How to Get a Google Places API Key for WordPress Review Plugins

Most Google Reviews plugins for WordPress require a Google Places API key. Setting this up in Google Cloud Console confuses many users. Here is the exact process.

Step 1: Create a Google Cloud Project

1. Go to console.cloud.google.com and sign in with a Google account.
2. Click the project dropdown at the top left and click New Project.
3. Name the project something descriptive like “My WordPress Site Reviews”.
4. Click Create. Wait for the project to be created — it takes a few seconds.
5. Make sure your new project is selected in the dropdown before continuing.

Step 2: Enable the Places API

1. In the Google Cloud Console, go to APIs and Services, then Library.
2. Search for “Places API”.
3. Click on Places API (not Maps JavaScript API, not Places API (New) — the standard Places API).
4. Click Enable.

Step 3: Enable Billing

Google requires a billing account even for free-tier usage. Without billing enabled, the API returns errors. Go to Billing in the left menu and link a payment method. You will not be charged for typical review widget usage — the Places API free tier includes enough monthly requests for most small business websites.

Step 4: Create an API Key

1. Go to APIs and Services, then Credentials.
2. Click Create Credentials, then API Key.
3. An API key is generated. Copy it.

Step 5: Restrict the API Key (Important)

An unrestricted API key can be used by anyone who finds it. Restrict it to your site:

1. Click on the newly created API key to edit it.
2. Under Application Restrictions, select HTTP referrers (websites).
3. Add your domain: yoursite.com/* (include the wildcard).
4. Under API Restrictions, select Restrict key and choose Places API from the list.
5. Save.

Step 6: Find Your Google Place ID

Your Google Place ID is a unique identifier for your business listing. Find it at developers.google.com/maps/documentation/places/web-service/place-id — there is a Place ID Finder tool. Enter your business name and city, select your business from the autocomplete results, and copy the Place ID shown. It looks like ChIJxxxxxxxx.

Step 7: Connect to Your Plugin

In your WordPress review plugin settings, enter the API key and the Place ID. Save. The plugin should now fetch your reviews. If you see an API error, check that billing is enabled on your Google Cloud account — this is the most common reason for connection failures after the API key is correctly configured.

Monitoring API Usage and Costs

Go to Google Cloud Console, then APIs and Services, then Dashboard to see your API usage. The Places API has a free tier. Monitor usage monthly to ensure you stay within it. For most small business review widgets making a few requests per day, the cost is zero.

For review display setup including schema markup configuration and custom review layouts, a WordPress developer can handle the full integration.