October 15, 2025
In 2025, Google rolled out a small but powerful update to Google Business Profiles (formerly Google My Business). The key new feature: native QR codes that take customers directly to your review form. It sounds simple, but this change can shift how local businesses collect reviews, boost visibility, and improve conversion in a more frictionless way.
Let’s break it down.
What’s New In The Google Business Page Update 2025
- Google now allows business owners to generate a QR code directly from their Google Business Profile dashboard, which links straight to the “leave a review” page.
- You no longer need third-party QR tools (though those are still useful for customization). Now it’s built-in under “Ask for reviews” or “Get more reviews.”
- The feature works across desktop and mobile dashboards.
- Google also introduced AI-powered review summaries for business pages (automatically summarizing customer feedback).
What this really means: Google is making it easier for customers to leave reviews, reducing the friction that often causes them to skip it.
Why This Google My Business Update Matters For Your Brand
Here’s why you should care:
- Better conversion at point of service
A customer is most enthusiastic right after you’ve delivered a great product or service — that’s when they’re more willing to leave a review. With a QR code, instead of asking them to log in, search your business, click “write a review,” they just scan and go. Fewer steps, higher likelihood. - More reviews = stronger social proof
Reviews are not just for show. They influence purchase decisions, local visibility, and trust. Studies show a high percentage of customers read reviews before choosing a local business. - Local SEO benefits
Google may not directly reward businesses for sheer volume of reviews, but review signals influence your performance in the local pack (map rankings), click-throughs, and how Google perceives your relevance and authority. - Stand out from competitors
Most businesses still rely on asking customers to write reviews manually. If your competitors haven’t adopted this, your more streamlined approach gives you an edge. - Reduced drop-off / friction
Many customers intend to leave reviews but then forget or give up when it’s too much effort. Having a QR code placed strategically (invoices, counters, packaging) converts passive intent into action.
How To Use The QR Code Feature
Here’s how to generate and use it:
Step 1: Access the QR code in your Business Profile
- Log in to your Google Business Profile (on desktop).
- Find “Ask for reviews” or “Get more reviews.”
- You’ll see an option to download or share a QR code.
Step 2: Download and test the QR
Download the QR code image, test it on different devices, ensure it correctly lands on the “leave review” page.
Step 3: Use it across touchpoints
- Print it on invoices, receipts, packaging, thank-you cards
- Put it at checkout counters, service slips, in your store or office
- Add it to your email signature, website (e.g. “Scan to review us”)
- Share on social media, WhatsApp, SMS links with the QR image
Step 4: Track & optimize
If you use a custom or dynamic QR tool (i.e. external), you can track how many times it’s scanned across locations or campaigns. Use that data to know which placements or designs perform better.
Important note: Be cautious about using incentives or asking only for positive reviews. Google’s policies prohibit manipulating reviews.
Also, some users report issues with QR codes not working (redirecting incorrectly), so periodic checks are wise.
How 1928 Creative Studio Helps You Leverage Google Updates
Here’s what 1928 Creative Studio can do for your brand:
- Setup & audit: We’ll audit your existing Google Business Profile, implement the QR code properly, and ensure everything is optimized (business info, categories, photos, attributes).
- QR placement strategy: We’ll design where and how to use the QR code in your customer journey (offline & digital touchpoints).
- Campaigns & reminders: Integrate the QR code into email, SMS, and post-service follow-up flows without being pushy or violating policy.
- Monitoring & analytics: We’ll measure scan rates, review growth, and attribution so you know which channels are working.
- Review response & reputation: We help you manage and respond to reviews (good and bad) – that builds trust and keeps your profile active.
What this really means: We don’t just hand you a QR code, we embed it into a system that consistently drives reviews, builds local authority, and amplifies your digital footprint.
Quick Checklist For Businesses
| Task | Action |
| Generate QR | From GBP dashboard → Ask for reviews → get QR |
| Test QR | Scan with multiple devices, ensure it works |
| Print & place | Add to receipts, cards, packaging, shop, etc. |
| Add in digital | Email signatures, website, SMS, social media |
| Monitor performance | Track scan counts, review upticks |
| Respond to reviews | Always reply, positive or negative |
| Follow Google rules | Don’t pay for reviews or only ask happy customers |
| Regular audits | Ensure QR still works, profile is updated |
FAQs About Google Business Profile Update 2025
Q: Do QR codes actually improve review count?
A: Yes. Because they lower friction. A satisfied customer is more likely to leave a review if it’s one scan away rather than a multi-step hunt. Early adopters in local service niches are already seeing upticks in reviews.
Q: What if the QR code breaks or stops working?
A: Google may change links or policies, or there might be a bug. Always test periodically. If broken, regenerate or fallback to sharing the review link directly. Some users have reported codes not redirecting properly.
Q: Can I customize the QR code (design, colour, logo)?
A: The built-in QR from Google is quite basic (standard black & white). For branding/customization and tracking, you might still opt for external QR services. Just ensure they point to the Google review link.
Q: Does this violate Google’s reviews policy?
A: Not inherently, forbidding incentives or biased requests (only asking happy customers) remains. Use the QR code ethically.
Q: When should I ask customers to scan?
A: Immediately at point-of-service work is best. If that’s not possible, include it in your follow-up emails or receipts when the memory is fresh.
Boost Your Local SEO With 1928 Creative Studio Today!
If you want to turn this 2025 Google Business update into real growth, more reviews, stronger rankings, better trust, let’s talk. I can help you plug the QR code into your broader marketing, automate review acquisition, and monitor everything so you’re not guessing.
You don’t need to be ahead just for the sake of technology. You need to make updates that drive business. This one does. Let’s make it work for you.