How to export Google reviews for local research
Standard Places API access does not give you permission to export competitor reviews into a research spreadsheet. Confirm that your intended collection, storage and analysis are permitted before choosing an export method. Google Maps Platform terms
In short
| API review limit | A Place Details response returns a limited selection of reviews |
|---|---|
| Attribution | Google Maps content requires attribution under the Platform terms |
| Research use | Aggregate review themes; do not republish personal content |
Define the local research question before collecting review content. Keep the work focused on recurring service themes, and avoid carrying reviewer names or personal stories into your research output.
- Define the city, business category and review themes you want to study.
- Check whether the applicable terms permit your planned collection, storage and analysis. Google Maps Platform terms
- Set up Places API access only for a permitted use, following the Places API guide.
- Request the reviews field through Place Details for the correct Place ID. Place Details documentation
- Summarise permitted material into recurring themes without copying personal content.
- Export only the research material your permissions allow, with the required attribution.
Where this usually breaks
A returned review selection can be mistaken for the business's complete review history. Keep that coverage limit visible in any comparison. Place Details documentation
An export tool's ability to retrieve text does not establish permission to save it. Google's terms restrict extraction, storage and creating content from Maps content. Google Maps Platform terms
What to check before you use the list
Confirm that each location matches the intended business and branch. Check whether the available material actually supports the comparison you want to make.
Verify permission for the intended output before sharing it. Attribution does not replace permission to export or reuse the content. Google Maps Platform terms
Questions
Can Place Details provide a complete review archive?
It returns a limited selection rather than a complete archive. Do not describe that selection as all reviews for the business. Place Details documentation
Does adding attribution make an export permitted?
Attribution alone does not authorise an export. The restrictions on extraction and storage still apply. Google Maps Platform terms
Can I turn reviews into research themes?
Check that your permissions cover the proposed analysis and output. Aggregating themes does not automatically remove Google's restrictions on creating content from Maps content. Google Maps Platform terms
What should I leave out of a research summary?
Leave out reviewer names, copied personal stories and unnecessary identifying details. Describe recurring service issues in your own words only where the intended use is permitted.
Run this
Google Maps Review & Contributor Activity Scraper returns phone numbers, websites, star ratings. $0.99 per 1,000 + $0.10/GB start, plus Apify platform usage.
- Open Google Maps Review & Contributor Activity Scraper on the Apify Store and sign in or create a free account.
- In Searches, enter your search.
- Set Places per search to the number of businesses you want from each search.
- Start it, then download the results as CSV or Excel from the run's Output tab.