Today, individuals seeking information about local companies, restaurants, and tourist attractions rely heavily on user-generated content and reviews. Recognizing the value of these inputs, Google launched the Local Guides Program, a global network of volunteers who voluntarily share their expertise and experiences by writing reviews, uploading images, and updating information on places on Google Maps. In addition to helping other users, this program awards badges and points to those who participated, strengthening the sense of community and encouraging further participation.
In this blog, you will learn the nuances of the Google Local Guides Program, including how to accrue badges and points while making use of the program’s benefits.
Google Local Guides Program – What is it?
With the help of the Google Local Guides Program, users may improve the accuracy of Google Maps. They contribute their opinions, reviews, images, and further details about nearby establishments. Since its launch in 2015, it has developed into a successful international community with millions of users. Its main goal is to give people accurate and up-to-date information on different places so they may make wise choices and find hidden treasures in their communities or travel destinations. The program is an excellent tool for local search engine marketing.
In addition to evaluating establishments, Local Guides also upload images, make suggestions for changes to location data, respond to inquiries, and add new locations to Google Maps. Their combined efforts provide a location-based information database that is more extensive and reliable, improving the Google Maps experience for all users.
The Advantages of Working as a Local Guide
There are several benefits associated with becoming a part of the Google Local Guides Program, which makes it an appealing option for people who like travelling and sharing their experiences. Among the advantages are:
- Acknowledgment and Standing Creating Badges:
Obtaining Badges: In recognition of their efforts and to demonstrate their knowledge of particular regions or locations, Local Guides can obtain badges.
Profile Identification: When other users read your reviews, images, and other information, your profile turns into a digital portfolio of your work.
- Priority Access and Benefits
Exclusive Invitation: Google periodically extends invitations to current Local Guides to participate in special events and initiatives.
Early Access: To test and offer input on impending changes, a select group of Local Guides are granted early access to new features on Google Maps.
- Real-world Rewards
Google Drive Storage: You may be eligible for more Google Drive storage based on your level.
Local Benefits: Active Local Guides may be eligible for discounts or other exclusive deals from nearby companies in specific areas.
- Involvement with the Community
Network with Minded Individuals: By becoming a member of the Local Guides group, you may establish connections with others who, like you, are passionate about discovering and adding to the body of local knowledge.
Support and Recognition: The community frequently acknowledges and rejoices in its members’ successes.
- Creating An Impact
Assisting Others: You directly help other Google Maps users with your precise data and insightful analysis.
Contribution to Local Companies: You may positively influence local companies’ online exposure and success by rating and endorsing them.
How to earn points in the Google Local Guide Program?
The main objective of the Google Local Guides Program is to accrue points. Your efforts are measured in points, and as you earn more of them, the algorithm advances you through higher levels. You gain greater benefits and notoriety as your level rises. Here’s how points can be earned:
- Write reviews (1–10 points each)
Compose Educative Reviews: Write in-depth, frank, and informative evaluations of the locations you’ve been. Your score for each review can range from 1 to 10, based on its length and quality.
Include Images: To offer visual clues and improve the readability of your reviews, include appropriate images with them.
- Submit Pictures (1–7 Points per Picture)
Share Visuals: Provide excellent pictures of locations, establishments, or tourist attractions. You can receive one to seven points for each photo.
Add Captions: Add a line of text to your pictures to give readers more background or information.
- Respond to inquiries (1 point for each response)
Be of Assistance: Respond to inquiries from other Google Maps users on locations you are familiar with. You receive one point for each response you give.
- Include New Locations (with 15 Points each)
Map the Uncharted: You can add a location to Google Maps if you come across one that isn’t already there. You will receive fifteen points when your contribution is confirmed.
- Modify Place Information (1 Point per Edit)
Maintain Accurate Information: Make suggestions for revisions to location-specific data, including addresses, phone numbers, and operating hours. You receive one point for each accepted modification.
- Make a Google Maps contribution (5 Points per Contribution)
Lend a Hand: You may assist with Google Maps and Business Profiles in several ways, such as by validating certain aspects. Every contribution is valued at five points.
- Post Your Initial Review (5 Extra Points)
Start Here: You will receive an extra 5 points if you submit your first review if you have never written one before.
Levels of Google Local Guides Program
Local Guides get points and advance via several levels. More advantages and recognition are available at each level. An outline of the levels and their prerequisites is provided below:
- Level 1 (Points 0–4)
Acknowledgement: The “Newbie” emblem.
Benefits include access to Google-hosted events and the Local Guides network.
- Level 2 (Points 5-49)
Acknowledgement: The “Rookie” emblem.
Benefits: Advance access to some Google products.
- Level Three (Points 50–199)
Acknowledgement: The “Pro” emblem.
Benefits include more Google Drive storage and, if offered in your location, access to special Google events.
- Level 4 (Points 200–499)
Acknowledgement: The “Expert” emblem.
Benefits: Additional storage capacity on Google Drive.
- 500+ Points at Level 5
Acknowledgement: The title of “Master.”
Benefits: All of the above plus the chance to be highlighted on the Google Maps app.
Badges of Google Local Guides Program
In addition to serving as accomplishment markers, badges can show your breadth of knowledge in a number of fields. The following are some popular badge kinds and their meanings:
- Explorer Badge: Given for mapping your location to the top of Google Maps.
- Photographer Badge: A specified amount of images must be uploaded to Google Maps in order to get this badge.
- Reviewer Badge: A reviewer badge is awarded after penning a particular quantity of reviews.
- Fact Finder Badge: Given for divulging details about a location, such as locations or opening times.
- Rising Star Badge: It is awarded to members of the Local Guides community who consistently participate and engage.
- Expert Badge: Obtained by proving one’s knowledge in a certain field or area.
- Trailblazer Badge: It is received by people honours who have significantly improved previous locations that lacked reviews.
This program is excellent for Local SEO. To know more about this program and its implementation for local SEO services, contact us today!