Customer reviews drive more and more of a restaurant’s bookings, a clinic’s appointments or a shop’s sales. User reviews are a fundamental part of the success of any business, especially if you want to build a positive online reputation. If you have a WordPress website and are looking for an easy, effective way to show Google reviews on your website, in this guide I explain how to do it with a plugin and what to keep in mind.
Why show Google reviews on your website?
- They build trust: seeing real, positive reviews influences visitors’ purchase decisions.
- Social proof: they show that other customers were satisfied.
- They strengthen your local SEO: reviews are an important factor in your Google profile (see my guide on Google Business Profile and WordPress), and showing them on your website complements your local presence.
- Always up-to-date content: every new review appears without you having to do anything.
Before you start
To show reviews you need to have your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) created and verified, and reviews published on it. If you do not have it yet, start there.
How to implement a Google reviews plugin in WordPress
There are several plugins for this. One of the most used is Widgets for Google Reviews (formerly called WP Reviews Plugin for Google), which is the one I use as an example in this guide. Other well-known alternatives are the Smash Balloon or Site Reviews plugins. The names and features of free and paid versions change often, so check the plugin page before installing it.
Step 1: install the plugin
Go to your WordPress dashboard, select “Plugins” and then “Add New”. Search for the plugin, install it and activate it.
Step 2: connect it to your Google business
Once activated, the plugin will ask you to connect your business. Usually it is enough to search for your business by name (or by its Google place ID) and select it, following the plugin’s own instructions. This syncs the reviews with your website.
Step 3: choose the style and where to show them
Choose the design (carousel, list, grid, badge with the average rating…), customize it with your brand colors and place it using a block, a widget or a shortcode on the homepage, on service pages or on the contact page. If you use Elementor, you normally have a dedicated widget.
What this type of plugin offers
1. Ease of use
Intuitive interface: you do not need to be a web development expert to show your reviews.
2. Flexible customization
You can adjust the design to fit the look of your website and improve the user experience.
3. It builds trust
Seeing authentic, positive reviews increases visitor trust.
4. It supports your local SEO
Showing your reviews reinforces your online presence and can help your local SEO, since Google values positive reviews.
Things to keep in mind
- Free version limitations: it is common for it to show only a limited number of reviews or have fewer design options.
- Speed: external widgets can add weight to your page. Check that it does not worsen your loading speed.
- GDPR and cookies: some plugins load resources or images from Google. If your website uses a cookie banner, check that the plugin is compatible with your privacy setup.
- Structured data (schema): Google does not show review star ratings that you yourself put on your own website for your own business, so do not mark up your own reviews with Review schema expecting to get them in the results. Use the plugin only to show them to your visitors.
- Ask for more reviews: from your Google profile you can get a direct link for your customers to leave one. Share it by email, WhatsApp or with a QR code.
- Reply to reviews, including negative ones, politely and with solutions.
Frequently asked questions
Can I show Google reviews on my website for free?
Yes, there are plugins with a free version, although they usually have limits on the number of reviews or on features.
Do reviews update by themselves?
Yes, the plugin syncs them with your profile every so often. If they do not appear, clear your website cache.
Can I choose which reviews to show?
Many plugins let you filter them by rating (for example, showing only 4 and 5 stars), although it is important not to manipulate the real image of your business.
And if you run tourist accommodation, your reviews can be the nudge that makes people book with you and not on Airbnb. In my web design for vacation rentals service I integrate them alongside the direct booking system. If you do not have a website yet, start with this guide to building a vacation rental website with direct bookings.
In short, showing your Google reviews on your WordPress site is a smart decision to build a solid reputation and generate trust. I hope this guide has been useful! If you have any questions, leave them in the comments. And if you need me to implement it, or other services, you can get in touch with me through my form.
Reviews also influence your local SEO rankings.
