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How to Connect a Service Area or Online Business to Widgets for Google Reviews

18 threads Sep 9, 2025 Plugin → Widgets for google reviews

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A common challenge users face with the Widgets for Google Reviews plugin is connecting a Google Business Profile (GBP) that doesn't have a physical storefront or public address. This includes service-area businesses, mobile services, and online-only operations. If your business falls into this category, the standard search within the plugin's connection process may fail to find your listing.

Why This Happens

The plugin's initial connection method is designed to search for businesses based on a physical location. Google treats service-area businesses differently in its search results, which can make them invisible to the plugin's standard location lookup. This is a limitation of the connection API, not necessarily an error with your profile or the plugin itself.

The Most Common and Effective Solution

Based on numerous user reports and solutions provided by the Widgets for Google Reviews team, the most reliable method is to use the direct URL from your Google Maps listing. Even if your business doesn't have a pin on the map, it should still have a Maps page for reviews. Follow these steps:

  1. Open a web browser and go to https://maps.google.com.
  2. Search for your exact business name.
  3. Click on your business profile from the search results.
  4. Copy the full URL from your browser's address bar.
  5. In your WordPress admin, go to the Widgets for Google Reviews configurator and start the connection process.
  6. When prompted, paste the entire copied Maps URL into the "Google Business Profile name or location" field.
  7. Click "Connect".

Other Troubleshooting Steps

If the URL method does not work, consider these additional steps that have helped other users:

  • Update the Plugin: Ensure you are using the latest version of the Widgets for Google Reviews plugin. An outdated version can cause connection issues.
  • Try a Different Browser: Attempt the connection process in an alternate web browser or using your browser's incognito/private mode. This can rule out conflicts caused by browser extensions or cached data.
  • Check the Place ID Format: If you are trying to use a Place ID, ensure it is the full, correct ID and not a different number from your Google Business Profile.
  • Server-Side Delays: On rare occasions, temporary issues on the plugin's server infrastructure can cause the connection to hang or fail. Trying again after a few hours can sometimes resolve this.

For businesses that have chosen to completely hide their location in their GBP settings, the standard connection methods may not work. In these cases, your business must still be discoverable by name via a search on Google Maps for the URL method to be viable.

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