How to get your review link
- Open your Business Profile in a browser on a computer.
- Choose Read Reviews.
- Choose Get more reviews.
- Copy the link, or save the QR code. Google only generates the QR code on a computer.
Open the link on your own phone before you print it or put it on anything. On an iPhone it may open the Google Maps app rather than a web page, if the app is installed. That is normal.
What Google doesn't allow
| Not allowed | For example |
|---|---|
| Rewards for reviews | A free coffee or a discount in exchange for a review. Paying to change or remove one is banned too. |
| Asking only happy guests | A screen that asks "How was your visit?" and sends only high scores to Google. Google's policy says merchants may not selectively ask for positive reviews. |
| Discouraging bad reviews | Asking a guest not to post a negative review. |
| Review targets and pressure | Telling staff to collect a set number of reviews, or pressing a guest to review before they leave. |
| Reviews with a conflict of interest | Reviews from staff, past staff or owners, or others with a contractual relationship. A review has to reflect a genuine visit. |
The penalties can include blocking new reviews for a period, unpublishing existing ones for a period, and a public warning on your profile that fake reviews were removed.
What staff can say
Keep it short, say it to everyone, and let the guest decide. Something like:
"If you have a minute, we'd love an honest review. Just tap here."
Some things to avoid saying
- "Leave us five stars." You are asking for a score, not for honest feedback.
- "Show me your review and the dessert is free." That is a reward.
- "Only if you liked it." That is asking only happy guests.
Should staff have review targets?
No. Google's policy lists asking staff to collect a certain number of reviews among the things merchants should not do, and says merchants should not pressure guests to review while on the premises. A stand on the counter lets the guest decide without being asked.
What guests should expect
A guest needs a Google account to leave a review, and the review is public, not anonymous. Some guests will decline for that reason alone, so don't take it personally.
How Kyvo handles it
Everyone who taps "Leave a review" on your page goes to the same review page. Kyvo never sorts guests by how happy they are.
What this page doesn't cover
This covers Google's rules only, not UAE law. Google also changes its help pages, so check the links below if you are making a decision on this.