Google is the most important review source for most local businesses, but the connection method changes what the platform can actually do for you.
If you only remember one thing, remember this: Grant Access is the production setup. Public Access is the quick setup.
Who this source is for
Google is a fit for almost any business with a Google Business Profile, including restaurants, clinics, service businesses, agencies, retailers, and multi-location brands.
How to connect Google
Go to `Connect -> Integrations` and click `Google`. From there you can choose either Grant Access or Public Access.
| Option | How it works | Best use case |
|---|---|---|
| Grant Access | Sign in with the Google account that manages the Business Profile and choose the right location | Best for live production accounts |
| Public Access | Search for the business or paste the Google Place ID manually | Best for demos, temporary setups, or cautious customers |
What changes based on the connection type
| Feature | Grant Access | Public Access |
|---|---|---|
| Sync reviews automatically | Yes | Limited |
| Deep linking | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile deep linking | Yes | Yes |
| Direct reply from dashboard | Yes | No |
| Auto Respond | Yes | No |
| AI review response | Yes | Yes, but copy and paste manually |
| Feedback form support | Yes | Yes |
| Performance metrics | Yes | No |
How Google deep linking actually works
On desktop, the Google button can open the direct review URL and push the customer straight toward the review form.
On mobile, deep linking can open the Google Maps app directly if it is installed. That usually improves the logged-in experience, but there is one limitation: the Google Maps app does not support jumping straight into the review form section automatically.
That means mobile deep linking is still useful, especially because many reviewers are already signed into the Maps app, but it is not a magic shortcut into the exact review form screen.
- Use mobile deep linking when opening the app is more important than landing on the exact review form immediately
- Use the standard non-deep-link Google URL when you want the cleanest direct browser path to the review form
- Both options are valid. Pick the one that reduces friction for the specific customer journey
This is one of the easiest places to overpromise. The app deep link can open the business profile directly, but it cannot force-open the review section inside Google Maps.
Practical operating advice
- Choose Grant Access whenever the customer is ready to sign in
- Use Public Access when you need to move fast or are still in a demo stage
- Connect each Google location separately in multi-location accounts
- If the connection breaks after a password or permission change, re-authenticate and the existing setup is preserved