The Google Reviews API helps you fetch customer reviews from your Google Business Profile. If you want to display customer reviews on your website, the API or a Google Reviews widget can help you do that easily. This guide will explain what it is, how to get it, how to use it, and some simple tips for your website.
What is the Google Reviews API?
The Google Reviews API is a tool that allows you to access public customer reviews for your business listed on Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). With this API, you can pull in reviews including ratings, comments, and review dates directly into your website or app.
But here’s the catch: Google doesn’t offer a public, dedicated API just for Google reviews. Instead, reviews come as part of the Google Business Profile API, which you need to enable in Google Cloud Console and verify with your Google Business account.
Why Use the Google Reviews API?
Using the Google Reviews API (or a Google Reviews widget that connects with it) has several benefits:
- 🌟 Showcase positive feedback on your site
- 📈 Build trust with new customers
- 💬 Display real-time reviews
- 🧩 Integrate Google reviews with your design or app
For businesses, reviews act like online word-of-mouth. They can influence a buying decision within seconds.
How to Get Access to Google Reviews API
To get access to your reviews via API, follow these steps:
1. Set up Google Cloud Project
- Visit https://console.cloud.google.com
- Create a new project.
- Give it a name (like “My Business Reviews”).
2. Enable the Google Business Profile API
- In the Cloud Console, go to APIs & Services > Library
- Search for Google Business Profile API
- Click Enable
3. Set Up OAuth 2.0 Credentials
- Navigate to APIs & Services > Credentials
- Click Create Credentials > OAuth Client ID
- Choose “Web Application”
- Add redirect URIs if needed
- Note down the Client ID and Client Secret
4. Connect with Your Business Account
- You must have a verified Google Business Profile.
- The API can only pull reviews from your own business locations.
- You will need to authorize the app to read reviews using OAuth.
Displaying Reviews on Your Website
You can display these fetched reviews using custom code or through a Google Reviews widget.
1. DIY with JavaScript
If you’re comfortable with code, you can:
- Store reviews in a database
- Use JavaScript or React/Vue to display them
- Add filters (e.g., only show 4 or 5-star ratings)
2. Use a Google Reviews Widget (No Code)
If coding isn’t your thing, try using tools like:
- Tagembed Google Reviews Widget
- Elfsight Google Reviews Plugin
- EmbedSocial
- Trustindex
- WidgetPack
Tagembed, for example, provides an easy-to-use Google Reviews widget that:
- Requires no coding
- Works with WordPress, Shopify, and more
- Allows customization (design, filters, layouts)
Google Reviews Widget vs API: Which is Better?
| Feature | Google Reviews API | Google Reviews Widget |
|---|---|---|
| Coding Required | Yes | No |
| Control & Flexibility | High | Medium |
| Design Templates | No | Yes |
| Maintenance | Manual | Automatic |
| Ease of Setup | Harder | Easier |
If you want more control, use the API. If you want quick setup, go with a Google Reviews widget.
Tips for Using Google Reviews on Your Website
Here are some simple tips to make the most out of your reviews:
✅ Show Top Reviews Only
Display 4- and 5-star reviews for first-time visitors to make a good impression.
✅ Keep It Updated
Make sure your reviews are fresh. You can set up a cron job or auto-sync using tools.
✅ Match Your Branding
Customize the widget or design so it blends with your website.
✅ Use Review Schema
Add review schema markup so search engines show ratings in search results (rich snippets).
✅ Combine with Other Reviews
You can mix Google reviews with Facebook, Yelp, or TripAdvisor using tools like Tagembed or EmbedSocial.
Limitations of the Google Reviews API
- 🚫 Only works for your own business
- ⚙️ Requires technical setup
- 📉 No access to competitor reviews
- ⏳ Rate limits apply
- 🔐 Requires OAuth authorization (can be tricky for beginners)
That’s why many small businesses prefer using a Google Reviews widget over setting up the API.
Alternatives to Google Reviews API
If the Google API feels too technical, here are some alternatives:
- Tagembed – Free and premium plans, easy integration, supports many platforms.
- Elfsight – No coding needed, works with drag-and-drop.
- Trustindex – Ready-made templates and plugins for websites.
- JustReview – Combines reviews from multiple platforms.
Conclusion
The Google Reviews API is a powerful way to pull reviews from your Google Business Profile and show them on your website. It requires some setup, coding, and authorization but gives you full control.
For those who prefer an easier route, tools like Tagembed’s Google Reviews widget make it simple to display customer reviews in just a few clicks — no code needed.
Whether you’re tech-savvy or not, displaying Google reviews is a must for building credibility and trust online. So pick the method that suits your skills and start showcasing your happy customers today!
Review Widget 
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