Can customers leave a Google review without a Gmail account?
Yes, as long as they have a Google Account. Google's tips for getting reviews say customers must be signed in to a Google Account to leave a review, and that they can set one up with a non-Gmail email address. There is no anonymous option: Google's Maps help says all reviews are public. Tell customers that plainly, send a direct link, and never offer anything in return for the review.
What a customer needs
- A Google Account: Google says customers must be signed in to one to leave a review.
- A non-Gmail address works: Google says they can set one up with a non-Gmail email address, and its tips page links to Google's own steps for creating an account.
- A public name: Google's Maps help says all reviews are public, that a reviewer cannot add an anonymous review, and that others can find the name on the reviewer's About me page.
- A current app: Google says customers on older phones or software might have trouble leaving a review, and recommends updating the Maps app.
What to tell a customer who has no Gmail
As general advice, say it before they reach the sign-in screen, because that screen is often where a willing customer gives up. A short note can cover it: the link, that Google asks them to sign in to a Google Account to post, that they can create one with the email address they already use, and that their account name shows with the review.
Send it by text only with the person's consent, or by email or in person. A customer who would rather not make an account can simply skip it; let them. Once a review is up, the related answer on how to reply to a positive Google review covers the thank-you.
Making the link easy
Your profile gives you a review link and a QR code (the related answer on Google or Yelp reviews says where), and Google says you can send requests through email, WhatsApp message or Facebook post. Its suggestions include putting the link on receipts and in thank-you emails. The related answer on getting more reviews the right way covers when to ask, and a new review can take a few days to appear while Google checks it, as the related answer on why Google reviews are missing explains.
What not to do
Offer nothing for the review, never post it for the customer, never press anyone on the spot, and never ask only the customers you expect to be happy; the related answers on getting more reviews the right way and on giving customers a discount for a review cover Google's rules on each.
Sources
- Google Business Profile Help, "Tips to get more reviews"
- Google Business Profile Help, "Create a Google link or QR code to request reviews"
- Google Business Profile Help, "About missing or delayed reviews"
- Google Maps Help, "Add, edit, or delete Google Maps reviews & ratings"
- Maps User Generated Content Policy Help, "Prohibited & restricted content"
Related answers
- How do you get more reviews the right way?
- How should a business reply to a positive Google review?
- Why are some of my Google reviews missing or not showing up?
- Can you give customers a discount or a gift for leaving a review?
- Which matter more for a service business: Google reviews or Yelp reviews?
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