A QR code for Google reviews lets a customer point their phone camera at a card or standee and land on your review box. There is no searching and no typing a business name. For shops, restaurants, clinics and salons, it is one of the simplest ways to turn happy customers into public reviews.
This guide shows how to make the code, how big to print it, where to put it and what to avoid. If you are still deciding on the bigger picture, read our overview of building a QR code review system after this.
Step 1: Get your Google review link
A QR code is only a picture of a web address, so you need the address first. Follow our step-by-step guide to creating a Google review link. You can copy it from your Business Profile or build it from your Place ID.
Step 2: Turn the link into a QR code
You have three common choices:
- A free QR generator. Paste your link and download a PNG or SVG file. Choose a generator that does not put its own redirect in the middle. A redirect can stop working if the service closes or changes its terms.
- ReviewPro. Add your business and ReviewPro creates your QR code and a print-ready standee, with AI-assisted draft wording for customers who give a good rating. Your first business is free to start.
- A design tool. Make the code in a generator, then place it on your own branded card.
Whichever you choose, keep a copy of the original file. You will need it every time you reprint.
Step 3: Design it so people actually scan
- Add a short call to action. "Enjoyed your visit? Scan to review us on Google" works better than a bare code.
- Keep strong contrast. Dark code on a light background is safest. Avoid pale colours, busy photos behind the code and heavy logo overlays.
- Leave a quiet border. Keep an empty margin around the code. Scanners need it.
- Print it big enough. As a rule of thumb, a code on a counter card should be at least 3 cm wide, and larger if people scan from further away.
- Use a matt finish. Glossy lamination causes glare under shop lights.
Step 4: Test every printed copy
Scan the printed item, not only the screen version. Use one Android phone and one iPhone, in your normal lighting. Confirm that it opens the correct branch. If you run several locations, label each standee clearly so a Kolkata code never ends up in a Mumbai shop.
Where to place your Google review QR code
- Billing counter. Customers wait here and have their phone in hand.
- Table tent or bill folder in restaurants and cafes. See our Google reviews guide for restaurants.
- Reception desk in clinics, salons and gyms.
- Packaging or delivery bag for takeaway and retail.
- Invoice or receipt, especially for home services and repairs.
- Exit door or mirror. A gentle reminder as customers leave.
Pick one or two spots to begin with, then watch which one gets scanned. You can find placement ideas by industry on our use cases page.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Pointing to the wrong place. A link to your homepage or Facebook page does not produce Google reviews.
- Printing too small or too low. If people have to bend down or squint, they will skip it.
- Offering rewards for reviews. Google's policies prohibit paying for reviews or giving incentives.
- Only asking happy customers. Google discourages selectively asking for positive reviews, so make the code available to everyone.
- Forgetting to reply. Answer new reviews promptly. Our guide to responding to negative reviews shows how.
How many reviews can you expect?
Results depend on your customer volume, where you place the code and whether staff mention it. A friendly line from your team, such as "If you liked the service, there is a QR code on the counter," makes a clear difference. Track your review count weekly for a month and adjust placement and wording from there.
Next steps
Make your link, create the code, print it, test it and place it where customers pause. Then keep asking every day. For timing, scripts and follow-ups, read how to get more Google reviews. When you are ready for a ready-made standee with AI-assisted drafts, start free with ReviewPro.