Yes, you can post a Google review for a business by finding the place on Maps or Search, tapping Reviews, choosing stars, and writing your feedback.
Writing a review on Google helps other shoppers pick a good spot and gives owners useful feedback. Below you’ll find clear steps for desktop and phone, smart ways to phrase a review, and fixes when the review box doesn’t show. You’ll also see what Google allows and what it removes, so your words stay live.
Write A Google Review For A Local Business: Step-By-Step
You can rate any eligible place that appears on Google Maps or in the business panel on Search. The flow is similar across devices. Pick the place, open the Reviews section, choose a star score from 1–5, then add text and optional photos. The table below gives a quick view of the taps and clicks.
Quick Paths On Desktop And Phone
| Method | Where To Tap/Click | What Happens Next |
|---|---|---|
| Google Search On Desktop | Search the business → Right panel → “Write a review” | Star picker opens; type your review; add photos; post |
| Google Maps On Desktop | Open place page → “Reviews” tab → “Write a review” | Rate, write, upload, then post |
| Google Maps On Android | Search place → tap name → “Reviews” → 5 empty stars | Keyboard opens to write; attach photos; post |
| Google Maps On iPhone | Search place → tap name → “Reviews” → “Write a review” | Rate, write, add photos; post |
| Shared Link From A Business | Open the review link or QR code | Goes straight to the review box for that place |
Desktop: Google Search Panel
Type the business name and city in Google. On the right, find the business panel. Click “Write a review,” pick your star score, add a short, clear message, then post. If you can’t see the panel, add the city or street to narrow the match.
Desktop: Google Maps
Open Maps on the web, search the place, then click the business name in the left pane. Select the “Reviews” tab and then “Write a review.” Rate, type, attach a photo if it helps, then post. For complete desktop and mobile steps, see Google’s own guide to adding or editing reviews.
Android Phones
Open the Maps app, search the place, and tap the card at the bottom. Tap “Reviews,” then the empty stars to start. Type your message, attach images if you’d like, then post. This route matches Google’s posted Android steps.
iPhone And iPad
Open Maps on iOS, search the place, tap the result card, then go to “Reviews.” Tap “Write a review,” add the rating and your message, then post. If you get a prompt to sign in, log in to the same account you use for other Google apps.
What You Need Before You Post
You need a Google account to write a review. A Gmail address isn’t required. You can create a Google account with any email address and then post reviews just fine. If you plan to add photos, keep them clear and relevant to the visit. If you’re new to Google accounts, see the Business Profile help note that customers can create one with a non-Gmail email and still review places.
Review Style That Readers Trust
Keep it short and useful. Mention the service you used, what went well, and anything that could be better. Name team members only when you’re sure of the names. Avoid private details about staff or other customers. If you add photos, crop out unrelated people where possible.
What Google Removes
Reviews must reflect real, first-hand experiences. Paid, gifted, or coordinated review drives can be flagged and removed. Content with hate speech, harassment, doxxing, illegal acts, or links to malware also gets removed. Repeat abuse can lead to profile limits. The current Maps content rules explain what stays and what gets filtered.
Edit Or Delete Your Review Later
You can change your words or remove the post at any time. In Maps, open your profile menu, go to “Your contributions,” then “Reviews.” Pick the review and choose Edit or Delete. On desktop, you can reach the same screen through the side menu in Google Maps on the web. Full instructions are in Google’s page on adding, editing, or deleting a review.
Where Businesses Share A Direct Review Link
Some owners share a short link or QR code that jumps straight to the review box for their place. That saves steps, and it helps them collect feedback faster. Tap the link, sign in if asked, then rate and write your message. Owners can set this up inside their Business Profile under the “Get more reviews” area, as shown in Google’s guide to sharing a review link or QR code.
Sample Templates You Can Adapt
Not sure what to say? Use these short prompts to get rolling. Keep your own voice and be honest about what happened.
Service Visit
“Booked a same-day appointment for a tire repair. Front desk was fast, tech explained the fix, and the car was ready in under an hour. Price matched the quote.”
Food And Drink
“Walked in at lunch. Host seated us in five minutes. Server suggested the daily special, which was fresh and seasoned well. Noise was moderate. Will return.”
Home Services
“Installer arrived on time, wore shoe covers, and cleaned up after the work. The app paired on the first try. Next time I’d like a tighter arrival window.”
Fix Review Box Problems
If you can’t find the review button, the place might be ineligible, merged with another listing, or outside your region’s review program. Clear app cache, update Maps, or try the web version. If the place still doesn’t show a review option, the owner may have a restricted category.
Common Review Roadblocks And Quick Fixes
| Issue | Likely Cause | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| No “Write A Review” Button | Place category or region limits; duplicate listings | Try Maps on web; search exact address; look for a single, verified listing |
| Review Not Showing | Policy filters caught it; links or promo language | Remove links, vouchers, or private info; repost in clear, neutral wording |
| Photo Upload Fails | Slow network; file size too large | Compress and retry on Wi-Fi; update the app |
| Posted To Wrong Place | Nearby matches with similar names | Check the map pin and street; repost on the correct place page; delete the mistaken one |
| Can’t Sign In | Password issues; multiple accounts on device | Use the account switcher; reset password; try a private window |
Keep Reviews Within Google’s Rules
Stick to real visits, skip incentives, and avoid private data. Don’t post medical or legal claims about a person, and don’t threaten anyone. If a business asks you to post proof of purchase, you may describe the visit in plain terms, but never upload IDs, credit cards, or invoices with full numbers.
When To Flag A Review
Owners and customers can flag content that breaches policy. Only policy breaks get removed. Differences of opinion, taste, or price complaints don’t meet removal standards by themselves. You can report a review from the “More” menu next to the post; Google explains the process on its page about reporting inappropriate reviews.
Business Owners: Make It Easy To Get Feedback
If you run a local listing, share your review link after a visit and reply to reviews with a calm, helpful tone. Thank positive feedback and offer a path to fix issues raised in lower-star posts. A steady flow of honest reviews helps buyers and sets clear expectations. Google’s tips page on getting more reviews also notes that customers can create a Google account with a non-Gmail email.
Share A Review Link Or QR Code
Owners can create a link or QR code from the Business Profile dashboard to invite feedback. Share it in receipts, emails, or on a small card at checkout so customers can post while the visit is fresh.
Common Real-World Notes
Gmail isn’t required; any email can back a Google account. You can edit or delete your post later if your experience changes. Free gifts or payments tied to a review are against policy and can trigger filters. Star ratings should match the text so other readers can rely on the signal. Photos help, but skip faces and private papers.
Quick Checklist Before You Post
- Pick a clear star rating that matches the text.
- Mention the product or service used.
- Add one or two crisp photos if helpful.
- State one thing that could be better, if needed.
- Skip links, coupon codes, or private data.
Helpful links: Read Google’s Maps content rules and the steps for adding or editing your own review. If you manage a listing, learn how to share a direct review link or QR code.