QR code for Google Reviews: the fast setup
If you run a local business, the highest-leverage QR code you can print is often:
Scan → leave a Google review.
It is simple, it is familiar to customers, and it improves your rankings and conversion rate over time.
This guide covers:
- the fastest way to set it up
- what to print so people actually scan
- how to avoid the two most common failure modes
TL;DR
- Use a link that reliably opens your Google review flow.
- Print a clear instruction and reduce friction.
- Do not bury the QR code in a busy design. Give it space.
- Track your campaign with UTMs and a dedicated landing when you need attribution.
Step 1: get the right Google review link
There are a few ways to link to reviews. The goal is the same:
- take people to your business on Google
- make it obvious how to leave a review
Practical approach:
- use the official share link for your business profile
- test it on iOS and Android
If you want to be safe for future changes and better tracking, do not encode the long Google URL directly.
Instead:
- encode a short URL you control
- then redirect to the Google destination
That is what dynamic QR codes are for.
Step 2: decide whether you need tracking
If you only care that people can review, a direct link is fine.
If you care about measuring placement or staff performance, tracking helps.
Two common tracking setups:
Option A: simple (no analytics)
- QR code → Google review link
Option B: measurable (recommended)
- QR code → your short link
- short link adds UTMs and redirects to Google
Example UTM pattern:
- utm_source=table_tent
- utm_medium=qr
- utm_campaign=reviews
Related read:
Step 3: make the print copy do the work
A QR code without a clear instruction is just a random square.
Use a direct call to action:
- "Leave us a Google review"
- "Scan to review"
Add one trust line:
- "Takes 30 seconds"
If you can, add a tiny incentive note that is compliant with local rules.
Do not do anything sketchy.
Step 4: make it scan reliably
Most review QR codes fail because they are:
- too small
- low contrast
- missing quiet zone
- placed on reflective surfaces
Quick rules:
- use dark-on-light contrast
- keep a clean margin around the code
- do not shrink below about 2.5 cm on printed cards
Related reads:
Step 5: place it where the moment exists
The best placements are where satisfaction is highest:
- right after service
- at the end of a meal
- at pickup
- inside the packaging for delivery
Common placements that underperform:
- near the entrance
- in a cluttered window sign
Make it easy. Put it where the customer is already waiting.
The two biggest mistakes
Mistake 1: QR code points to a slow landing page
If your link chain is slow, people bounce.
Keep redirects clean and fast.
Related read:
Mistake 2: asking too much
If your card has:
- three QR codes
- five social icons
- a paragraph of text
You will get fewer reviews.
Pick one action: review.
CTA: create a Google review QR code in minutes
QRShuffle makes it easy to generate a scan-safe QR code, with editable links when you need them.
Create yours here: