How to Create Google Review Links That Don't Break the Internet (And Actually Get You Reviews)

A supplier recently sent me their Google review link. It was approximately 7.2 million characters long.

Well, not quite, but close enough that I wondered if they'd accidentally included their entire website code in the URL. They're Toni at Treat Boxes, and they make exceptional chocolate gift boxes that I love sending to clients, so I persevered. But here's the thing - most customers won't.

If your Google review link looks like someone fell asleep on their keyboard, you're losing reviews. Reviews are gold dust for local businesses, so let's fix this properly.

Why Your Review Link Matters More Than You Think

Picture this: a happy customer wants to leave you a glowing review. They're motivated, ready, and have nice things to say. Then you send them a link that looks like encrypted government secrets.

What happens? They give up. That five-star review never happens. Your competitor with the simple review process gets their business next time.

After 30 years helping businesses with their online presence, I've seen every way to complicate simple tasks. Asking for reviews shouldn't be one of them. Google reviews directly influence how easily new customers find your business - they're not just nice to have but essential for local SEO.

The Dead Simple Way to Create a Google Review Link

Google's made this groovy - when they're not busy changing their interface every five minutes. Here's how to get your proper review link in under 60 seconds:

Step 1: Sign in to Google Business Profile
Go to business.google.com and sign in with the Google account that manages your business listing. Your Google Business Profile is often the first thing customers check, so keeping it updated matters.

Step 2: Select Your Business
If you manage multiple locations, choose the right one. (If you only have one, Google's already waiting for you.)

Step 3: Find the "Ask for reviews" Option
Look in the home cards section—Google usually puts it front and centre because they know it's important. Can't see it? Click on "Customers" in the left menu, then "Reviews."

Step 4: Click "Share review form"
This is where the magic happens. Google generates a short, clean link that won't frighten your customers.

Step 5: Copy Your Short Link
It'll look something like this: https://g.page/r/CRb_someShortCode/review

That's it. There is no URL that requires a forklift to move, no customer confusion, just a simple link that works.

But Wait, There's More: QR Codes for Physical Locations

Running a restaurant, retail shop, or service business where customers visit in person? Google's got you covered with QR codes, too.

Same process as above, but look for the QR code option instead of just copying the link. Google generates one automatically that you can:

• Print on receipts
• Add to invoices
• Display at your checkout
• Include in thank-you cards
• Stick on your delivery vehicles

Pro tip: Test the QR code with your phone first. I've seen businesses proudly display QR codes that link to their competitor. That's what we call an "own goal" in the trade.

Making Your Review Link Work Harder

Got your short link? Brilliant. Now let's make it earn its keep:

Email Signatures
Add a line: "Enjoyed our service? We'd love your feedback on Google"

Invoice Footers
"Thank you for your business! If you have a moment, sharing your experience helps others find us"

Text Messages
After completing a job: "Hi [Name], thanks for choosing us! If you're happy with our service, we'd appreciate a quick review: [your-link]"

Business Cards
Add the QR code to the back. Modern problems require modern solutions.

Common Mistakes That Kill Review Rates

Beyond sending links that could double as a PhD thesis, here are other ways businesses shoot themselves in the foot:

Asking at the Wrong Time
Strike while the iron's hot. Just delivered exceptional service? That's your moment. Waiting three months? That ship has sailed.

Making it Complicated
"First, create a Google account, then verify your email, then..." Stop. If they need instructions, you've already lost them.

Being Pushy
One follow-up is professional. Five is restraining order territory.

Forgetting to Say Thank You
When someone takes time to review your business, acknowledge it. A simple "Thanks for the lovely review!" goes a long way.

Why This Matters for Your SEO

Google Reviews aren't just digital ego boosters. They're a ranking factor for local search. More reviews, especially recent ones, help you show up when people search for businesses like yours.

But here's what most SEO guides won't tell you: the ease of leaving a review matters as much as asking for one. That chocolate company I mentioned? It has a great product but a terrible process. Don't be them.

Advanced Move: Track Your Success

Want to get fancy? Use a URL shortener like Bitly for your Google review link. You'll see:

• How many people click your link
• When they're clicking (helps with timing)
• Which request methods work best

Just remember to test the shortened link thoroughly. Nothing ruins credibility faster than sending customers to a dead link.

Real Business Success: How Fintrano Automated Their Review Process

Want to see review collection done right? Meet Fintrano, one of our Optimiser Essentials clients who've turned review requests into an art form.

Fintrano provides a smart diary app for service businesses. But here's the clever bit—they've built review requests directly into their customer journey. After completing each job, their system automatically asks the customer if they're happy with the service—a simple question, powerful results.

If the customer says yes, Fintrano immediately gives them links to leave reviews on Google Business Profile, Trustpilot, Facebook, and other platforms. Strike while the iron's hot, remember? The customer just had a great experience, they're on their phone already, and boom—review request right there.

What makes this brilliant is the timing—there is no forgetting to ask, no awkward conversations, no sending complicated links days later when the moment has passed—just seamless integration that captures feedback when customers are most willing to give it.

They're using our Optimiser Essentials DIY package to manage their SEO, which means they understand the value of reviews for local search visibility. By automating the process, they're not just making life easier for their customers - they're helping every business using Fintrano's app collect more reviews too.

Here's what Fintrano said about working with us: "I was extremely impressed with the onboarding process; it was simple to achieve some very powerful things (integrating with Google My Business, Analytics and Search Console, and generating competitor analysis for starters). I'm at the beginning of my journey with this product, but so far I couldn't be happier."

That's what we call a win-win-win situation. Fintrano strengthens its reputation, and its customers get better reviews. The company also delivers more value to its app users. Job done.

The Bottom Line

Your Google review link should be shorter than this sentence. If it's not, you're making life more complicated than necessary for you and your customers.

Take five minutes today to generate your proper review link and QR code. Test them both. Then start using them everywhere it makes sense. Your future self (and your local search rankings) will thank you.

Oh, and that chocolate company? I did leave them a review today, but I also mentioned their link situation. Sometimes, the best gift you can give a business is helping them fix what's broken.

If you've enjoyed this article and found it helpful, leave us a review to say how we helped you! Here's our Google Business Profile review link: https://g.page/r/CfosMH7wXqmoEAI/review

See what I did there?

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