> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.moregoodreviews.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.moregoodreviews.com/platform/google-review-guidelines.md).

# Google Review Guidelines

Google has rules for how businesses collect and manage reviews. If you break them, Google may remove reviews, suspend your Business Profile, or restrict your listing. MGR gives you tools to collect more reviews, but you are responsible for using them in a way that follows Google's policies.

This page explains what Google expects, how MGR is designed to help you stay compliant, and the settings we recommend.

***

### What Google Cares About

Google's policies focus on honest, unbiased reviews from real customers. The main rules that affect how you use MGR are:

* **No review gating** – You should not block unhappy customers from leaving a public review on Google while only sending happy customers there.
* **No incentives for reviews** – You should not offer money, discounts, gifts, or entries into a sweepstakes in exchange for a Google review.
* **No fake or misleading reviews** – Reviews must come from real customers who had a genuine experience with your business.
* **No posting on behalf of customers** – You should not submit reviews for customers without their knowledge, or copy and paste reviews they did not write themselves.

For the full policy, see [Google's Maps user contributions policy](https://support.google.com/maps/answer/2622994) and [Google's prohibited and restricted content policy](https://support.google.com/contributionpolicy/answer/7400114).

***

### How MGR Helps You Stay Compliant

MGR is built around collecting feedback first and directing customers to Google when appropriate. Several features are designed with Google's rules in mind:

#### Link Revealer (recommended)

On your [review page Links](/platform/review-pages/links.md), you can set a **Link Reveal Rating** so Google review buttons appear automatically when a customer selects a high rating (typically 4 or 5 stars). For lower ratings, MGR shows a **link revealer** by default: a small link that still lets the customer go to Google if they choose.

{% hint style="success" %}
Keep **Link Revealer Button** set to **Enable**. This gives every customer a path to leave a public review, which aligns with Google's expectations.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="danger" %}
Do not disable the link revealer. If you hide public review links from customers who had a negative experience, Google may remove your Business Profile listing.
{% endhint %}

#### Collecting feedback before Google

It is fine to ask customers for private feedback on your review page before sending them to Google. Many businesses use MGR this way. The important part is that unhappy customers can still reach Google if they want to.

#### Filtering what you display

You can hide low-rated reviews from your [Showcase](https://github.com/moregoodreviews/mgr-docs/blob/main/showcase.md) and [Widgets](https://github.com/moregoodreviews/mgr-docs/blob/main/widgets.md). That is different from blocking someone from leaving a review on Google. Display filters do not prevent customers from posting on Google.

#### Syncing and replying

When you connect [Google My Business](https://github.com/moregoodreviews/mgr-docs/blob/main/integrations.md), MGR imports your Google reviews and lets you reply from your dashboard. Replies should be honest, professional, and written by you (or approved by you if you use AI assistance).

***

### Recommended Settings

Use these settings as a starting point for a Google-friendly setup:

1. **Review Pages > Links** – Add a Google review link. Set **Link Reveal Rating** to 4 or 5. Keep **Link Revealer Button** enabled.
2. **Review Pages > Success Page** – You can encourage happy customers to copy their review and paste it on Google. Do not write reviews for them or ask them to post text they did not write.
3. **Review Pages > Links > Incentive** – Leave this blank for Google links. Do not offer discounts, free items, or rewards for leaving a Google review.
4. **Settings > Strategy** – Request reviews from real customers after a genuine transaction or visit. See [Request Strategy](https://github.com/moregoodreviews/mgr-docs/blob/main/request-strategy.md) for timing and limits.
5. **Settings > Integrations** – Connect Google My Business to sync reviews and reply from one place.

***

### Review Requests

Sending review requests by email or SMS is allowed when you follow a few basic rules:

* **Ask real customers only** – Import customers who actually used your product or service.
* **Do not spam** – Use your [Request Strategy](https://github.com/moregoodreviews/mgr-docs/blob/main/request-strategy.md) schedule and limits so customers are not overwhelmed.
* **Do not condition rewards on reviews** – Thank-you messages are fine. Paying or rewarding customers only if they leave a positive Google review is not.
* **Honor opt-outs** – MGR handles unsubscribe and STOP requests for email and SMS. Do not manually re-add customers who opted out just to ask for another review.

{% hint style="info" %}
A customer is only automatically requested once per project. If you want to ask again, send a manual request from their profile on the **Customers** page.
{% endhint %}

***

### AI-Generated Replies

MGR can suggest replies to your Google reviews using AI. Before you send a reply:

* Read and edit the suggestion so it matches what you actually want to say.
* Do not use AI to generate fake reviews or to post on behalf of customers.
* Keep replies professional, especially for negative reviews.

***

### What to Avoid

| Do not                                                      | Why                                                   |
| ----------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- |
| Disable the link revealer                                   | Blocks unhappy customers from reaching Google         |
| Offer incentives on Google links                            | Violates Google's no-incentive rule                   |
| Send review requests to people who never used your business | Fake or misleading solicitation                       |
| Post reviews for customers                                  | Reviews must reflect the customer's own experience    |
| Only ask happy customers to review you outside of MGR       | Selective solicitation violates Google's gating rules |

***

### If Google Removes a Review or Restricts Your Listing

MGR cannot appeal Google's decisions on your behalf. If a review is removed or your listing is restricted:

1. Review your recent review collection practices against the guidance on this page.
2. Check your [Links](/platform/review-pages/links.md) settings, especially the link revealer.
3. Visit [Google Business Profile Help](https://support.google.com/business/) for next steps.
4. Contact MGR support if you need help understanding how your MGR settings may have contributed.

{% hint style="warning" %}
MGR does not guarantee that Google will accept, publish, or keep any review. Third-party platforms make their own enforcement decisions.
{% endhint %}