Every week I speak with business owners who tell me the same story. Their customers love them, praise them in person, send amazing messages, thank them repeatedly, yet somehow almost none of that positive energy ends up on their Google Business Profile. The reason is simple. Most customers do not actually know how to leave a Google review. They’re willing, they’re happy to support you, but the process feels confusing, hidden or inconvenient. And in today’s world where Google reviews influence trust, ranking and customer decisions, knowing how to guide people is essential.
This guide explains, in clear human terms, exactly how anyone can leave a Google review step by step. It’s not written from a technical perspective. It’s written based on real experiences from helping thousands of customers leave reviews for local businesses. Along the way, I will reference internal resources such as your article on authentic customer feedback and your practical walk through on how to get reviews for your business. I will also reference trusted external sources like Google Business Profile Support and Search Engine Journal.
By the end of this guide, you will know exactly how to leave a review on any device, how to help customers complete the process smoothly and how BGR Review ensures that every review left for your business follows natural, authentic and compliant behaviour.
Table of contents
- Why Google reviews matter
- What you need before leaving a review
- How to leave a Google review on mobile
- How to leave a Google review on desktop
- How to leave a review without a direct link
- Tips for writing helpful and authentic reviews
- Troubleshooting common problems
- How BGR Review helps businesses get more real reviews
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Why Google reviews matter
A Google review is not just a rating. It’s a trust signal. It influences the customer’s confidence and Google’s ranking algorithm simultaneously. According to Google’s own documentation at Google Business Profile Support, reviews contribute to a ranking factor called prominence. This means Google rewards businesses that receive consistent and authentic reviews from real customers. Reviews also influence customer behaviour. People are far more likely to choose a business with strong, detailed reviews rather than one with no social proof.
Your internal article on how Google detects fake reviews explains why authenticity is so important. Genuine reviews written in natural language carry far more value for the reader and for Google’s algorithm. When customers know how to leave a review properly, your review profile becomes stronger, safer and more trustworthy.
What you need before leaving a review
Leaving a Google review is simple, but there are a few requirements every customer must meet. First, the customer must be signed in to a Google account. This can be a Gmail account or any Google-linked account. Second, the customer must access your Google Business Profile either through a direct link or by searching your business name on Google or Google Maps. Third, the customer must use a phone or computer connected to the internet.
Many customers struggle because they don’t realise they must be logged into Google before the review box appears. Others attempt to leave a review inside the wrong location or business listing. Clarifying these basics prevents frustration and increases successful review conversions.
How to leave a Google review on mobile
Most reviews today are written on mobile devices. People use their phones while sitting in their car, standing in your lobby or relaxing at home. Here’s the simplest, most customer-friendly explanation for how to leave a Google review on any mobile phone.
Step 1. Open Google Maps or Google Search
The customer can use either the Google Maps app or the Google Search app. Both work the same way. Most customers already have Maps installed, making this step effortless.
Step 2. Search for the business name
Customers should type the exact business name. For example. Bright Smile Dental Clinic London. This ensures they land on the correct business listing.
Step 3. Tap the business profile
Once your business appears, the customer taps the name to open the full profile with reviews, photos and contact details.
Step 4. Scroll to the reviews section
On mobile, the reviews section is clearly visible. Customers simply scroll until they see the star rating and review highlights.
Step 5. Tap Write a Review
This opens the review box. The customer selects the number of stars, writes their experience and taps Post.
This entire process takes less than thirty seconds when the customer has clear instructions. It’s even faster when they use your direct review link, which you explain in your internal guide on getting more Google reviews.
How to leave a Google review on desktop
Some people still prefer using a laptop or desktop, especially older customers or professionals who spend more time in front of a computer. The process is almost identical to mobile, just in a wider layout.
Step 1. Go to Google.com
The customer goes to the standard Google homepage.
Step 2. Search for the business name
Again, exact spelling is important. Google automatically displays the Business Profile card on the right-hand side for desktop users.
Step 3. Click Write a Review
In the business sidebar, customers will see the review stars. Right underneath is the Write a Review button. Clicking it opens the review editor.
Step 4. Select stars and write the review
The customer chooses the star rating, writes their thoughts and clicks Post. That’s it. The review becomes visible almost instantly unless Google temporarily flags it for verification.
How to leave a review without a direct link
Some customers lose the review link or prefer searching manually. Here’s the simplest instruction you can give them. Search the business name on Google. Tap or click the business. Scroll to reviews. Tap Write a Review. This universal method works even if they don’t have the link anymore.
Your internal article on authenticity explains why customers should always write reviews in their own voice. When people search manually, the review process still counts as authentic and trusted.
Tips for writing helpful and authentic reviews
Customers often ask. What should I write. Without coaching them, you can give guidance that keeps everything compliant. Encourage them to share real details. Real experience. What they liked. What stood out. Whether they would return. These guidelines help customers write genuine reviews that Google trusts. Avoid giving them scripts or telling them what to mention.
Authentic written reviews also naturally include keywords that help your business rank higher. For example. The dentist fixed my tooth pain quickly. These natural phrases increase relevance without violating guidelines.
Troubleshooting common problems
Sometimes customers run into issues when trying to leave a review. Here are the most common ones.
They can’t see the Write a Review button
This usually means they are not logged in. Ask them to log into their Google account first.
The review doesn’t appear
Google may temporarily hold reviews for quality checks, especially if the customer is posting for the first time. Your guide on fake review detection explains the behind the scenes process.
The customer is reviewing the wrong business
Advise them to search for your exact business name to avoid duplicates or similar businesses.
The review disappears later
This often happens when customers post from shared WiFi or use overly similar phrasing. Keeping reviews natural prevents most removals.
How BGR Review helps businesses get more real reviews
BGR Review stands out because it focuses on authentic, human driven review growth. While many companies rely on fake reviews or automated scripts, BGR Review uses real customers and real user behaviour. They analyse your business, identify your best review trigger points and help you create natural review flow without triggering Google’s detection filters.
Unlike fake review providers, BGR Review understands Google’s strict guidelines and works entirely within them. Their method involves guiding real users, optimising timing and ensuring every review looks and behaves like genuine feedback. This is why their reviews stay live, strengthen your ranking and improve your authority.
If you want long term reputation stability without risking penalties, BGR Review’s model is one of the safest approaches available.
FAQ
Do customers need a Gmail email to leave a Google review
No. Any Google account works, even if it uses a non Gmail email.
Can customers leave reviews anonymously
No. Google requires the reviewer’s profile name to appear publicly.
Do customers need the review link
The link helps, but customers can always search manually for your business.
Can customers edit their reviews later
Yes. Reviews can be edited or deleted at any time.
Why do some reviews not show up
Google filters suspicious activity, new accounts or location mismatches. Authentic behaviour avoids this.
Conclusion
Leaving a Google review is simple once customers understand the process. The key is making the steps clear, accessible and friction free. When customers know how to leave reviews properly, you build stronger trust, better ranking signals and a more authoritative online presence. Google rewards businesses with consistent, authentic review activity, and your role is to make that process easy for your customers.
BGR Review enhances this entire process by guiding real users, maintaining authenticity and helping businesses set up seamless review flows that Google trusts. When you combine customer education with natural behaviour and safe strategies, your Google review profile becomes a long term asset that drives visibility, credibility and growth.
