What Is a Local Guide?
A Local Guide is a person who participates in the Google Maps Local Guides program. It’s a way for users to contribute information to Google Maps by providing reviews, photos, and other information about businesses and places. By doing so, Local Guides can earn points, which can be used to unlock perks and gain access to exclusive features.
As a Local Guide, you can:
- Add new places and update existing ones with accurate information.
- Verify that information is accurate and up-to-date.
- Answer questions about places
- Share photos and videos of a place
- Review places
- Help others by answering questions and sharing knowledge about a place.
By doing these actions, Local Guides can earn points and level up, reaching new milestones and unlocking rewards. The Local Guides program also has a community aspect, allowing members to connect and share tips and advice with one another. The idea behind this program is to help people discover new places, and to help make Google Maps a more accurate and helpful tool for everyone.
What’s a “Local Guide” in Google Maps Program
A “Local Guide” in Google Maps is a program that allows users to contribute information to Google Maps by providing reviews, photos, and other information about businesses and places. Local Guides can earn points for their contributions, which can be used to unlock perks and gain access to exclusive features. As a Local Guide, you can do things like:
- Adding new places
- Verifying that information is accurate and up-to-date
- Answering questions about places
- Sharing photos and videos
- Reviewing places By doing these actions, you can earn points and level up, reaching new milestones and unlocking rewards. The Local Guides program also has a community aspect, allowing members to connect and share tips and advice with one another.
What Are the Rewards?
Google offers a variety of rewards for Local Guides who reach certain milestones in the program. The rewards vary depending on the level and points achieved by the guide. Here are some examples of rewards Local Guides can earn:
- Early access to new Google products and features
- Discounts on Google products and services, such as Google One storage.
- Free storage on Google Drive
- Google Play credit
- Invitations to special Local Guides events and meetups
- Certificate of Achievement
- Badges and recognition on Google Maps
- Recognition in the Local Guides leaderboard
- Opportunities to work with Google on new projects
Keep in mind that these rewards and the level requirement for them may change over time, but the idea behind the rewards is to acknowledge and value the effort and contributions of the Local Guides.
Also, some of the perks and rewards depend on the region or country, since the Local Guides program operates worldwide and some benefits are region specific.
How Can I Become a Local Guide?
Becoming a Local Guide is easy and free. Here’s how you can join the program:
Sign in to your Google account: In order to become a Local Guide, you’ll need to have a Google account. If you don’t have one, you can sign up for one for free.
Go to the Local Guides website: Once you’re signed in, go to the Local Guides website to learn more about the program and to see what level you’re currently at.
Start contributing to Google Maps: To earn points as a Local Guide, you’ll need to contribute to Google Maps by adding new places, leaving reviews, uploading photos and videos, and answering questions.
Check your progress and level up: As you earn points, you’ll level up and unlock new rewards. You can check your progress and see what rewards are available on the Local Guides website or in the Local Guides app.
Connect with the community: Participating in the Local Guides program is also a way to connect with like-minded individuals and share tips and advice about your community. You can join Local Guides communities on Google+ or other social media.
As long as you have a google account, you are able to join the program and start contributing to google maps, making it more accurate, helpful, and fun for everyone.
What is the benefit of being Local Guide in Google Maps?
There are several benefits to being a Local Guide in Google Maps. Here are a few examples:
Helping others discover new places: By contributing information to Google Maps, you can help others discover new places and businesses in your community.
Learning more about your community: By participating in the Local Guides program, you can learn more about the places and businesses in your community and help keep information on Google Maps up-to-date.
Unlocking rewards and perks: As a Local Guide, you can earn points for your contributions and unlock rewards and perks, such as early access to new Google products and services, discounts, and free storage.
Building connections: The Local Guides program has a community aspect, you can connect with other like-minded individuals and share tips and advice about your community
Personal satisfaction: Making a positive impact in your community by sharing your knowledge and experience, and also by making it easier for people to discover and explore new places, can bring a sense of personal satisfaction.
Improving Google Maps: By making contributions to Google Maps, Local Guides are helping make it a more accurate and helpful tool for everyone.
Does Google Local Guides get paid?
Google’s Local Guides program is a volunteer-based program, and participants do not get paid for their contributions. However, as a token of appreciation for their contributions, Google offers a variety of perks and rewards for Local Guides who reach certain milestones in the program. These can include things like early access to new Google products and features, discounts on Google products and services, and free storage on Google Drive.
Some Local guides have found a way to monetize by providing services like photography, video production and tours, but the service its not directly related with Google, the Local guide will be the one in charge of those monetization actions.
Additionally, Local Guides may gain personal benefits from participating in the program, such as learning more about their local community and connecting with other like-minded individuals.
Does it worth becoming a local guide in google maps?
Whether becoming a Local Guide in Google Maps is worth it for you will depend on your personal interests and priorities. Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether to join the program:
Do you enjoy exploring your local community? If you enjoy visiting new places and learning about different businesses in your area, becoming a Local Guide could be a fun way to do that while also helping others discover new places.
Are you looking for rewards or perks? If you’re looking for discounts and free services, Local Guides program rewards could be a good motivation.
Are you passionate about your community? If you want to contribute to the well-being of your community by providing accurate information to locals and tourists and by promoting local businesses, Local Guides program could be a way to achieve that.
Are you interested in technology and Google services? As a Local Guide, you will have the opportunity to be among the first to test and provide feedback on new Google products and services.
Are you comfortable with the time and effort required? Becoming a Local Guide does require a certain level of commitment, such as taking the time to add new places, review businesses, answer questions and share photos and videos.
In general, If you enjoy exploring your local community, have the desire to help others discover new places, have an interest in technology, and are willing to put in some time and effort, becoming a Local Guide in Google Maps could be a worthwhile endeavor.
In Conclusion
In a nutshell, being a Local Guide in Google Maps allows you to be part of a vibrant community of people who share a love of exploring and sharing knowledge about their local areas, while also earning rewards and perks along the way.
