Google review rules: what businesses can and can’t do.

Asking for reviews is allowed and encouraged by Google. Some common habits, though, can get reviews removed or a Business Profile restricted. Here is the short version, in plain words. Google’s own policies are the final word and can change.

Allowed

• Asking every customer for an honest review, in person, by text or with a stand
• Sharing your direct review link
• Replying to every review, good or bad
• Reporting reviews that are fake, spam or offensive

Not allowed

• Incentives: discounts, freebies, raffles or payments in exchange for reviews
• Review gating: asking only customers you think are happy, or sending unhappy ones somewhere else first
• Fake reviews: writing reviews yourself, or having staff, family or a service write them
• Buying reviews from anyone, in any form

How a stand stays within the rules

A Tapfour stand opens your Google review page for anyone who taps it. It doesn’t filter customers or reward them, so every guest can leave an honest review. See also how to get more Google reviews.