Quick summary
- The Google place ID is the unique identifier for your Google Business Profile: it is the key to building a direct link to the review writing form.
- The canonical URL is
https://search.google.com/local/writereview?placeid=YOUR_PLACE_ID— it opens the 5-star window directly, removing 3 to 5 friction steps. - Three methods to grab the link: Google Place ID Finder, the "Get more reviews" menu inside Google Business Profile, or copying it from Google Maps.
- Shortening the URL with Bitly or TinyURL increases click-through rate in WhatsApp messages and lets you measure the performance of each distribution channel.
- The link sent automatically over WhatsApp 2 hours after a service generates 3x more reviews than an email request, according to Reepli 2025 customer data.
- Reepli.ai automates sending your direct link at the right moment, over WhatsApp, with a 98% open rate (Meta Business 2024) versus 20% for email.
- See the 3 detailed methods below to generate your link in 2 minutes.
A happy customer rarely leaves a Google review. Not because they refuse, but because the journey is too long: find your business profile, locate the button, sign in. The direct Google review link removes that friction. The result: your customers click, rate, and move on in 30 seconds. Reepli.ai shows you how to create it and distribute it effectively.
What is a Google place ID and why do you need one?
The place ID is the unique identifier Google assigns to every business listed on Google Maps. It looks like this: ChIJN1t_tDeuEmsRUsoyG83frY4. It is the key that lets you build a link leading directly to the review form for your profile.
To find your place ID:
- Go to Google Place ID Finder (developers.google.com/maps/documentation/places/web-service/place-id)
- Type your business name into the search bar
- Click on your business on the map
- Copy the place ID shown beneath your name
3 methods to create your direct Google review link
Once you have your place ID, here are the three ways to generate your link:
Method 1 — The place ID link (recommended)
Build the following URL by replacing YOUR_PLACE_ID:
https://search.google.com/local/writereview?placeid=YOUR_PLACE_ID
This link opens the review writing window directly. The customer only needs to choose their star rating and type a comment.
Method 2 — From Google Business Profile
- Sign in to your Google Business Profile
- Click on "Get more reviews" in the menu
- Copy the short link automatically generated by Google
Method 3 — Via Google Maps
- Search for your business on Google Maps
- Click on your profile, then on "Write a review"
- Copy the URL of the page that opens
Whichever method you choose, test the link in a private browser to make sure it works. A broken link is a lost review.
Create a QR code from your link
The QR code is the physical complement to your digital link. It lets your customers leave a review on the spot — at the counter, in your waiting area, or on your front desk.
From place ID to QR code — in 3 steps
Total time: 2 minutes flat
To create your QR code for free, use a tool like QR Code Generator (qr-code-generator.com) or QRCode Monkey. Paste your direct link, customise the colours with your brand palette, and download in high resolution (PNG or SVG).
Shorten your link for WhatsApp
A raw Google link looks like an unreadable string of characters. Inside a WhatsApp message, that lowers trust and click-through rate. Shortening the link solves that:
- Bitly — free, click tracking, link customisation available
- TinyURL — free, no signup, instant
- Rebrandly — for businesses that want a custom domain (e.g. reviews.yourbusiness.com)
Before: https://search.google.com/local/writereview?placeid=ChIJN1t_tDeuEmsRUsoyG83frY4
After: bit.ly/reviews-mybusiness
A short, readable link increases the click-through rate by 25 to 40% in WhatsApp messages. It is a small detail that makes a big difference in your automatic Google review collection strategy.
Send the link automatically over WhatsApp
Creating a link is good. Sending it automatically after each service is better. That is exactly what Reepli.ai enables through WhatsApp automation.
The full process with Reepli.ai:
- Your service is finished — you mark it as completed in your calendar
- A satisfaction message is sent automatically to the customer
- If the customer is satisfied (rating of 4 or 5), the direct Google review link is sent right after
- If the customer is unhappy, you receive an alert so you can handle the case personally
Thank you for your trust, [FIRST NAME]! Your feedback means a lot to us.
If you have 30 seconds, your Google review would help us a great deal:
👉 [SHORT GOOGLE REVIEW LINK]
Thanks and see you soon!
This automated approach works particularly well with the WhatsApp method for Google reviews. Combined with the right timing, it lets you reach a 30 to 50% conversion rate on review requests.
"I set up my direct link in 2 minutes and Reepli sends it automatically after each job. In 2 months, I went from 15 to 62 Google reviews. The direct link makes all the difference." — Marc D., electrician in Bordeaux, Reepli customer
Conclusion
The direct Google review link is the simplest and most effective tool to collect reviews. Combined with a QR code for in-person interactions and automatic sending over WhatsApp Business, it turns every happy customer into a public ambassador. Automate your review collection today — in 2 minutes, your system is in place.