Google reviews and your Maps listing: the allowed way

Does a Google Business Profile cost anything?

No. Google lets you manage how your business shows on Maps and Search at no charge. Google Ads are separate, optional and paid.

Can my business have one?

Your business must meet customers in person during its stated hours, at your premises or at theirs. If you visit customers and have no shop with signage, set it up as a service-area business, with one profile for the area you serve. Online-only businesses, rental properties and P.O. boxes are not eligible.

How does verification work?

Google decides which methods you get, such as phone or text, email, a video recording or a live video call, and you can’t change them. Google recommends a video when it is offered. The video should show your signage or premises, the tools or products you work with, and something only the business can open, such as the till, the kitchen or the storeroom.

How do I ask for reviews the allowed way?

Ask every customer the same way for an honest review, with no reward and without asking for particular words. Google gives you a free link and QR code: on a computer, open your Business Profile, choose Read reviews, then Get more reviews, and copy the link or save the QR code. Google suggests putting it on receipts, in thank-you emails and chats, and on a sign in your shop.

Put your review QR on a counter card, free: Make the card

What is not allowed?

Offering money, discounts or free items for a review, or for changing or removing one. Asking only happy customers, or discouraging bad reviews. Requiring or pressuring customers to review while they are in your shop. And reviews from anyone with a conflict of interest: you, your staff, or anyone you pay to work on the business, including an agency.

What happens if the rules are broken?

Google removes the reviews and can restrict the profile for a period: no new reviews, existing reviews hidden, and a warning to customers that fake reviews were removed. Google tells the owner by email, and the owner can appeal.

Someone offers to set it up for me. What should I check?

The profile must stay yours: you keep ownership and they should be a manager. Under Google’s rules they need your express consent before claiming it (spoken consent is not enough), must tell you in writing before they start if they charge a fee, and must let you take back full control within seven business days of asking. They must also tell you that the profile itself costs nothing. Nobody can guarantee a top place on Google.