Getting your website to stand out in Google search results takes more than strong content. If you’re missing the gold stars next to your pages, you may be overlooking a key ranking factor. These review stars help build trust, attract more clicks, and highlight your customer experience.
This guide explains how to get Google review stars using schema markup, JSON-LD, and verified Google Business reviews. You’ll learn how to request reviews, display them correctly, and avoid common errors that stop Google stars from appearing in search results.
How to Get Google Star Ratings in Search Results
To show a Google star rating in search results, you need schema markup on your product or service pages. The AggregateRating code must match visible content and connect to genuine customer feedback.
Google only displays review stars when your data meets strict rules. Make sure your structured data is correct and includes the number of reviews, star rating, and review count.
Use Google Business Profile to collect more reviews from real customers. Profiles with a strong average rating and enough feedback are more likely to earn stars in Google search results.
Run the Rich Results Test to confirm your structured data works. Then track progress using Google Search Console to check indexing and markup errors. Here are the detailed steps on how to get more Google stars:
1. Get More Google Reviews to Boost Your Star Ratings
To earn a visible Google star rating, you need more Google reviews from real customers. A high review count builds trust and supports your schema markup.
Start by asking happy customers to leave reviews after purchases or completed services. Use your Google review link in emails, receipts, or QR cards.
Platforms like Trustpilot or Feefo can help collect verified feedback. These sites allow you to import existing Google reviews and manage customer responses in one place.
To qualify for stars, your reviews must appear on your website. Add a reviews section to each relevant product or service page and connect it with schema code.
2. Display Google Reviews on Your Website for Better Visibility
Once you’ve collected enough Google reviews, show them directly on your website to increase visibility and build trust with potential customers.
Add a dedicated reviews section to each key page. Include the review text, star rating, and reviewer name where possible. This helps Google confirm your structured data is accurate.
To make this easier, use a widget or review plugin that displays existing reviews. Choose tools that support schema markup for product or business content.
Regularly update your reviews page. New reviews help maintain freshness, improve click-through rate, and support your Google star rating in local search results.
3. Use Schema Markup on Your Website
To get review stars to show in Google search results, you must add schema markup to your website. Use the AggregateRating markup to link reviews to a product or service.
The schema code should include the business name, review count, average rating, and item type. Place the markup on the same page that shows the reviews.
If you’re using WordPress, try a structured data plugin. On other platforms, you might need to paste the schema code manually into your HTML.
Follow Google’s schema guidelines closely. Incorrect or spammy markup can prevent your Google star rating from appearing in search results.
4. Implementing JSON-LD Schema Code
JSON-LD is a simple way to add structured data to your website. It works well with Google and increases your chances of earning a star rating.
You can add the JSON-LD script to the <head> or <body> section of your HTML. This lets you mark up your reviews without changing page content.
Include fields like review count, average rating, product name, and business name in your code. JSON-LD helps search engines process your Google reviews more efficiently.
To display star ratings in Google search, your structured data must match visible review content and follow all schema.org rules.
4. Using Google Tag Manager
Google Tag Manager makes it easy to manage schema code without editing your site’s HTML. It’s ideal for adding star rating markup to multiple pages.
Create a new tag using custom HTML. Paste your JSON-LD schema that includes review count, average rating, and business name.
Set triggers to load the tag only on pages with visible reviews. This ensures your Google star rating is relevant and linked to actual content.
Use Tag Manager’s preview mode to test the tag before publishing. Then confirm your review stars appear using Google’s Rich Results Test.
5. Use Google Structured Data Markup Helper
Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper helps you build schema code for Google reviews without needing to code from scratch.
Start by entering your page URL and choosing the data type, such as product or local business. Then highlight parts of the page like the business name, review ratings, and product details.
The tool creates structured data that includes key details like review count, average rating, and schema type. Copy the code and paste it into your website.
Once added, test your new markup with Google’s Rich Results Test. This confirms your schema will display a Google star rating correctly.
6. Submit Your Website to Google Search Console for Indexing
After you add schema markup for your Google star rating, you must tell Google about the update. Use Google Search Console to submit your updated URL.
Paste the page link into the URL Inspection tool and click “Request Indexing.” This step helps Google crawl your structured data and reviews.
Indexing may take time, from a few hours to several days. During this period, monitor your review snippets and rich results to check for errors.
Regular checks help you maintain visibility in search engine results and make sure your star ratings display correctly.
7. Add a Custom Review Widget to Display Review Ratings
A custom review widget lets you display Google reviews on your site in a layout that matches your brand. This helps potential customers trust your business and improve your star rating visibility.
Widgets show customer feedback alongside review count, average rating, and product details. Some widgets also support schema markup for easier indexing.
You can highlight positive reviews or filter by rating. This improves your reviews page and may boost your local search rankings.
Place the widget on relevant pages, your homepage, or in the website footer to make reviews easy to find.
8. Test Your Google Star Rating with Rich Results Tool
Use Google’s Rich Results Test to check if your review schema is set up correctly. This tool shows whether your structured data qualifies for a Google star rating.
Paste your page URL or code snippet into the tool. It will scan the markup for issues related to review count, average rating, or schema format.
Fix any errors before resubmitting your page to Google Search Console. A clean result increases your chance of showing review stars in search results.
Run this test after every change to your reviews section or structured data.
9. Check Google Star Ratings in Search Console Reports
Google Search Console helps you monitor your Google star rating performance in search engine results. It shows how Google reads your structured data and review markup.
Open the “Enhancements” section to find review-related data. You’ll see alerts for errors in schema code, missing fields, or problems with review snippets.
Fix any issues that stop review stars from appearing. Then resubmit the page for indexing using the URL Inspection tool.
Check your search performance reports regularly. A working star rating can improve click-through rate and help your business stand out in local search results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get more stars on Google reviews?
To get more stars on Google reviews, focus on gathering consistent, positive feedback from real customers. Share your Google review link after each sale or completed service. Use email, printed receipts, or NFC tap-to-review cards to make it easy. Avoid generic requests—be personal and timely. The more positive reviews you collect, the higher your Google star rating, which helps stars appear in Google search results and on Google Maps listings.
How does Google star rating work?
The Google star rating shows the average score (from 1 to 5 stars) based on customer reviews for a product, service, or business. It appears in Google Search, Google Maps, and on Google Business Profiles.
How do I request customers to leave reviews?
Ask at the right moment—usually when the customer is happy and the experience is still fresh. Say something simple like, “We’d really appreciate a 5-star review if you were satisfied.” Share your review link directly, or display it using a QR code in your physical store. Don’t ask for only 5 stars—just encourage honest feedback. Polite, well-timed requests often result in more positive reviews and higher visibility.
Can you get 1-star online reviews removed?
You can ask Google to remove a 1-star review, but only if it violates their policies. Reviews containing spam, hate speech, offensive content, or irrelevant comments may be flagged through your Google Business Profile. To do this, click “Report review” next to the comment. Google will evaluate your request and notify you of the outcome. Reviews that are simply negative or critical will usually remain unless policy rules are broken.
Can you pay for 5-star Google reviews?
No, paying for Google reviews is against the rules and risky. If Google detects paid or fake reviews, they may remove them or suspend your Google Business Profile. It’s better to grow reviews naturally through real customer experiences. Request feedback after each job or sale. Focus on service quality, timing, and ease of review. Authentic reviews (even if they’re negative reviews) build long-term trust and help you gain stars in both search and maps.
How many reviews do you need to get stars on Google?
For stars to appear on Google search results, you need several valid reviews and a good average rating, typically above 3.5. In Google Maps, stars often show once your business has around five reviews, but this isn’t guaranteed. For website listings, you need schema markup installed properly. Google also considers recency, consistency, and quality of reviews. The more detailed and legitimate your reviews are, the better your chances of seeing stars.
Conclusion
Today, consumers trust online reviews more than ever. But to get a Google star rating in search results, you need to stay consistent. Keep collecting genuine Google reviews and display them clearly on your website.
Keep your structured data updated with the correct schema code. Monitor your review snippets using Google Search Console and the Rich Results Test.
A high review count, strong average rating, and visible reviews section can improve your local search rankings. The more Google business reviews you collect, the better your chance of gaining trust and attracting potential customers.
Stay active, respond to feedback, and follow best practices to keep your star ratings visible.
