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⭐ Review Requests & Google Maps

The system automatically sends review request emails after guests complete their visit. You can include a direct link to your Google Maps review and an internal review page so guests know exactly where to click.

Why request reviews?​

  • Increases visibility: More reviews = better ranking on Google Maps
  • Builds trust: New guests see your ratings
  • Encourages feedback: Email sent right after visit, when experience is fresh
  • Improves retention: Guests who write reviews return 3× more

How it works?​

Workflow​

  1. Guest makes a reservation and completes their visit
  2. Next day (or at set time) the system sends an email: 
    Thank you for your visit! Would you share your experience?

    Write a review on Google: [CLICK]
    Your feedback helps us improve
  3. Guest clicks on Google Maps and writes a review
  4. Your rating grows and new guests see you on the maps

Email also includes​

  • ✅ Promo code (e.g. THANKYOU10 for discount on next visit)
  • ✅ Internal review page (your community feedback)
  • ✅ Unsubscribe link
  • ✅ Internal feedback form

Option A: From Google Maps​

  1. Open Google Maps
  2. Search for your restaurant
  3. Click on the name (detail page)
  4. Click on Write a review
  5. Copy the URL from the address bar (starts with https://maps.app.goo.gl/...)

Google offers special short links for reviews. In your business detail go to:

  • Share → Copy link → select review variant
  1. Log in to Payload Admin
  2. Go to: Reservations → Reservation Settings → Notifications
  3. Check: ✅ Send review request email
  4. Fill in the field: Google Review link
    • Paste your Google Maps link
    • Example: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xV5kH2pQ...
  5. Set Hours after visit (usually 24 hours)
  6. Click Save

Step 3: Test​

  1. Create a test reservation
  2. Run /api/send-review-requests endpoint (or wait for automatic scheduling)
  3. Check the email and verify the link works
# Manual test (command line):
curl -X POST http://localhost:3002/api/send-review-requests \
  -H "x-cron-secret: YOUR_CRON_SECRET"

The correct link looks like this:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/xV5kH2pQwA1B2cD3eF4gH5
https://google.com/maps/place/...

❌ Incorrect (without review):

https://google.com/maps/search/restaurant+prague
tip

If you're unsure the link is correct, click it and you should see the "Write a review" page with a ready form.

Promo code in email​

You can add a promo code to the email that guests receive after writing a review. Example:

Get 10% off your next visit for writing a review!
Code: THANKYOU10

How to set the promo code?​

  1. In Reservation Settings → Notifications → Review Request
  2. Check: ✅ Show promo code
  3. Fill in: Promo code for review email (e.g. THANKYOU10)
  4. Click Save

The system automatically inserts the code into the email.

Internal review page​

The platform supports internal reviews – when a guest clicks "Write a review", they can write directly on your page instead of Google.

note

Internal reviews are useful when:

  • You don't want customers directly on Google Maps (too strict moderation)
  • You want to moderate comments
  • You want to collect feedback internally

Internal review page is available at:

https://your-domain.com/en/reviews/{cancellationToken}

The direct link is generated automatically and sent in the email.

Measurement and analytics​

Where do I see results?​

  1. Google My Business (GMB) – number of reviews and average rating
  2. Payload Admin – reviewRequestSentAt field on each reservation
  3. Dashboard – total count of emails sent

Tips to increase reviews​

TacticEffectivenessDifficulty
Email right after visit⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Easy
SMS reminder 2 days later⭐⭐⭐⭐Medium
QR code at table (physical)⭐⭐⭐Easy
Promo code as incentive⭐⭐⭐⭐Medium
Personal request from waiter⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Hard

Troubleshooting​

ProblemCauseSolution
Review email not sentChannel disabledCheck ✅ "Send review request email"
Google link doesn't workWrong URLVerify link starts with https://maps.app.goo.gl/
Email sent too earlyWrong time settingIncrease "Hours after visit" (usually 24)
Promo code not shownDisabled in settingsCheck ✅ "Show promo code"
Internal link is deadInvalid tokenCheck cancellationToken in DB

Best practices​

✅ Correct approach​

  1. Configure Google Maps link
  2. Enable review request emails
  3. Test on a test account
  4. Activate for all guests
  5. Monitor new reviews in GMB

❌ Mistakes​

  • ❌ Google link without review capability
  • ❌ Review email sent immediately after reservation (should be after visit)
  • ❌ Too frequent emails (max 1 per day)
  • ❌ No promo code as motivation

FAQ​

How long does it take for a review to appear on Google?

  • Typically 24–48 hours, Google checks them (anti-spam)
  • Visible in GMB immediately, on Maps later

Can I choose which guests to send reviews to?

  • Not yet (in the future yes)
  • Currently sent to all with completed reservations

What's the default review request time?

  • 24 hours after visit ends
  • Can be changed in settings (1–168 hours)

Does this impact email deliverability?

  • Minimal, if not sending too frequently
  • Max 1 email per day recommended

Can I disable reviews for specific reservations?

  • Yes, in reservation detail check: ❌ Don't send review

CRM/Marketing integration​

The system automatically records:

  • Date sent reviewRequestSentAt
  • Email open (if tracking enabled)
  • Written review (if using internal form)

These are available for export and analysis.