POLICY

Can You Offer Discounts or Freebies in Exchange for Reviews?

A free dessert for a review sounds harmless. Google treats it as fake engagement.

Google’s position

Google does not allow offering or accepting money, products, or services in exchange for reviews, whether the review is positive or negative.

Why it matters

Incentivized reviews can be removed, and a pattern of them can put the whole profile at risk.

What you can do

• Ask for reviews verbally or in follow-up emails.
• Put QR codes on receipts or table cards.
• Thank reviewers publicly in your replies.