Whether you want a native google reviews widget for WordPress inside wp-admin or a simple embed google reviews wordpress code snippet, GR Widget covers both — with the same 13 layouts, automatic review sync, and no bloated third-party scripts.
The quick answer
To embed Google reviews in WordPress, install the free GR Widget plugin, search your business in wp-admin, create a widget, then drop it in with the block or shortcode. Prefer not to install anything? Paste a Custom HTML embed instead. There are four ways to do it:
- Plugin + “GR Widget” block — pick the block in the editor and choose your widget.
- Plugin + shortcode — paste
[grwi_widget id="your-key"]anywhere, including Elementor. - Custom HTML embed — one script tag plus a
<div>, no plugin needed. - Hosted builder — link a free account to fine-tune styling in the full web builder.
Every method works with no Google API key, syncs reviews automatically, and has no view limits.
Which method should you use?
All four options render the same widget and sync the same Google reviews — they differ only in how you place them. Use this table to pick the one that fits how you build pages.
| Method | Best for | Account required | Coding required | Where it works |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plugin + “GR Widget” block | Editing pages in the block editor | Not required | None | Posts, pages, any block area |
Plugin + [grwi_widget] shortcode |
Elementor, classic editor, page builders, widget areas | Not required | None — paste a shortcode | Any shortcode field |
| Custom HTML embed (no plugin) | One-off placements or a custom theme | Not required | Paste one snippet | Custom HTML block, theme templates |
| Hosted web builder (linked) | Advanced styling, more widgets, higher-tier sync | Free to link; paid for more | None | Everywhere above |
Official GR Widget WordPress plugin
The fastest way to embed google reviews on WordPress is our official plugin — available on the WordPress.org plugin directory.
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1
Add the plugin
In wp-admin, go to Plugins → Add New and search for GR Widget (or “Google reviews”).
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2
Install & activate
Click Install Now, then Activate — no account required to get started.
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3
Search your business
Open the GR Widget menu in wp-admin and search for your business by name — no Google sign-in required.
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4
Pick a layout & create
Choose a badge, feed, or floating sticker layout, then click Create widget. Fine-tune it later on the built-in Customize screen.
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5
Insert it anywhere
Add the “GR Widget” block, paste the
[grwi_widget id="…"]shortcode, or use Elementor's shortcode widget.
No GR Widget account required to start — unlinked installs get 1 widget, 4 layouts, 5 reviews available, and monthly sync. Link a free GRWidget.com account with a click under GR Widget → Account for 3 widgets, 8 layouts, and 10 reviews available. No API token to copy or paste. See exactly what upgrading unlocks or compare plans and pricing.
Can't find it in wp-admin? Go to Plugins → Add New and search for GR Widget – Google Reviews Widget.
Add the widget with the block or shortcode
Once you've created a widget, the plugin gives you two zero-code ways to place it. Both point at the same widget, so it stays in sync no matter where you use it.
- Gutenberg block — in the block editor, click + Add block, search for GR Widget, and select your widget. A live preview renders right in the editor.
- Shortcode — paste
[grwi_widget id="your-key"]into any post, page, widget area, or an Elementor / Avada / Fusion Builder shortcode element. The plugin loads the embed script only on pages that actually contain a widget.
You'll find the exact shortcode for each widget — with a one-click Copy button — on the plugin's widgets list in wp-admin.
[grwi_widget] shortcode and a Copy button.
Embed Google reviews without a plugin
Prefer not to install a plugin? You can embed google reviews in WordPress with a Custom HTML block — the same two-line snippet used on any website.
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1
Create your widget
Build it in the GR Widget dashboard — free, no credit card.
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2
Copy the embed code
Grab the two-line snippet from the widget editor.
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3
Paste a Custom HTML block
Add block → Custom HTML → paste the code wherever you want the widget.
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4
Publish
Reviews sync automatically — edit layout or colours in the dashboard anytime.
<script src="https://grwidget.com/v1/grwidget.js" async defer></script> <div class="grwidget-embed" data-grwidget-key="YOUR_WIDGET_KEY"></div>
Tip: load the <script> tag once in your theme header or footer, then use only the <div> block for each placement.
The plugin's Install tab gives you both options for a widget you built in wp-admin — the WordPress shortcode and the ready-made <div class="grwidget-embed"> markup for Custom HTML blocks or theme templates.
Not on WordPress?
Follow the matching guide for your platform instead.Google reviews widget layouts for WordPress
GR Widget includes 13 customisable layouts — rating badges, review feeds, carousels, and floating stickers. Popular choices for WordPress sites:
- Compact badge — star rating and review count for headers and footers
- Review feed — scrollable list of recent Google testimonials
- Slider feed — rotating reviews for landing pages and homepages
- Floating sticker — fixed corner widget that stays visible while visitors browse
The free plan includes 8 layouts; the rest unlock on paid plans. Free styling covers light/dark theme and font family. Full brand design (colours, typography, spacing, borders, labels, and custom CSS) unlocks on Site and above.
Browse live previews in our Google reviews widget examples gallery, or compare widget features and pricing plans.
Plugin vs. embed code: which is right for you?
Both approaches use the same hosted rendering and automatic review sync, so you can switch between them at any time without losing your widget.
Use the plugin if…
- you manage everything inside wp-admin
- you want the Gutenberg block or a copy-paste shortcode
- you like local layout previews before publishing
- you may add several widgets across the site
Use the embed code if…
- you only need a single placement
- you work in a custom or heavily optimised theme
- you want to reuse the same snippet on non-WordPress pages
- you'd rather not install another plugin
Troubleshooting
Reviews aren't showing yet
After you create a widget, the first sync runs in the background — give it a moment and refresh. Because reviews sync on a schedule (monthly on Free, bi-weekly on Site, daily on Business and Agency), a brand-new Google review appears after the next scheduled sync rather than instantly.
The widget area is blank on the live page
Make sure the page actually contains the “GR Widget” block or a [grwi_widget id="…"] shortcode with a valid key. The plugin only loads its script on pages that include a widget, so a missing or mistyped key renders nothing. If you use a caching or optimisation plugin, clear its cache after publishing.
It's showing the wrong business or no rating
Re-open the widget and confirm you selected the correct Google Business Profile in the business search. If you run several locations, our guide to setting your Google location for reviews walks through finding the right Place ID.
A layout is locked
The free plan includes 8 layouts; the additional badge, feed, and sticker styles are available on paid plans. Locked cards in wp-admin are previews only — link a GRWidget.com account and upgrade to use them.
I upgraded but still see free limits
Open GR Widget → Account and click to link (or re-link) your GRWidget.com account, then use Refresh plan limits so wp-admin picks up your new plan. No API token to copy or paste on current plugin versions.
Why site owners choose GR Widget
- No Google API key — search by business name, we handle Place ID lookup
- Lightweight embed — one async script tag, no jQuery, and it loads only on pages with a widget
- Automatic sync — new Google reviews appear after the next scheduled sync
- Review structured data — paid plans add JSON-LD so search engines can read your rating and reviews (Google alone decides whether stars ever appear, and it's never guaranteed)
- Unlimited views — plans are based on domains and features, not page-view metering
- Works everywhere — Gutenberg, Elementor, classic editor, theme footers, and page builders
Frequently asked questions
How do I embed Google reviews in WordPress?
Install the official GR Widget WordPress plugin from Plugins → Add New (search “GR Widget” or “Google reviews”), activate it, then open the GR Widget menu in wp-admin, search for your business, and create a widget. Add it to a page with the “GR Widget” block or the [grwi_widget] shortcode. You can also paste a Custom HTML embed instead — every method syncs your reviews automatically.
Can I embed Google reviews on WordPress without a plugin?
Yes. Create your widget in the GR Widget dashboard, copy the embed code, and paste it into a Custom HTML block in the Gutenberg editor or your theme footer. No plugin install required — ideal if you only need a single placement.
Do I need a Google API key for a WordPress Google reviews widget?
No. Search for your business by name in the dashboard or WordPress plugin — no Google sign-in or API keys required. We handle Google data access on our servers; your site never stores API keys.
Does GR Widget work with Elementor and Gutenberg?
Yes. The WordPress plugin includes a native “GR Widget” Gutenberg block and a [grwi_widget] shortcode that works in Elementor, Avada, Fusion Builder, and the classic editor. The Custom HTML embed code works anywhere too.
Can I show a floating Google review widget on WordPress?
Yes. Choose a sticker or floating layout in the widget builder — badge, ribbon, or corner sticker styles stay fixed on screen while visitors scroll. Insert via the plugin block, shortcode, or embed code.
Is the GR Widget WordPress plugin free?
Yes. Unlinked installs work with no GR Widget account — 1 widget, 5 reviews available, and 4 layouts. Link a free GRWidget.com account with a click (no API token to paste) for 3 widgets, 10 reviews, and 8 layouts. When you are ready for more, compare paid plans. Linking does not remove existing widgets or shortcodes.
Are widget views limited?
No. Views are unlimited on both the free and paid plans — GR Widget plans are based on domains and features, not page-view metering. A widget you embed can be seen by as many visitors as you like.
How often do my Google reviews update?
Reviews sync on GRWidget.com, not in your WordPress database. Free refreshes monthly, Site bi-weekly, and Business and Agency daily. New reviews appear on your site after the next scheduled sync. In between, your widget keeps displaying the last synced reviews.
What happens when I reach the free widget limit?
Your existing widgets and their shortcodes keep working. You just can’t create additional widgets until you link a paid GRWidget.com plan — there’s no trial expiry and nothing gets switched off.
WordPress, without an API key
Add Google reviews to WordPress
Install the official plugin or paste the embed. GR Widget searches your Google Business Profile by name and publishes a live carousel in Gutenberg, Elementor, or a theme footer.
- Connect your Google Business Profile—no API key
- Choose from 8 free layouts and match your brand
- Add it to any website with one lightweight embed
Free plan · No credit card · Live in minutes
Need help on another platform? Read the full guide to embedding Google reviews on any website, see platform guides for Wix and Shopify, or browse every installation guide.