask You To Change A Rating?
They can reply to your post, but they can’t require an edit, and they shouldn’t offer perks for five stars. If you get an incentive request, ignore it and keep your review honest.
Simple Checklist Before You Hit Post
- Did you pick the correct location?
- Is your text specific, calm, and useful?
- Did you avoid private info and links?
- Would one photo help future shoppers?
- Are you signed in on the right account?
Remove Or Edit Later
Plans change and service quality changes. Feel free to update your words after a return visit. On desktop, go to Maps → Your contributions → Reviews, then edit or delete. When you edit, the post date updates to the latest change.
Ethics And Guidance For Fair Posting
Share your real experience from a real visit. Don’t review your own business or an employer. Skip copy from marketing emails. Never post a review in exchange for perks. If you see spam or abuse, use the flag icon beside the post and write a short reason.
Wrap-Up
You now have the steps for phone and desktop, the rules that keep posts live, and fast fixes if something goes wrong. Pick the path that fits your device, add a clear star rating, and write the detail you’d want to read before you buy.