How to Leave a Google Review (Step-by-Step Guide)

You had a great experience with a local business and want to leave them a Google review. Maybe they asked you directly, maybe they sent you a link, or maybe you just want to help them out because they did great work.

Either way, leaving a Google review takes about 60 seconds. Here’s exactly how to do it.

What You Need Before You Start

You need a Google account. That’s it.

If you have a Gmail address, you already have one. If you use Google Maps, YouTube, or any other Google service, you’re already signed in. If you don’t have a Google account at all, you can create one for free at accounts.google.com — it takes about two minutes.

You do NOT need:

A Gmail email address (any email works for creating a Google account)
The Google Maps app (you can do it in any browser)
A Google Business account (that’s for business owners, not reviewers)
To have visited the business’s physical location (though it helps for credibility)

Method 1: Using a Direct Review Link (Easiest)

If the business sent you a link — via text, email, or on a card — this is the fastest way.

Tap or click the link. It will open Google Maps or a Google review popup directly.
Sign in if prompted (you may already be signed in).
Select your star rating (1 to 5 stars).
Write your review (optional but very helpful — even 1-2 sentences makes a difference).
Tap “Post.”

That’s it. The whole process takes under a minute.

If the link doesn’t work or takes you to a generic Google Maps page, try Method 2 below.

Method 2: Searching on Google (Phone or Computer)

If you don’t have a direct link, you can find the business on Google and leave a review from there.

On your phone

Open your web browser (Chrome, Safari, etc.) or the Google Maps app.
Search for the business by name. For example: “Smith’s Plumbing Toronto.”
Tap the business name in the search results to open their Google Business Profile.
Scroll down to the “Reviews” section and tap “Write a review.”
Select your star rating and write your review.
Tap “Post.”

On your computer

Go to Google Maps (maps.google.com) or just search Google for the business name.
Click the business name to open their profile.
Click “Write a review” in the reviews section.
Select your star rating, write your review, and click “Post.”

How to Write a Good Review

You don’t need to write a novel. A few sentences are plenty. But if you want to write a review that’s actually helpful — both to the business and to other people reading it — here’s what to include.

Mention the specific service

Instead of “Great service,” try “They replaced our water heater in about three hours.” Specific details help other customers understand what the business does well.

Describe the experience

Was the person on time? Were they clean? Did they explain what they were doing? Did they respect your home? These details matter to people reading reviews because they want to know what it’s actually like to hire this business.

Mention the result

“The new paint color looks amazing” or “The drain hasn’t clogged since” or “The house is so much more comfortable now.” Results tell future customers what they can expect.

Keep it honest

Write about your genuine experience. You don’t need to exaggerate or use marketing language. A straightforward, honest review is more credible and more helpful than an over-the-top one.

Example of a great review

“Called Smith’s Plumbing on a Sunday because our basement was flooding from a burst pipe. Mike showed up within 45 minutes, found the problem, and had it fixed in about two hours. He even helped us move some boxes away from the water before he started. Fair price, fast work, and he cleaned up after himself. Would absolutely call them again.”

That review is about 50 words and it’s incredibly effective. It tells you what happened, how the business responded, and how the customer felt about it.

Can You Edit or Delete a Review After Posting?

Yes. You can edit or delete your Google review at any time.

To edit or delete a review

Open Google Maps (app or website).
Tap your profile icon in the top right.
Select “Your contributions” then “Reviews.”
Find the review you want to change.
Tap the three dots (⋮) next to the review.
Choose “Edit review” or “Delete review.”

If you edit a review, the updated version replaces the original. If you delete it, it’s gone permanently.

Common Questions

Do I have to use my real name?

Your review will show the name on your Google account. You can use any name on your Google account, but reviews from accounts with real names and profile photos tend to carry more weight with readers.

Can the business see who left the review?

Yes. Your Google account name and profile photo (if you have one) are visible on the review. The business can also respond publicly to your review.

Can I leave a review without writing anything?

Yes. You can leave just a star rating with no text. But even a sentence or two makes the review much more valuable — both for the business and for people reading it.

Will the business know if I leave a review?

Most businesses receive notifications when they get a new Google review. If you received a review request from a tool like Ricorda or a similar service, the business may also be notified that way.

Can I leave a review from my work Google account?

Yes, but keep in mind that the name associated with that account will appear on the review. If your work account uses your company name instead of your personal name, the review might look unusual.

How long does it take for a review to appear?

Most reviews appear immediately or within a few minutes. Occasionally, Google may hold a review for a brief moderation check, which can take up to a few days. If your review doesn’t appear after a week, it may have been flagged by Google’s automated filters — try rewriting it without any links or promotional language.

Why Your Review Matters

When you leave a Google review for a local business, you’re doing more than just giving them a rating. You’re helping other people in your community make better decisions about who to hire. And for small businesses — the plumber who showed up at midnight, the painter who matched the color perfectly, the landscaper who transformed your backyard — reviews are often the difference between staying busy and struggling to find work.

It takes 60 seconds. If they did a great job, they’ve earned it.