A step-by-step guide to maximising trust, visibility, and credibility — without overdoing it.
A Google Review Plaque isn’t designed to collect reviews. It’s designed to build instant trust.
But here’s the problem:
Most businesses mount review plaques in places where no one notices them — or worse, where they quietly undermine credibility. This guide shows exactly how to mount and display a Google Review Plaque so it:
- Gets seen
- Builds trust immediately
- Supports Local SEO indirectly
- Feels premium, not promotional
- Aligns with Google’s MUVERA update
⭐ What a Google Review Plaque Is (and Isn’t)
Before mounting anything, it’s important to understand the role of a plaque.
✅ What it IS:
- A trust signal
- A credibility marker
- A confidence booster
- Social proof reinforcement
❌ What it is NOT:
- A review collection tool
- A call-to-action device
- A replacement for review cards or stands
Think of a review plaque as:
“Silent proof that other customers already trust you.”
🧠 The Psychology Behind Review Plaque Placement
Customers subconsciously ask:
- “Is this business legitimate?”
- “Do others trust them?”
- “Am I making a safe choice?”
A well-placed plaque answers those questions before they’re asked. A poorly placed plaque goes unnoticed — or feels like marketing.
🥇 Best Places to Mount a Google Review Plaque (Top Performers)
✅ 1. Reception / Front Desk Wall (Best Overall)
Why it works:
- First impression moment
- Customers naturally look around
- Establishes credibility instantly
Best height:
Eye level (approx. 140–160cm from floor)
Works best for:
Clinics, salons, gyms, estate agents, hotels, offices
✅ 2. Entrance Wall (Just Inside the Door)
Why it works:
- Reinforces the decision immediately after entry
- Confirms “I chose the right place”
Important:
Mount inside, not outside.
Outside signage blends into the noise.
✅ 3. Waiting Area (Secondary Placement)
Why it works:
- Idle time = attention
- Customers read while waiting
Best placement:
On clean, uncluttered walls
Near seating — not behind it
✅ 4. Consultation / Service Rooms (Selective Use)
Why it works:
- Builds confidence during high-trust conversations
Use sparingly
Overuse reduces impact.
❌ Worst Places to Display Review Plaques (Avoid These)
These locations consistently underperform or harm perception:
❌ Behind counters
❌ Near floors
❌ Above doors
❌ In hallways, nobody stops in
❌ Next to clutter or posters
❌ In bathrooms
❌ Outside the building
If people don’t naturally pause and look, don’t mount it there.
🧰 How to Mount a Google Review Plaque (Step-by-Step)
🔧 Step 1: Choose the Mounting Method
Most plaques support:
- Adhesive mounting (no drilling)
- Screw mounting (permanent)
Best practice:
- Use screws for long-term installations
- Use adhesive only on smooth, clean surfaces
🔧 Step 2: Set the Correct Height
Golden rule:
Mount at eye level — not “where it fits”.
Target range:
- 140–160cm from floor (average eye level)
Too high = ignored
Too low = looks accidental
🔧 Step 3: Ensure Clean Visual Space
A plaque needs visual breathing room.
Keep:
✔ 30–50cm of clear wall space around it
❌ No flyers
❌ No price lists
❌ No posters
Trust signals lose power when cluttered.
🔧 Step 4: Ensure Good Lighting
Plaques should be:
✔ Well-lit
✔ Free from glare
✔ Clearly readable
Avoid:
- Harsh spotlights
- Reflections
- Dark corners
If customers can’t read it in 1–2 seconds, it fails.
🎯 How Many Review Plaques Should You Use?
Less is more.
Best practice:
- Small business: 1 plaque
- Larger premises: 1–2 max
Multiple plaques:
❌ Feel forced
❌ Reduce authenticity
❌ Look promotional
One strong signal beats repetition.
🧠 How Review Plaques Support Local SEO (Indirectly)
Review plaques don’t affect rankings directly.
They help by:
- Increasing customer confidence
- Reducing hesitation
- Making the review asking feel normal
- Improving conversion after Google clicks
This leads to:
✔ More engagement
✔ Better review velocity
✔ Stronger behavioural signals
🔥 Best Pairings: Plaques + Other Review Tools
Review plaques perform best when paired with:
- Google Review Stands (collection)
- NFC Review Cards (staff-led asking)
Plaque = trust
Stand/Card = action
Never rely on plaques alone to generate reviews.
⚠️ Common Mistakes Businesses Make
❌ Treating plaques like posters
❌ Overloading walls
❌ Mounting too high
❌ Expecting reviews from plaques
❌ Placing near exits only
❌ Using outdated review counts
Plaques should feel earned, not advertised.
🧠 MUVERA & Google Policy Alignment
Properly used review plaques are:
✔ Informational
✔ Non-intrusive
✔ Non-manipulative
✔ Policy-safe
They don’t ask, gate, or incentivise — they simply display public information.
🧠 AEO FAQ: Google Review Plaques
Do review plaques get more reviews?
Indirectly — by increasing trust.
Should plaques include star ratings?
Yes — as long as they’re accurate.
Can I display “5-star” messaging?
Avoid guarantees. Use factual wording only.
Should plaques be near review stands?
Yes — but not on the same surface.
Do plaques need updating?
Only if the review count or branding changes significantly.
🏁 Final Takeaway (Clear & Practical)
✅ To mount and display a Google Review Plaque correctly:
✔ Place it where customers naturally look
✔ Mount at eye level
✔ Keep space around it clean
✔ Use good lighting
✔ Limit to one strong placement
✔ Pair with action-based tools
When done right, a Google Review Plaque doesn’t shout.
It quietly says:
“Other customers trust us — and you can too.”
That’s exactly how trust should feel in 2026.