# Google Business Profile vs Merchant reviews

Google has two separate review systems for your store. One builds trust in search. The other puts stars on your ads. This guide explains what each one does, where it shows up, and which one you need to care about.

### The Two Systems

<table data-card-size="large" data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="image">Cover image</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><p><a href="https://business.google.com/en-all/business-profile/"><strong>Google Business Profile reviews</strong></a></p><p><em>Also called "Google Maps reviews"</em></p></td><td><strong>WHO CAN WRITE ONE</strong> <br>Anyone with a Google account, no purchase needed<br><br><strong>WHAT IT AFFECTS</strong> <br>Local search visibility, brand credibility, how you appear in Google Search</td><td><p></p><p><strong>WHERE IT SHOWS</strong></p><p>Google Maps, Google Search knowledge panel, your Business Profile listing</p></td><td data-object-fit="fill"><a href="/files/HN4GtLK4PFcHTqrWTH5P">/files/HN4GtLK4PFcHTqrWTH5P</a></td></tr><tr><td><p><a href="https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/190657?hl=en"><strong>Google Merchant / Shopping reviews</strong></a></p><p><em>Also called "seller ratings"</em></p></td><td><p><strong>WHO CAN WRITE ONE</strong> <br>Only verified buyers, Google confirms the transaction happened<br><br><strong>WHAT IT AFFECTS</strong> <br>Google Shopping rankings, Google Ads performance, seller rating on ads<br><br><strong>WHERE IT SHOWS</strong></p><p>Google Shopping tab, product listing ads, the star badge beneath your Google Ads</p></td><td></td><td data-object-fit="fill"><a href="/files/awev8x0rxBbLRYXtacf1">/files/awev8x0rxBbLRYXtacf1</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

### Google My Business Example

<figure><img src="/files/78Cv7RLvXYSehIEW4xo8" alt=""><figcaption><p>Your Business Profile star rating as it appears when someone searches your store name in Google.</p></figcaption></figure>

### Google Merchant Example

<figure><img src="/files/L2h6OSwY8gc9i27FqTgz" alt=""><figcaption><p>Google Search → your Business Profile → click the seller rating number → lands on the Merchant reviews page</p></figcaption></figure>

If you click on 9K, you'll be redirected to a Merchant page: <https://www.google.com/m/storepages?q=plantshed.com&c=US&hl=en-US#reviews>

<figure><img src="/files/LeXnG6w52b0Nlu1xsEN4" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Side-by-side Comparison

|                        | Google Business Profile      | Google Merchants           |
| ---------------------- | ---------------------------- | -------------------------- |
| **REVIEWER**           | Anyone with a Google account | Verified buyers only       |
| **PURCHASE NEEDED?**   | No                           | Yes, Google verifies it    |
| **MANAGED IN**         | Google Business Profile      | Google Merchant Center     |
| **HELPS WITH**         | Local SEO & brand trust      | Shopping ads & conversions |
| **STARS ON ADS?**      | No                           | Yes, after 100+ reviews    |
| **MIN. TO SHOW STARS** | No minimum                   | 100 reviews, 3.5+ average  |

### Frequently Asked Questions

<details>

<summary>How do I collect Google Merchant reviews from my Shopify customers?</summary>

Two main ways: (1) Enable the Google Customer Reviews opt-in survey in Google Merchant Center. It shows a post-checkout popup asking shoppers to review their experience. (2) Use a review app that is an approved Google review aggregator and passes verified reviews to Google automatically.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Why are my Google Maps stars not showing on my Google Shopping ads?</summary>

Because they're separate systems. The stars on Google Shopping ads (called "seller ratings") come exclusively from Google Merchant reviews, not from your Business Profile. To get stars on your ads, you need at least 100 Merchant reviews with a 3.5+ average, collected through Google Customer Reviews or an approved aggregator.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can the same customer leave both types of review?</summary>

Yes, and it's worth encouraging. A happy customer can leave a Google Business Profile review to boost your brand credibility, and also submit a Merchant review after their purchase to improve your Shopping ad ratings. Both help in different ways and are completely independent of each other.

</details>

{% hint style="success" %}
BOTTOM LINE

**Google Business Profile reviews build brand trust in search**

Anyone can leave one. Manage them in Google Business Profile. They won't appear on your Shopping ads.

**Google Merchant reviews power your Shopping ad star ratings**

Only verified buyers can leave them. You need 100+ to get stars on your ads. Connect them via Merchant Center or a review app.

**Neither one replaces the other**

A healthy Shopify presence means actively collecting reviews in both places.
{% endhint %}

***

{% hint style="info" icon="comments" %}
**Questions about Google reviews? We're excited to help:** [**support@reputon.com**](mailto:support@reputon.com) **or** [**live chat**](https://go.crisp.chat/chat/embed/?website_id=d24ef16e-6e05-49e9-bd59-a6f3bde0658a)
{% endhint %}


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