Free Google reviews widget: what to check before you install one
· 5 min read
A free Google reviews widget can be enough to get started, as long as you know what "free" really means. Here are the 7 things to check before installing one on your website, and what Trastivo's free plan includes.
Want to show your Google reviews on your website without paying for a subscription? You can: several tools offer a free Google reviews widget. But "free" doesn't mean the same thing everywhere. Some plans stop after a few days, others ask for a credit card, and others add trackers to your site. Here is what to check before installing a free widget, so you don't get any nasty surprises.
Why use a widget
Google doesn't offer an official module for displaying your list of reviews on your own website. That leaves three options: take screenshots, copy reviews by hand, or install a widget that fetches and displays them automatically. The first two methods take work every time you get a new review, and they go out of date quickly. We compare them in detail in our article on how to display Google reviews on your website.
A widget, on the other hand, updates itself: you paste a code once, and new reviews appear without you having to touch your site.
7 things to check in a free plan
1. Duration: free forever or a trial?
This is the first question to ask. Many offers are actually 7, 14 or 30-day trials. Once the period ends, the widget disappears from your site or shows a message, and you have to pay to get it back. Look for "no time limit" or "free forever".
2. Credit card
If sign-up asks for a credit card, the free plan often turns into a paid subscription when the trial ends. A genuine free plan only needs an email address.
3. Number of reviews shown
Free plans almost always limit the number of visible reviews. That isn't necessarily a problem: a few good, recent reviews are often enough to reassure a visitor. Just check the limit so you know what to expect.
4. Branding
The usual trade-off for a free widget is a small "Powered by …" mention below the reviews. That's normal and hardly a nuisance. Just make sure it stays discreet and doesn't hide your reviews.
5. Automatic updates
A widget that doesn't update is no better than a screenshot. Make sure new reviews, your average rating and your total number of reviews are refreshed automatically, with nothing for you to do.
6. Cookies and privacy
Some widgets set cookies or load tracking tools on your visitors' devices. In that case, you may need to declare them in your consent banner. A widget with no cookies or trackers spares you that question. For your exact obligations, check the rules that apply in your country.
7. Your site's speed
The widget shouldn't slow down your page or make content move around while it loads. Test your page on a phone after installing it: the text shouldn't jump when the reviews appear.
What Trastivo's free plan includes
To be transparent, here is exactly what you get with Trastivo's Free plan:
- A carousel widget that shows 5 reviews.
- No time limit and no credit card: you create your account with an email address.
- One connected Google listing, with reviews updated automatically.
- The "Powered by Trastivo" mention below the widget.
- No cookies and no trackers in the widget.
- Code that doesn't block your page: the widget only renders when it becomes visible on screen.
- The "Collect" page to get more reviews: short link, QR code, printable poster and ready-to-send messages.
If you later want other templates (grid, list, badges, floating badge…), all your reviews, your own colors and no Trastivo mention, the Premium plan comes with no commitment. And if you cancel it, your widget simply goes back to the free 5-review carousel: it stays online, and your site never breaks.
Install your free widget in 3 steps
- Create your account for free, then connect your Google Business Profile.
- Choose your carousel settings and copy the widget code.
- Paste the code on your site, where you want your reviews to appear.
Each platform has its own place to paste the code. Our animated guides show every step for WordPress, WooCommerce, Shopify, Wix, Webflow, PrestaShop, Squarespace and HTML sites.
Where to place your review carousel
With a single widget, pick the spot where it will be most useful:
- On the home page, below the introduction to your business: it's the most visited page.
- Near your main button: "Book now", "Request a quote" or "Contact us".
- On the contact page, to reassure a visitor who is hesitating to get in touch.
You'll find ideas for your line of business on our pages for restaurants, hotels, hair and beauty, tradespeople, shops and real estate agencies.
FAQ
Is a free Google reviews widget really free?
It depends on the tool. Check that there is no time limit and that no credit card is required. At Trastivo, the Free plan has no time limit and doesn't ask for a credit card.
How many reviews should I show?
A few recent, detailed reviews are often enough to reassure a visitor. What matters most is that they are genuine and up to date.
Can I choose which reviews are shown?
Stay honest with your visitors: don't make up reviews and don't edit their text. Also say where they come from, for example "reviews posted on our Google listing".
Does the free widget work on mobile?
Yes, the Trastivo carousel adapts to the screen width, on phones and computers alike.
Ready to try it? Create your free widget and show your Google reviews on your website in a few minutes. To get more reviews afterwards, read our 10 methods to get more Google reviews.
