Adding Google reviews sitewide on your WordPress site can significantly enhance trust and social proof for your visitors. When potential customers see real feedback from past clients, especially verified reviews from Google, they’re more likely to trust your brand and take action – whether that’s making a purchase, booking a service, or reaching out for more information.
This guide will walk you through the process of displaying Google reviews across your entire WordPress website, step by step. We’ll cover both plugin-based and manual methods, so you can choose what best fits your website setup, technical comfort level, and business needs.
Table Of Contents
Why Display Google Reviews Across Your WordPress Site?
Many websites show reviews only on their homepage or product pages. But adding Google reviews sitewide means they appear across all or most pages – like in the footer, sidebar, or as a floating widget. This ensures users consistently encounter positive feedback, no matter which page they visit.
Some real-world examples include:
- A local dentist showing patient testimonials in the footer of every page.
- A service-based business using a sticky badge displaying their Google star rating.
- An eCommerce store showcasing customer reviews next to product filters or category listings.
The benefits of sitewide display include:
- Increased credibility
- Higher conversion rates
- Improved local SEO with structured data
Now let’s dive into the different ways to add Google reviews sitewide on your WordPress website.
1. Use a WordPress Plugin for Google Reviews
The easiest and most popular method is using a plugin specifically designed to pull Google reviews into WordPress.
Recommended Plugins:
- WP Google Review Slider
- Google Reviews Widget by Trustindex
- Widget for Google Reviews by Trustpilot
- Rich Plugins – Google Reviews Pro
Steps to Use a Plugin:
- Install & Activate the Plugin: From your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New and search for one of the plugins above. Click “Install” and then “Activate.”
- Connect Your Google Business Account: Most plugins require you to authenticate or paste your Google Place ID. You can find your Place ID using the Google Place ID Finder.
- Customize Your Display:
- Choose layout (slider, grid, list, etc.)
- Set how many reviews to show
- Enable filtering (e.g., only show 4 stars and above)
- Set Global Display Options:
- Use widgets or shortcodes to add reviews to the sidebar or footer.
- Use global hooks or theme integration to display reviews across the site.
Pros:
- No coding required
- Mobile responsive layouts
- Filters and styling built-in
Cons:
- Some advanced features are paid
- May slightly affect site speed
2. Manual Embedding with Google Review Link or Badge
If you want a lightweight, plugin-free solution, you can manually embed Google reviews or a badge using an iframe or HTML snippet.
Method 1: Embed a Google Reviews Badge
Google offers a Review Badge that links directly to your Google Business reviews.
Steps:
- Go to your Google Business Profile Manager.
- Click on the “Share review form” button.
- Copy the review badge code and paste it into your site’s footer.php file, or use a widget area.
Method 2: Use a Review Widget Generator
Some third-party platforms allow you to generate embed codes for reviews.
Trusted Options:
- EmbedSocial
- Elfsight
- JustReview
These tools offer a simple copy-paste HTML code you can insert via:
- Appearance > Widgets
- Theme Builder > Footer or Sidebar
- Elementor/Block Editor HTML block
Pros:
- Lightweight
- More control over placement
- Often free for basic use
Cons:
- No dynamic syncing unless using paid plans
- No advanced styling options unless customized manually
3. Display Google Reviews in Footer, Sidebar, or Sticky Elements
To make your reviews visible sitewide, you must add them to global elements of your site.
Ways to Achieve This:
A. Footer Area
Most WordPress themes allow widgets or custom HTML in the footer. Simply paste your Google reviews shortcode, widget, or embed code there.
B. Sidebar Widget
Navigate to Appearance > Widgets and drag a “Text” or “Custom HTML” block into your sidebar. Paste the plugin shortcode or HTML snippet.
C. Sticky Floating Widget
Many Google review plugins (like Elfsight or WP Google Review Slider) allow you to display a floating review badge that stays visible even when the user scrolls.
D. Elementor (or Page Builder) Global Sections
If you use Elementor Pro or similar builders, place the Google review widget in a global section that applies to all pages.
4. Optimize Reviews with Schema Markup
To boost your visibility in search results, implement Review Schema (structured data). This can increase your chances of earning rich snippets on Google.
How to Add Review Schema:
- Use plugins like Schema Pro or Rank Math.
- If you have custom reviews, you can manually add JSON-LD code with review data.
- Ensure the reviews are visible on the page and meet Google’s guidelines.
Note: Google only allows reviews that are about a product or service, not the organization itself, to show in rich snippets.
5. Styling and Performance Tips
A. Keep It Minimal:
Too many flashy review sections can distract or slow down your site. Stick to one or two review displays per page.
B. Optimize for Mobile:
Ensure your plugin or embed method is responsive. Test on various devices to confirm proper rendering.
C. Cache and Minify:
If you’re using external scripts or APIs (like Elfsight), make sure your caching plugin supports their delivery.
D. Rotate Reviews:
To keep the page fresh and diverse, enable review rotation or refresh so different reviews show over time.
6. Troubleshooting & Best Practices
Common Issues:
- Reviews not showing: Check API key limits or Place ID correctness.
- Slow loading: Use asynchronous scripts or cache plugins.
- Plugin conflict: Disable other plugins one by one to find the issue.
Tips:
- Always back up your site before adding or modifying review code.
- Use verified and recent reviews.
- Avoid fake or overly filtered reviews – transparency builds trust.
Conclusion
Adding Google reviews sitewide on your WordPress site is a smart way to build credibility and boost conversions. Whether you choose a plugin or embed manually, the key is consistent visibility and relevance. Don’t just showcase glowing testimonials – use real, balanced feedback to demonstrate authenticity.
As competition increases, trust is the currency that wins. Start using your existing Google reviews to their fullest by placing them where it matters – everywhere your visitors go on your website.
FAQs
1. How do I find my Google Place ID for reviews?
Use the Google Place ID Finder, search your business name, and copy the Place ID displayed.
2. Can I show only 5-star reviews on my site?
Yes, most plugins allow filtering by star rating so you can choose to show only 4 or 5-star reviews.
3. Is it free to display Google reviews on WordPress?
Yes, there are free plugins and manual methods. However, premium plugins offer advanced features like styling, filtering, and floating badges.
4. Can I show Google reviews on every page?
Yes, place the widget or shortcode in global areas like the footer, sidebar, or use Elementor’s global sections.
5. Do Google reviews help with SEO?
They improve local SEO by enhancing trust signals and engagement, especially when used with structured data like Review Schema.
6. What’s the best plugin for Google reviews?
Plugins like WP Google Review Slider and Trustindex’s Google Reviews Widget are popular for ease of use and flexible display options.
7. Are embedded reviews mobile-friendly?
Most plugins and embed tools are responsive by default, but always test across devices to ensure proper layout and readability.
8. Can I manually add a Google review widget without plugins?
Yes, you can embed HTML code from platforms like Elfsight or EmbedSocial and paste it into your theme’s footer or widget area.
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