The quick idea
Google reviews are one of the few growth levers that compound for local businesses.
More reviews can increase:
- map visibility
- click-through rate
- trust on first visit
A Google review QR code is the fastest way to turn a happy in-person moment into an actual review.
But most review QR campaigns fail for boring reasons:
- the QR is hard to scan
- the link is messy
- the ask happens at the wrong moment
- nobody follows up
This post is a practical playbook.
TL;DR
- Place the QR at the moment of satisfaction, not at the exit.
- Use a short, stable destination you can edit later.
- Keep the scan path to one action: write a review.
- Track scans and staff adoption, not just review count.
- Fix scan reliability: size, contrast, quiet zone, and testing.
Where review QR codes work best
Google review QR codes work best when the customer is:
- done with the service
- still physically present
- emotionally positive
Examples:
- after a haircut when they see the result
- after a meal when the table is cleared
- at checkout when the problem is solved
- at the hotel desk at the end of a smooth stay
They work worst when:
- the customer is rushing
- there is a line behind them
- they are distracted
What link should your QR code open?
You have two options.
Option 1: link straight to Google
This is the shortest path.
Downside:
- harder to change later
- harder to measure scans properly
Option 2: use a redirect you control
This is the best default.
It lets you:
- keep printed assets stable
- swap destinations if Google changes something
- segment campaigns by location
The key is to avoid redirect chains.
Read: QR redirects best practices
The best copy is simple
You do not need to overthink the ask.
Good review asks are:
- specific
- polite
- low pressure
Examples:
- “If we earned it today, would you leave a quick Google review?”
- “Scan to leave a review. It helps us a lot.”
- “Scan to review. Takes 30 seconds.”
Do not add extra CTAs.
A review QR should not also be:
- a menu QR
- a discount QR
- a website QR
One code, one job.
Make it scannable in real life
If your QR takes more than 2 seconds to scan, you lose people.
Use this checklist:
- Dark QR on light background
- Quiet zone is clean and wide
- QR is big enough for the viewing distance
- Print is sharp
- Test on iPhone and Android
Start here:
Then:
Tracking: what to measure (and what not to)
Most people measure only review count.
That is lagging.
Track these instead:
1) scans per day
This tells you if the QR is placed well and if staff actually use it.
If scans are low, you have a placement or behavior problem.
2) scan to review conversion
If scans are high but reviews are low, the link flow is broken or the ask is wrong.
3) staff adoption
If only one staff member asks, your results will look random.
Make it part of the closeout script.
Two placements that usually win
1) at checkout, but with a script
People pay, then you ask.
Script:
- “If we earned it today, could you scan and leave a quick review?”
2) in the physical takeaway
If you have a receipt, bag insert, or thank-you card, put it there.
That captures people who did not want to do it in the moment.
If you do this, make the code big.
Read: QR on packaging: what works in supermarkets
A simple follow-up trick (optional)
If you already have the customer number or email, you can follow up later.
But keep it respectful.
Do not spam.
The QR is still the fastest option.
Use a dynamic QR code if you have multiple locations
If you have more than one location, you want:
- one template
- per-location tracking
- ability to update without reprinting
That is what dynamic QR is for.
Read: Dynamic QR code
And: QR code analytics
CTA: make a Google review QR code with QRShuffle
If you want a Google review QR code you can edit later and track per location, create one with QRShuffle.