WordPress plugins are great for adding features, but not all plugins are created equal. A typical Google reviews plugin adds database queries, extra HTTP requests, and maintenance work.
There is a simpler way: a lightweight embed code that pulls your live Google reviews and displays them on your site. No plugin, no database bloat, no compatibility headaches. Just embed and go.
Why embed instead of using a plugin?
WordPress plugins are powerful, but for a simple task like displaying reviews, they can introduce friction:
❌ Plugin approach
- • Install plugin, wait for activation
- • Configure settings in WordPress dashboard
- • Plugin checks for updates regularly
- • Plugin uses database storage and WordPress hooks
- • If plugin breaks, you need to troubleshoot code
✓ Embed approach
- • Get your code from WeWidget (2 minutes)
- • Paste into your WordPress page or sidebar
- • Code is external — no WordPress overhead
- • Reviews update automatically, you control nothing
- • Lightweight, asynchronous, does not block page load
How to add Google reviews to WordPress
Step 1: Generate your embed code
- Visit wewidget.app
- Create an account (email and password)
- Enter your Google Business Profile URL
- Select your widget style (cards, horizontal, badge, etc.)
- Copy the full embed code snippet
Step 2: Paste into a Gutenberg Custom HTML block
If you use WordPress 5.0+, this is the easiest method:
- Open the page where you want the reviews
- Click the + icon to add a new block
- Search for Custom HTML
- Click it to add the block
- Paste your WeWidget code into the text area
- Click Publish or Update
Your Google reviews will appear on the page immediately. You are done.
Or: Paste into a text widget (sidebar)
If you want reviews in your sidebar or footer:
- Go to Appearance → Widgets in the WordPress dashboard
- Find the sidebar or widget area where you want reviews
- Add a Custom HTML widget
- Paste your WeWidget code
- Save and visit your site to verify
Advanced: Code snippet plugin
If you want to inject the embed code into a specific template location (e.g., after all posts, before the footer), use the free Code Snippets plugin:
- Install the Code Snippets plugin
- Go to Snippets → Add New
- Paste your WeWidget code wrapped in:
<?php echo "<your-wewidget-code>"; ?> - Choose which pages to display it on (e.g., homepage, specific post types)
- Save and activate
This approach keeps your code organised and easy to disable or modify without editing template files.
Customisation options
WeWidget lets you control how reviews appear:
Number of reviews
Show your last 3, 5, 10, or all.
Layout
Choose between vertical cards, horizontal scroll, compact badge, or mini mode.
Colours and fonts
Match your WordPress theme (Pro plan includes full customisation).
Auto-refresh
Reviews check for updates every hour by default.
Performance: Why embed is faster
Plugins add weight; embeds do not. Here is why the WeWidget approach is faster:
- →Asynchronous loading. The script loads in the background; your page does not wait for it.
- →No WordPress overhead. The code runs separately from your WordPress hooks and database.
- →Cached. The script is cached, so repeat visitors load it instantly.
- →Minified. WeWidget code is compressed to reduce file size.
Troubleshooting
Reviews not showing
Verify you pasted the entire code snippet (including opening and closing <script> tags). Also check that your Google Business Profile is public and has at least one review.
Appearance does not match my theme
Upgrade to the Pro plan in WeWidget to access full style customisation (colours, fonts, spacing). For basic tweaks, you can add custom CSS to your WordPress theme's Additional CSS section.
Browser console shows errors
This usually means a plugin or theme is blocking third-party scripts. Temporarily disable plugins and test. If reviews then appear, re-enable plugins one at a time to find the conflict. Contact support if needed.
Where to place Google reviews on WordPress
The best placement depends on your site layout, but here are common, proven locations: