The short answer
Copy the widget embed, add a Custom HTML block, preview and publish.
- A Custom HTML block is usually all you need.
- Preview on mobile and check your theme doesn't squash the widget.
- Use one widget per page to keep pages fast.
01Before you start
Confirm you can edit the relevant WordPress page and that your Ranknua widget is configured with the correct business listing. You will need a public widget embed code, not a private Google access token. Take a backup or use staging if the website has complex theme customisations.
Related guideHow to Add Google Reviews to Your Website: Methods, Examples and Mistakes02Gutenberg Custom HTML block
Open Pages in the WordPress dashboard, edit the target page, add a Custom HTML block and paste the provided widget snippet. Switch to Preview to check the result, then preview the whole page before publishing. A Custom HTML block can accept markup, but scripts may be filtered for users without the necessary permissions, particularly on managed or multisite installations.
03Elementor or another builder
In Elementor, use an HTML widget rather than a text paragraph for the embed. Place it in a responsive container, avoid hard-coded widths and test tablet and mobile breakpoints. Other builders typically have an HTML, code or embed element. Follow the builder’s script restrictions rather than pasting JavaScript into a visual text editor.
04iframe fallback
If a host blocks the script loader, ask whether the widget offers a supported iframe URL. Insert that URL using an HTML/embed block with a responsive width and sensible minimum height. Do not invent an iframe URL or expose private account identifiers.
05How to position reviews for conversions
For a local service homepage, place a compact review section after the primary offer and before a high-friction contact form. For a landing page, show enough review text to answer a buyer concern, then link to the full Google profile. Avoid an auto-scrolling carousel that users cannot pause.
06Troubleshooting a blank widget
Check the widget public ID, published status and any browser console errors. Temporarily disable script optimisation on a staging page to test whether a cache or minification plugin changes load order. Review Content Security Policy restrictions and confirm the widget domain is allowed. Purge page caches after updating an embed.
07Speed, accessibility and mobile
Use asynchronous loading where supported, keep the number of visible cards reasonable and test keyboard navigation. Ensure star ratings have accessible text equivalents. Check layout at 320px and 375px widths. A widget should not delay the largest above-the-fold content element.
08WordPress FAQ
A plugin is not always required: a hosted widget can often be added through Custom HTML. If you use WordPress.com, check your plan’s custom-code permissions. A widget does not replace an accurate Google Business Profile, and it cannot guarantee search-star snippets.
09Plugin, embed code or theme: which route?
| Route | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Embed code in a Custom HTML block | Most sites; any theme or builder | Styling mostly controlled in the widget settings |
| Dedicated reviews plugin | Sites that want everything inside WordPress | Another plugin to update and secure |
| Theme or builder widget area | Badge on every page (footer, sidebar) | Depends on your theme's widget support |
Fewer plugins, fewer problems
Every extra plugin is code to update and a possible conflict. If an embed code does the job, you may not need a plugin at all.
10A worked example: an electrician's WordPress site
Imagine an illustrative electrician in Glasgow with a WordPress site built in Elementor and 85 Google reviews.
- 1
Home page
An HTML widget holds a carousel under the hero, with the heading "What Glasgow customers say on Google".
- 2
Service pages
A compact list of three reviews sits just above the quote form on each service page.
- 3
Site footer
A small rating badge is added once to the footer template so it appears on every page.
- 4
Caching
After publishing, he clears his caching plugin and checks the live site in a private window.
11Caching, optimisation and security plugins
Most "my widget is blank" problems on WordPress come from optimisation tools changing how scripts load.
- Exclude the widget's script from JavaScript minify, combine or defer settings if it stops loading.
- Clear the plugin cache, server cache and any CDN cache after adding the code.
- Check that a security plugin isn't stripping script tags or blocking iframes.
- If you use a cookie consent plugin, make sure it isn't blocking the widget unnecessarily.
- Test with optimisation temporarily off to confirm the cause.
12Launch checklist
- Widget appears on the live site in a private window.
- Works on mobile with no horizontal scrolling.
- Reviews are attributed to Google and link back.
- Page speed checked before and after.
- Placement documented for whoever maintains the site.
13How Ranknua can help
Ranknua provides a free Google Reviews Widget for displaying existing customer feedback, alongside a free Google review QR code generator. If your business also wants to request reviews after completed customer experiences, explore Ranknua’s review automation and pricing. These are different tasks: the widget displays reviews you have, while automation supports compliant invitations for new feedback.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add Google reviews without coding?+
Usually yes. Many website builders provide a custom HTML or embed element, although permissions and script restrictions vary by plan.
Will a Google Reviews Widget improve my SEO?+
Not automatically. It can support user trust and useful content, but rankings depend on many factors and Google restricts self-serving review snippets.
Can I display only five-star reviews?+
Some products allow selection, but displaying only positive feedback can mislead visitors. Keep any overall rating truthful and clearly distinguish curated highlights from the full review set.
Is a Google Reviews Widget free?+
Some providers offer free plans. Check the limits, branding, data source and whether it is a permanent free tier.
Do I need access to my Google Business Profile?+
It depends on the provider and its permitted data source. Some approaches require an authorised Google connection; others use limited public listing data.
How do I add Google reviews to WordPress without a plugin?+
Copy the embed code from your widget provider, then edit the page in the block editor, add a Custom HTML block and paste the code. Update the page and check it on the live site. In page builders like Elementor, use their HTML widget instead.
Why is my Google reviews widget not showing in WordPress?+
The most common causes are caching or optimisation plugins altering the script, a security plugin stripping code, or the code being pasted into a normal paragraph block instead of a Custom HTML block. Clear caches, check the block type and try with optimisation temporarily switched off.
Can I add Google reviews to a WordPress sidebar or footer?+
Yes. Add a Custom HTML widget to your sidebar or footer area through the widget or site editor, depending on your theme. A small badge or compact list usually suits these spaces better than a large grid.
Do Google reviews on WordPress help SEO?+
They mainly help visitors trust you and contact you. Widgets often load in an iframe, so the review text usually isn't counted as your page's content. For local search, the reviews on your Google Business Profile itself matter more than displaying them on your site.
Sources
- Google Maps Platform: Places API policies and attributions
- Google Maps JavaScript API policies
- Google Business Profile API policies
- Google Search Central: Review snippet structured data
General guidance, not legal advice. Google’s features and rules change; check the linked pages.