Your website visitors trust real experiences—and what better way to boost credibility than by showcasing glowing Google reviews directly on your WordPress site? It’s a powerful way to turn browsers into believers.
Many business owners and bloggers wonder how to make these valuable reviews visible outside Google. The good news? Embedding Google reviews is easier than you might think.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple methods and practical tips to display Google reviews on WordPress, step by step.
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How to Embed Google Reviews in WordPress: A Comprehensive Guide
Displaying positive Google Reviews on your WordPress website is a fantastic strategy to build trust and boost conversion rates. Potential customers are far more likely to choose your business if they see real, recent reviews from happy clients. This guide breaks down exactly how to embed Google Reviews on your WordPress website—simply, effectively, and often for free.
Why Add Google Reviews to Your WordPress Site?
Before we dive into the ‘how’, let’s look at the ‘why.’ Embedding Google Reviews offers clear advantages:
- Builds Trust: Authentic, third-party reviews foster credibility.
- Increases Conversions: Visitors convinced by good reviews are more likely to act.
- Showcases Reputation: Your strong track record is front and center.
- Boosts SEO: Fresh, user-generated content can positively impact your search rankings.
With benefits this clear, it makes sense to highlight your best reviews where your customers will see them.
The Main Ways to Embed Google Reviews in WordPress
There are two primary ways to add Google Reviews to your WordPress site:
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Using a Plugin
The simplest and most popular method. WordPress plugins require little technical knowledge and can display reviews dynamically. -
Manually Embedding Reviews
For those who prefer control or want a minimal setup, you can manually copy and paste reviews or use Google widgets.
Let’s break down each method, so you can pick the best one for your needs.
Method 1: Using a WordPress Plugin
Plugins do the heavy lifting. With just a few clicks, you can fetch and display Google Reviews on your site in real time. Many are free or have free tiers, ideal for small businesses and budget-conscious website owners.
Step-by-Step: Adding Google Reviews with a Plugin
Here’s how to do it:
- Choose a Plugin
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Popular free plugins include:
- Embedder for Google Reviews
- Social Reviews & Recommendations
- WP Google Review Slider
- Site-specific builders (like Sociable Kit, Smash Balloon, or SeedProd)
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Install and Activate the Plugin
- From your WordPress Dashboard, go to ‘Plugins’ > ‘Add New.’
- Search for your chosen plugin.
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Click ‘Install Now,’ then ‘Activate.’
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Connect to Your Google Business Profile
- The plugin will prompt you for either your Google Place ID or a connection process.
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Follow the authentication or setup steps provided by the plugin.
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Customize the Display
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Most plugins let you:
- Choose how many reviews to show
- Select layout style (carousel, grid, list)
- Filter reviews by rating
- Change color schemes for branding
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Embed the Reviews on Your Site
- Plugins usually generate a shortcode or a widget.
- Insert the shortcode into pages, posts, or sidebars as desired.
- Use the Block Editor (Gutenberg) or old-school widgets.
Popular Plugins: Pros and Cons
- Embedder for Google Reviews
- Very simple & user-friendly
- Free for basic use
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May limit advanced customizations
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Sociable Kit
- Great visual templates
- Free tier available
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Some custom features require paid plan
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WP Google Review Slider
- Displays reviews as a slider
- Lots of design options
- Can upgrade for additional features
Tip: Always read plugin reviews and check when it was last updated to ensure security and compatibility.
Method 2: Manually Embedding Google Reviews
If you want to avoid plugins, manual embedding is an option, though it requires more effort and does not update automatically.
Steps to Manually Embed Reviews
- Copy and Paste
- Go to your Google Business listing.
- Find the review(s) you’d like to showcase.
- Take a screenshot or copy the text.
- Paste directly into your WordPress page or post.
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(Optional) Add the reviewer’s name and star rating.
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Use Google Maps Embed Widget
- Open Google Maps and search for your business.
- Click ‘Share’ > ‘Embed a map.’
- Copy the HTML iframe code.
- Paste into your website’s HTML or Custom HTML block.
Drawbacks:
– Won’t auto-update as new reviews appear
– Not as visually integrated
– No filtering options
Best Practices When Embedding Google Reviews
To get the most out of your embedded reviews, keep these key tips in mind:
- Highlight Recent Reviews: Fresh feedback is most convincing to visitors.
- Showcase High Ratings: Display your best testimonials, but be authentic (and include a range of feedback if possible).
- Maintain Consistent Style: Match the review display to your website’s branding for a professional look.
- Use Responsiveness: Ensure reviews display well on all devices, especially mobile.
- Comply with Guidelines: Respect Google’s terms of use. Show reviews as they appear, without editing.
Benefits of Using Plugins for Embedding Google Reviews
- Automatic Updates: New reviews appear on your site without manual input.
- Customizable Layouts: Choose a look that matches your style.
- Filtering: Show only 4-star and above reviews or specific feedback.
- Easy Integration: Add reviews to any page, post, or sidebar with minimal effort.
Challenges and Considerations
While embedding Google Reviews is mostly straightforward, here are a few things to be aware of:
- API Quotas: Some plugins use the Google Places API, which has usage limits. Free tiers are available for most small businesses, but high-traffic sites may need to pay.
- Plugin Compatibility: Occasionally, plugins can conflict with your theme or other plugins. Always test new plugins on a staging site first.
- Review Authenticity: Only showcase real, unaltered reviews. Fake or filtered reviews can backfire and damage your reputation.
Cost Tips
- Free Options: Many high-quality plugins have robust free versions suitable for basic needs.
- Premium Features: Advanced customization, more layouts, or removing branding often require a paid plan—typically ranging from $5 to $30/month.
- No Shipping Costs: Since embedding is digital, there’s no shipping or hidden fees.
- API Costs: For very large sites, Google Places API may incur charges after a generous free quota.
Pro Tip: Start with free plugin features. Only upgrade if you outgrow the basics.
Practical Examples: Where to Display Google Reviews
- Homepage: Showcase your best reviews front and center.
- Sidebar or Footer: Add a reviews widget to run across every page.
- Dedicated Testimonials Page: Create a trust-focused landing page with both Google and other reviews.
- Service or Product Pages: Feature relevant reviews for each offering.
Troubleshooting & Tips for Success
- Plugin Not Displaying Reviews?
- Double-check your Google Place ID or authentication
- Clear your site’s cache
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Ensure your Google Business Profile is published and active
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Layout Looks Off?
- Adjust plugin settings for size, columns, or formatting
- Test on mobile and desktop
- Concerned About Bad Reviews?
- Most plugins allow you to filter reviews by rating
- Strive for authenticity—don’t remove all negative feedback, but focus on your strengths
Summary
Embedding Google Reviews on your WordPress website is one of the most powerful, low-effort ways to build trust and turn browsers into buyers. Whether you opt for a straightforward plugin or manual embedding, the process is accessible to anyone—even if you’re new to WordPress.
Focus on authentic, recent reviews, and use plugins for automatic updates and customization. Start simple, and scale up your features as your site grows.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I embed Google Reviews on my WordPress site for free?
Yes! Many WordPress plugins offer a free tier for displaying Google Reviews. For simple needs, these are perfect and require no coding.
2. Do embedded Google Reviews update automatically?
If you use a plugin that connects to your Google Business Profile, reviews update automatically. Manually embedded reviews (copy and paste) will not.
3. Is it against Google’s policy to display reviews on my site?
You are allowed to show your Google Reviews, but you must not alter or misrepresent them. Always use reviews as they appear on Google to comply with their guidelines.
4. How do I filter only positive reviews to display?
Most plugins give the option to set a minimum star rating (for example, only 4 stars and above). Check your plugin’s settings for these filters.
5. What should I do if my plugin stops working or reviews aren’t showing?
First, verify your connection and settings (like Place ID). Next, update or reinstall the plugin. If problems persist, try a different plugin or contact the plugin’s support team.
By following this guide, you’ll have your glowing Google Reviews displayed on WordPress in no time—improving your credibility, conversions, and customer confidence.