No — Google's guidelines are explicit on this. Offering a discount, free item, or any other reward in exchange for a review breaks their policy, and it doesn't matter whether the incentive is tied to leaving a positive review specifically or just for leaving one at all. Reviews Google identifies as incentivised can be removed, and a pattern of it puts your whole Business Profile at risk.
Why the rule exists
An incentivised review isn't really a genuine one — the customer's leaving it partly for the reward, which is exactly what Google's whole review system depends on not happening. It also creates an uneven playing field: a business offering 10% off for a review will naturally out-volume one that doesn't, regardless of which one customers actually prefer.
What crosses the line
- "Leave us a review and get 10% off your next visit"
- A free item or service in exchange for a review, even an unconditional-sounding one ("we'd love a review — here's a free coffee either way")
- A prize draw entry conditional on leaving a review
- Paying a third party to post reviews on your behalf
What's actually fine
Simply asking is fine — Google encourages it. What matters is that the review itself isn't the thing being paid for. That means:
- Asking customers directly, in person or by text, with no reward attached
- Making it easy to leave one — a direct link, a card, anything that removes friction rather than adds incentive
- Running a general loyalty programme that isn't conditional on reviewing
The distinction is simple: making it easier to review is fine, paying for the review itself isn't.