Connecting a Google Business Profile and placing the widget
Connection and placement use a shortcode, without requiring an API key or Trustindex account.
- Connect a profile: Link one public Google Business Profile as the review source. This suits a single-location display; multiple profiles require Professional.
- Choose a layout: Select a widget layout and configure how reviews appear.
- Add the shortcode: Place it in a page, post or supported page builder. The widget adjusts to its container width, so it can fit different page layouts.
Free widget layouts and review controls
The free tier combines several display formats with practical controls for choosing and presenting reviews.
- Layouts: Choose from 45 slider, grid, list and badge options, plus 10+ predefined styles and dark-theme support.
- Review selection: Filter by rating or hide individual reviews to focus the display.
- Reviewer details: Anonymize reviewer names and show owner replies.
- Long reviews: Trim text with a “Read more” link.
- Language and loading: Choose from 52 widget languages; lazy loading delays asset loading until needed.
- Display limits: One widget can show up to 10 reviews, with unlimited page use and views.
Review storage, refreshes, and site data
Reviews are stored in the WordPress database, and widget assets are served from the site’s server.
The free version allows a manual refresh every 10 days; automatic updates come with Trustindex Professional. Plan for periodic manual refreshes if staying on the free tier. The widgets are described as GDPR-compliant, and reviews are readable by search engines and AI crawlers.
When Trustindex Professional becomes relevant
Professional is relevant when a site needs more sources, automated upkeep or expanded review-management tools.
- More sources and widgets: Add multiple Google Business Profiles and other review platforms, create unlimited widgets and download unlimited reviews.
- Expanded presentation: Access more layouts and customization, rich snippets, pop-ups and review photos.
- Review assistance: Use AI summaries and translation, invitation tools, review tagging and statistics.
- Business support: Manage multiple businesses and access priority support.
A strong free option for single-location review displays
The free tier fits local businesses that need a Google-only review display and can work within its profile and review caps.
It allows one profile and up to 10 displayed reviews, but the widget can be used on unlimited pages and receive unlimited views. That makes it practical for placing the same review display across a site; businesses needing more profiles or reviews should weigh Professional.
The plugin is among the directory’s most widely installed, has an excellent rating based on many reviews, and was updated within the last week. Its support team resolved 77% of 26 support threads, a useful activity signal but not a guarantee of individual support outcomes.
