Google Review Link vs QR Code: Which Converts Better?

TL;DR

Use both. They convert different customer contexts.

Branded short URLs win when…

• The customer is on a screen already (email, SMS, social DM, web)
• You need to fit the CTA in text (signature line, post caption)
• The customer needs to share the link with someone else

QR codes win when…

• The customer is physically present (counter, table, packaging)
• Their phone is already in hand
• You can't rely on them remembering or typing a URL

What we measured

Across 200+ ReviewSpy.gr trial accounts running both methods for 30 days:

• QR on receipts: ~7% scan-to-review rate
• SMS with branded link: ~12% click-to-review rate
• Email signature link: ~3% click-to-review rate (but huge volume)
• Table tent QR: ~9% scan-to-review rate

The hybrid winner

Print the QR code and the readable short URL next to it. Some phones don't scan well in dim restaurants, and some customers prefer to type. You lose nothing by including both.

Generate your link + QR free →