Google Reviews Widget for WordPress

Why Use a Google Reviews Widget on WordPress?

WordPress powers over 40% of the web, and your WordPress site deserves the same social proof that drives conversions on any platform. Displaying Google reviews directly on your site builds instant trust with visitors who are comparing your business against competitors.

Traditional WordPress plugins for Google reviews often slow down your site, require ongoing maintenance, and can break after WordPress or PHP updates. Social Media Feeds takes a different approach — a lightweight JavaScript embed that works independently of your WordPress version, theme, or plugins. No compatibility issues, no plugin conflicts, and no bloat.

Because the widget loads asynchronously, it won't affect your Core Web Vitals or page speed scores. Your reviews display beautifully on desktop and mobile, with full control over layout, colours, and which star ratings appear.

Step-by-Step Setup

Follow these steps to get your Google reviews widget live.

Create Your Widget

Sign up at Social Media Feeds, search for your business name or paste your Google Maps URL. Your Google Business Profile reviews are pulled automatically — no API key needed.

Customise the Design

Choose carousel, grid, or list layout. Set a minimum star rating filter (e.g. 4+ stars), adjust colours and fonts to match your WordPress theme, and preview changes in real time.

Copy the Embed Code

Your embed code is a single line of HTML plus a script tag. No shortcodes, no plugin dependencies — just standard HTML that WordPress handles natively.

Paste into WordPress

In the WordPress editor (Gutenberg or Classic), add a Custom HTML block and paste your embed code. For theme-level placement, paste into your theme's header.php, footer.php, or a widget area. The reviews appear instantly.

Done — Reviews Update Automatically

New Google reviews appear on your WordPress site automatically based on your plan's refresh interval. No manual updates, no plugin maintenance — it just works.

Key Benefits

Everything you need to display Google reviews on your website — without the complexity.

No Plugin Required

Skip the plugin install. A single embed code means no compatibility issues, no update conflicts, and no extra load on your WordPress admin.

Works with Any Theme

Whether you use Astra, GeneratePress, Divi, or a custom theme — the embed code works everywhere. No theme-specific configuration needed.

Gutenberg & Classic Editor

Paste into a Custom HTML block in Gutenberg, or switch to Text mode in the Classic Editor. Both methods work identically.

Won't Slow Your Site

The widget loads asynchronously after your page content. Your Lighthouse and PageSpeed scores stay high — no render-blocking scripts.

Star Rating Filtering

Only show 4-star and 5-star reviews on high-conversion pages like your homepage or pricing page. Show all reviews on a dedicated testimonials page for transparency.

Automatic Updates

New reviews from your Google Business Profile appear on your WordPress site without any manual intervention. Set it and forget it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a WordPress plugin to show Google reviews?

No. Social Media Feeds uses a lightweight JavaScript embed code that you paste directly into any WordPress page or post using a Custom HTML block. There's no plugin to install, update, or maintain — and no risk of plugin conflicts.

Will this slow down my WordPress site?

No. The embed script loads asynchronously after your page content, so it doesn't block rendering or affect your Core Web Vitals. It's significantly lighter than most WordPress review plugins.

Does it work with WordPress page builders like Elementor and Divi?

Yes. Any WordPress page builder that supports Custom HTML or an HTML widget can display the embed. For Elementor specifically, we have a dedicated guide: Elementor Google Reviews Widget.

Can I place the widget in my WordPress sidebar or footer?

Yes. You can paste the embed code into a Custom HTML widget in any widget area — sidebar, footer, or header. In the Full Site Editor (FSE), use a Custom HTML block in your template.

Is there a free plan for WordPress?

Yes. The free plan includes one Google reviews widget with daily refresh. Paid plans start at $19/month and include faster refresh rates, more widgets, and branding removal. Beta signups before 30 May 2026 get 3 months free on any paid plan.

How do I update the reviews on my WordPress site?

You don't need to — reviews update automatically. Social Media Feeds syncs with your Google Business Profile at regular intervals based on your plan. New reviews appear on your site without any action required.