Leaving a Google review is one of the easiest ways to support a business you love. However, leaving a Google review the right way is crucial. A well-written and honest review helps other users make informed decisions and builds trust in the business. On the other hand, leaving fake, misleading, or overly biased reviews can harm a business’s reputation and even violate Google’s review policies.
That’s why it’s important to know what to say, how to say it, and what to avoid when leaving a Google review. In this quick beginner guide, I will show you exactly how to leave a Google review in just a few simple steps – no tech skills needed.
How to Leave a Google Review
1. Sign in to Your Google Account
You must log into a Google account before you get started. It is impossible to post a review without signing in. This assists Google in checking the identity of the one leaving feedback and this avoids spam. The review policies of Google suggest that posts made by signed-in users leave more believable and verifiable reviews. As long as you do not yet have a Google account at hand, you can obtain it with any valid email address, which, however, does not necessarily have to be a Gmail account.
2. Search for the Business on Google
Once you’re logged in, open Google and type the name of the business you want to review. Be sure to enter the full name so you find the correct listing. You may also include the location to narrow down results. For example, “Sunrise Bakery Chicago” gives you more accurate results than just “Sunrise Bakery.”
3. Click on the Business’s Google Listing
Once you have got the business, it will appear on the right side of the screen or in the map results once you have searched. You can tap it to get the whole Google Business Profile. In this section, there is the address, contact information, photos, web address, and reviews. Ensure that you are on the official profile and proceed.
4. Scroll to the Reviews Section
After entering the profile of the business, you will have to scroll down until you see the heading labeled as Reviews. You shall find the average star rating amongst the other reviews that are left by the customer. It is here that you may get to see what the others have written and get yourself geared up to leave yours.
5. Click “Write a Review”
Next, press the button, which is called, Write a review. It will open a window in which you can then start writing. You do not require a special app or tool to do this. It actually operates within your browser or Google Maps application, in case of a phone.
6. Rate the Business Using Stars
Before writing anything, you need to give the business a star rating from 1 to 5. Each rating has its own meaning:
- ★★★★★ Excellent experience
- ★★★★ Good but with minor issues
- ★★★ Average
- ★★ Below expectations
- ★ Poor experience
Choose the number of stars that reflect your honest experience. Try not to rate based on a single issue unless it greatly affected your overall visit.
7. Write Your Review
Use clear and honest language. Describe your experience, what you liked, and what could have been better. You can bring up customer care, quality of products or speed in delivering products. Detailed and respectful reviews have more worth. About 85% of people consider online reviews to be just as reliable as advice from friends or family.
Avoid including personal names unless they are employees who provided exceptional service. Refrain from using offensive language or exaggerated claims. Keep your tone polite and helpful.
8. Add Photos (Optional)
You have the option to upload photos along with your review. This is especially useful if you visited a restaurant, stayed at a hotel, or purchased a product. Real images help others understand your experience. Google also gives more visibility to reviews that include photos.
Adding photos is not required, but it can make your review more helpful. Make sure your images are clear and relevant. Blurry or unrelated pictures can reduce the quality of your review.
9. Publish Your Review
After writing and attaching any photos, click “Post” to publish your review. Once posted, it becomes visible to the public under your Google profile name. Reviews usually appear immediately, but in some cases, Google may delay or filter them for review if flagged or suspected of policy violations.
10. Edit or Delete Your Review (If Needed)
If you made a mistake or want to change your feedback later, you can easily edit or delete your review. Go to Google Maps, click on the menu, select “Your contributions,” then go to “Reviews.” From there, you can update your rating, change the text, or remove it completely.
Editing is useful if the business has improved its service or resolved your issue. Deleting should be used if you feel your review is no longer relevant or was posted in error.
Why can’t I leave a Google review?
There are several possible reasons:
- You’re not signed in to a Google account.
- The business listing has been suspended or restricted.
- Your review violates Google’s content policy (e.g., spam, inappropriate language, or conflicts of interest).
- You’ve recently created your account or haven’t used it much. So, Google may limit actions to prevent spam.
Tip: Try logging out and back in, clearing your browser cache, or using a different device.
Are Google reviews anonymous?
No. When you post a review, your Google profile name and picture (if added) will appear alongside your review. Google does not allow anonymous reviews to ensure transparency and trust.
How long does it take for a Google review to appear?
Most reviews appear instantly, but sometimes they can take a few hours or up to 24 hours due to content checks or technical delays. If a review violates guidelines, it may not appear at all.
Final Thoughts
So, these are the only steps you need to leave a google reviews for an online business. Leaving a Google review is one of the easiest ways to support a business you love. Still, it is crucial to do it the right way. Therefore, I have explained every step so that you can confidently support a business. Also, you can share this guide with the people you want them to leave a Google review for your business.