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- You can write Google reviews of restaurants, attractions, and other locations on Google Maps.
- When you write a Google review, others can see your "About me" page and all your reviews.
- Those who are part of Local Guides can also earn points for their reviews.
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If you want to share your opinion – whether positive or negative – about a business, you can write a Google review. On the Google Maps website and mobile app, you can share reviews, add photos, and select a star rating for any business or location listed on the platform.
Here's how to write a Google review, what the rules are, and what happens after you post a review.
The rules of posting a Google review
In order for your review to stay up on Google Maps, it has to follow Google's rules. That means everything in your review has to be accurate, on-topic, and can't use defamatory language. Your review can't be faked, copied, or stolen from someone else. It also can't be sexually explicit, offensive, or represent a conflict of interest (for example, users can't review their own business and reviewers can't be paid for their reviews.)
Users can report a review if it appears to violate the rules, and if Google agrees with that assessment, the company reserves the right to take it down, and may even suspend or delete "abusive accounts."
What happens after you post a Google review
Your reviews are public, so other people will be able to see your "About me" page, as well as other reviews and ratings you've posted, including any photos you added to those.
And if you're a part of Local Guides, which is essentially Google's version of Yelp, you can also earn points for creating reviews - points that lead to badges on your profile, as well as "early access" to new Google features. If you're trying to review a place that isn't listed, Local Guides is also how you'll add the location to Google Maps so you can review it.