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March 28, 2023People search for online reviews whenever they want to purchase a new product, book a hotel room, or otherwise do business with a company. These reviews have become the decisive factor when making a choice, so you can’t afford to ignore them. When reading reviews, people expect the source to be trustworthy, and what better source other than Google can they find? Probably none.
Google Reviews is known for being accurate and for supporting genuine consumer-written reviews exclusively. Anonymous reviews are not allowed and they have a strong anti-spam filter that keeps the list of reviews clean and resourceful. With these features, it's easy to see why so many website owners want to learn how to embed Google Reviews onto their site. This short guide will teach any person, regardless of how tech-savvy they are, to add Google Reviews to any website with ease. Here’s what you should know:
Why Are Google Reviews Useful?
When people want to spend money on something, they read online reviews first. There’s almost no exception to this rule. If they can’t find any reviews at all, they don’t trust the source and look for one with reviews instead. Not too long ago, Google launched a tool that lets people leave reviews for businesses they interact with. To have your business listed here in the first place, you need to use Google My Business, formerly known as Google Places.
This tool, owned by Google, lets business owners list their companies online and enables ordinary people to review their services. The listing is thoroughly verified by Google and it’s not easy to gain their trust, which makes the verification process quite secure. After getting approval, you’ll be able to list your company’s location, your working hours, some photos, and you can also reply to all the reviews that are published on Google Reviews. Google My Business' review system is based on a star rating out of 5, plus an option for the reviewer to write a comment. Fake reviews have no place among Google Reviews, as they ban all anonymous comments and label the most relevant reviews to list them first. The two biggest reasons why you would want to embed Google Reviews onto your own site are:
You gain social recognition
In the social media age, not having a well-branded online image leads to distrust and losing potential clients. The most potent form of gaining social recognition and trust is by receiving and answering public reviews. This is usually the number one reason to embed Google Reviews onto a site because all good marketers know that consumers are influenced by a factor called "social proof".
This term was introduced by R. Cialdini and it refers to the psychological impact of seeing and hearing what others are doing, and how it influences people to make certain decisions. In this case, after your potential clients read positive Google reviews from others, they too will form a positive opinion about your business.
There's a big problem when you have fake negative reviews, though. But you can handle those with a little patience.
It improves your SEO
The second reason behind learning how to embed Google Reviews onto your website is to improve Search Engine Optimization. It’s not a secret that reviews and testimonials give search engine algorithms some positive signs about your site. Including and managing Google Reviews on your site could make the search engine list it among the first results, since having many good reviews is a sign of website authority and reliability.
If reviews are totally absent, both users and search engines might trust your site less. Embed Google Reviews on your site for improved search rankings as well as a better CTR (Click Through Rate). Use a Google Review widget on your site so that visitors notice this feature easily and encourage them to use it. Adding review sources such as Booking or Trip Advisor next to your Google Review scan improves your website’s SEO too.
How Can You Embed Google Reviews?
After your company receives some initial feedback, it’s time to embed Google Reviews to your site. Simply copying and pasting the reviews from Google to your site won’t do the trick because the reviews will lose their authenticity. Instead, you can display them exactly the way they appear in the Google ecosystem. The few steps listed here will help you do it even if you're not great with code. Here’s what you should do:
- First, get an API key to gain access to Google Maps. Click here and provide the details required in order to generate your API key.
- Get a “Places ID” for your company. You can do that here by following the given instructions.
- Get the “Google Places” script. Click here to find out more about this script and to obtain it.
- Insert the lines of code that display the reviews on your site. To do that, queue the script files that you need and paste this code in the head section of your site:
<br /><script src="https://ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/jquery/3.2.1/jquery.min.js"></script><br /><script src="/js/google-places.js "></script><br /><script src="https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/js?v=3.exp&libraries=places&key=[API_KEY]"></script><br />
- Replace [API_KEY] with the one you generated a few steps before.
- Add the following JavaScript function to the head section of the site:
<script>
jQuery(document).ready(function() {
$("#google-reviews").googlePlaces({
placeId: '[PLACES_ID]',
render: ['reviews'],
min_rating: 5,
max_rows: 0
});
});
</script>
- Finally, add this exactly where you want the Google Reviews to be displayed:
</p><div id="google-reviews"> </div><p>
What Plugins Can You Use?
If you don’t want to go through the process described above, you can also use a plugin to embed Google Reviews on your site. It takes far less effort and it is the recommended method for those who are not tech-savvy. You will need to go through three steps only
- Choosing a plugin
Start by searching for free options for Google Reviews plugins that can integrate reviews on a website. Normally, the plugin you choose should include features such as adjusting the Google Reviews widget to fit the website just the way you want, selecting what reviews you’d like to list first, and so on. The plugin should add the widget without slowing down your site and it should be up to date for the best security. A plugin that is updated regularly and offers support would make a good choice.
- Installing the plugin
To install the plugin, you need to access the admin portal of the WordPress website and navigate to the Plugins section. Click on “Add New” and type in the name of the plugin you’ve selected earlier. Install it and you’re ready to go.
- Customization
Use your Google My Business API key to get the plugin functioning properly. Once you’ve established a connection between the plugin and the local listing, use plugin shortcodes to change the way the Google Reviews widget looks. You can publish it on one or more pages on your website.
Track the Results
Once you’ve learned how to embed Google Reviews on your site, make sure to keep an eye on what reviews you receive. If you already offer the greatest quality product or service you can, and your support is phenomenal, then your customers will be happy to share their praise for you.Regardless of whether the review is positive or negative, respond to every review that you receive to gain customers’ trust and loyalty.
To build a strong online image, you will have to gather a considerable number of positive reviews. One or two entries won’t convince the buyers that your company is the right choice. Work your way towards obtaining valuable reviews by asking customers to review their experience with your company on your site. Around 10 reviews are the needed number to embed Google Reviews on your site. Under 10 reviews won’t do the job.
FAQs on embedding Google Reviews on your website
What is the benefit of embedding Google reviews on my website?
By presenting positive ratings from delighted consumers, Google reviews embedded on your website can help develop confidence with new clients. It also improves your website's search engine rankings by adding new, relevant material.
How do I embed Google reviews on my website?
You may add reviews from your Google My Business page to your website by installing a widget or plugin that does just that. Just enter the code we offer into your webpage.
Do I need any special skills or software to embed Google reviews?
Google reviews can be embedded with no additional software or technical know-how. Add Google reviews to your site with the help of a plugin or widget available for most website builders and CMSes.
Can I choose which Google reviews to embed on my website?
The Google reviews you choose to display on your site are entirely up to you. Filtering reviews by rating or keywords is a common feature of many plugins and widgets.
Will embedding Google reviews slow down my website?
As the embedded reviews come directly from Google's servers, they shouldn't slow down your site too much. But, your site's performance may suffer if you install too many add-ons.
What is the best way to display Google reviews on my website?
How you want Google reviews to appear on your site is entirely up to you. A review slider, a full-page display, or a widget in the sidebar are all viable possibilities.
Can I customize the appearance of embedded Google reviews on my website?
You can change the look of many plugins and widgets by changing things like the background color or the typeface. However, familiarity with coding may be required for some configuration settings.
Do I need permission from the reviewers to embed their Google reviews?
As long as the reviews are visible to the public on Google, you do not need the reviewers' permission to embed them on your website. Nonetheless, proper citation of review sources is always appreciated.
Can I respond to Google reviews directly from my website?
Unfortunately, Google does not allow you to reply to reviews from within their site. Your Google My Business account is where you'll want to reply to customer feedback.
How can I encourage customers to leave Google reviews for my business?
Customer reviews on Google can help your business grow if you ask for them in person and follow up with emails, promote your Google My Business page on your website and social media, and provide discounts or freebies in exchange for reviews.
Final Thoughts
Google My Business holds great importance in listing your services and products professionally on the World Wide Web. There’s nothing more important than letting your customers know that your previous buyers were happy with the products or services they received.All digital marketers would recommend embedding Google Reviews on your site, so don’t think twice if you’ve been planning this for a while now.
