Why Create a Direct Google Review Link?

As a property management business owner or operator, you know that online reviews are critical to attracting new clients. When prospective property owners research management companies, 79% will check your Google reviews before making contact.[1]

But here's the problem: asking for reviews is one thing—making it easy for clients to leave them is another.

A direct Google review link eliminates friction by taking your clients straight to the review pop-up window. Instead of asking them to search for your business, navigate to your Google Business Profile, and figure out where to click, you're giving them a one-click solution. This dramatically increases the likelihood that satisfied clients will actually follow through and leave a review.

The bottom line: The easier you make it, the more reviews you'll get.

How the Google Review Process Works

Before we dive into creating your link, it's helpful to understand what your clients experience when leaving a review.

Requirements for Leaving a Google Review

To leave a review on Google, customers must:[1]

• Be signed into a Google Account (they can create one using any email address, not just Gmail)
• Have an active internet connection
• Access Google Maps or Google Search

The Typical Review Flow (Without a Direct Link)

Without a direct link, here's what a client has to do:

1. Open Google Maps or Google Search
2. Search for your property management company by name
3. Find the correct business listing (challenging if you have a common name or multiple locations)
4. Locate the "Write a review" button
5. Click through to open the review form
6. Write and submit their review

That's a lot of steps—and each one is an opportunity for them to get distracted or give up.

The Streamlined Flow (With a Direct Link)

With your custom review link:

1. Click your link
2. The review pop-up opens immediately
3. Write and submit their review

That's it. You've reduced friction by eliminating 4-5 unnecessary steps.

How to Create Your Google Review Link

Creating your direct review link is a simple two-step process.

Step 1: Find Your Google Place ID

Every Google Business Profile has a unique identifier called a Place ID. This is what tells Google exactly which business listing to display.

To find your Place ID:

1. Visit the Place ID Finder tool: https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/places/web-service/place-id
2. On that page, you'll see an interactive map with a search box
3. Search for your property management company by name and location
4. Select your business from the search results
5. Your Place ID will be displayed—it looks something like this: ChIJC5IluSShlVQR7g1-iJeLpy0
6. Copy the Place ID (you'll need it for the next step)

Tip: If you manage properties in multiple markets with separate Google Business Profiles, you'll need to create a unique review link for each location using its specific Place ID.

Step 2: Create Your Review Link

Now that you have your Place ID, creating the review link is simple:

1. Start with this base URL:
2. Add your Place ID to the end

Your final link will look like this:

https://search.google.com/local/writereview?placeid=ChIJC5IluSShlVQR7g1-iJeLpy0

That's it! When someone clicks this link, they'll be taken directly to the Google review form for your business.

How to Use Your Review Link

Now that you have your direct review link, here are some effective ways to use it:

📧 Email signatures – Add a "Review us on Google" button to your team's email signatures

📱 Text messages – Send the link in follow-up texts after completing a client onboarding or service milestone

💻 Website – Add a "Leave a Review" call-to-action on your website, testimonials page, or footer

📄 Client communications – Include it in monthly owner statements, newsletters, or check-in emails

🔗 QR codes – Convert your link into a QR code for printed materials, business cards, or in-office signage

Best Practices for Getting Consistent Google Reviews

Getting a steady stream of reviews requires more than just having a link. Here are proven strategies to build review momentum:

1. Ask at the Right Time

Request reviews when clients are most satisfied—right after a successful lease-up, rent collection milestone, or positive service interaction. Timing matters.

2. Make the Ask Personal and Specific

Don't just blast generic review requests. Personalize your message and be specific about what you're asking. A simple text like "Hi [Name], if you could take 2 minutes to leave us a Google review, it would really help other property owners find us. Here's the link: [link]" works well.[1]

3. Be Consistent

Build review requests into your standard workflows. Whether it's 30 days after onboarding, after quarterly reviews, or at year-end—consistency is key to maintaining a steady flow.

4. Reply to Every Review

Responding to reviews—both positive and negative—shows you're engaged and care about feedback. It also encourages others to leave reviews when they see you're actively responding.[2]

5. Train Your Team

Make sure everyone on your team knows how to request reviews and has access to your review link. The more touchpoints, the more reviews you'll receive. In our experience as PM operators, review requests sent personally from a team member to a client have a higher response rate.

6. Value All Reviews

Don't be afraid of negative feedback. A mix of positive and constructive reviews actually builds more trust with prospects than a perfect 5-star rating. Honest reviews feel more authentic.[1]

7. Never Incentivize Reviews

Google's policies prohibit offering compensation, discounts, or incentives in exchange for reviews. Keep your requests honest and organic.

Want to Learn More?

This guide covers the essentials of creating and using your Google review link. For a more comprehensive deep-dive into building a systematic approach to generating consistent reviews week after week, check out our Complete Guide to Getting Consistent Google Reviews:

[Link to comprehensive best practices guide - coming soon]

Ready to start collecting more reviews? Create your Google review link today and start making it easier for your satisfied clients to spread the word about your property management services.