Google Business Reviews plugin is a free WordPress plugin that displays Google Business reviews on any WordPress site via shortcode [google_reviews]. Caches reviews in a local database, refreshes them automatically with daily cron, and fully complies with Google Places API Terms of Service thanks to a 30-day cleanup system.
Everything you need
A lightweight plugin with no external service dependencies, built to comply with Google's terms from day one.
Universal shortcode
[google_reviews] works on any page, post or widget. No custom Gutenberg blocks or mandatory page builders.
3 layouts
Grid (1–4 columns), carousel with autoplay and navigation, or classic vertical list. Change with a single attribute.
Database cache
Reviews are stored locally and refreshed on each sync. Instant loading without repeated API calls.
Complies with ToS
Automatic cleanup at 30 days (configurable 1–30). Reviews that Google stops returning are automatically deleted.
Automatic sync
Daily cron plus manual
Powerful filters
Minimum rating, reviews with text only, sorting by date or score. All configurable by shortcode or globally.
Reviews manager
Hide or delete individual reviews from admin without breaking sync. Useful for problematic reviews.
Localized times
Use WordPress native translations:
Light and dark
Two ready-to-use themes. CSS variables that make customization easy from your own stylesheet.
Complies with Google Places API Terms
Most plugins that cache Google reviews breach the Terms of Service without knowing it: Google only allows caching review data for up to 30 days.
The Google Business Reviews Plugin includes compliance out of the box:
- Each sync refreshes
last_seenin the reviews that Google continues to return - A daily cron removes reviews with
last_seenearlier than the retention window - Configurable retention between 1 and 30 days (maximum limit of 30 forced in the code)
- Filter
gr_cleanup_retention_daysfor integrators who need more control
Comparison
Google Business Reviews Plugin vs the most common alternatives.
| Feature | Google Maps iframe | Typical freemium plugins | Google Business Reviews plugin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual customization | ✗ None | Limited / paid | ✓ Complete |
| Compatible with any theme | It depends | Frequent conflicts | ✓ |
| More than 5 reviews | ✗ | Payment plans only | ✓ Stores in database |
| Rating filters | ✗ | Premium | ✓ |
| ToS compliance (30 days) | ✓ Native | ✗ Usually non-compliant | ✓ Explicit |
| External services | Google only | Vendor proxies | ✓ Your API, your data |
| Price | Free | 29–199 €/year | Free |
Shortcode
Copy, paste and adjust the attributes to your needs.
Basic usage
[google_reviews]
Grid with attributes
3-column grid, 12 reviews, minimum 4 stars.
[google_reviews layout="grid" columns="3" limit="12" min_rating="4"]
Carousel, reviews with text only
[google_reviews layout="carousel" require_text="yes" order="newest"]
Dark theme list
[google_reviews layout="list" theme="dark" limit="20"]
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about the Google Business Reviews Plugin.
What is the Google Business Reviews Plugin?
Google Business Reviews Plugin is a free WordPress plugin that displays Google Business reviews on any WordPress site using the shortcode [google_reviews]. Caches reviews in a local database, refreshes them with daily cron and automatically removes obsolete reviews after 30 days to comply with Google Places API Terms.
Is the Google Business Reviews Plugin free?
Yes. The plugin is 100% free and licensed under GPL2. There are no paid versions, locked premium features, or vendor subscriptions. You only need a Google Cloud API key with Places API enabled (which has a generous free quota from Google).
Does the Google Business Reviews Plugin comply with Google Places API Terms?
Yes. Google Places API Terms require that cached review data be refreshed or deleted within 30 days. The plugin refreshes last_seen on each sync for reviews that Google continues to return, and a daily cleanup cron removes any review with last_seen prior to the configured retention window (default 30 days, maximum enforced to 30 in the code).
Can the Google Business Reviews Plugin display more than 5 reviews?
Yes. Google Places API only returns 5 reviews per call, but the plugin accumulates reviews in a local database over time by calling the API with "newest" and "most_relevant" sort orders. As Google rotates the reviews it returns, your database grows up to the 30-day retention window.
Does the Google Business Reviews Plugin work with any WordPress theme?
Yes. The plugin includes its own stylesheets and uses standard shortcode output, so it works with any well-coded WordPress theme. The included light and dark themes can be customized via CSS variables, or you can override the file templates/reviews.php from your theme.
How do I install the Google Business Reviews Plugin?
Request the ZIP through the download form, upload it to /wp-content/plugins/ (or install it from the WordPress admin), activate it, then go to Settings → Google Reviews and enter your Google API key and Place ID. Click Sync Now to download the first batch of reviews. Use [google_reviews] on any page, post or widget.
📥 Free download
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Need help with installation?
If you prefer to delegate the setup or want a custom version, I can help you.