Being a Google Local Guide is a fantastic way to support your local community and help people explore the world around them. Whether you are in Plymouth or traveling abroad, the goal is to provide authentic, helpful information.
Here are the best practices for being an effective and respected Local Guide.
1. Quality Over Quantity
- Write Detailed Reviews: Avoid generic comments like “good” or “yum.” Instead, describe the setting, vibe, service, and specific recommendations. If you’re at a restaurant, mention what you ordered and why you liked (or disliked) it.
- Aim for 200+ Characters: Reviews longer than 200 characters provide much more value to other users and earn you bonus points in the program.
- Be Authentic: Always share your honest experience. Your unique perspective is what makes the map helpful for others.
2. Master Your Media
- Take High-Quality Photos: Use natural light whenever possible. Try to capture different angles (e.g., a wide shot of the exterior, a close-up of a menu item).
- Maintain Focus: Blurry, dark, or redundant photos are less helpful and may be removed.
- Respect Privacy: Avoid taking photos that feature identifiable people, especially at sensitive locations like hospitals or schools.
- Use Descriptive Captions: Adding a caption to your photos helps others understand exactly what they are looking at.
3. Keep Information Fresh
- Suggest Edits: If you notice a business has changed its hours, moved, or closed, use the “Suggest an edit” feature. Accurate information saves others time and frustration.
- Add Missing Places: If you discover a “hidden gem” that isn’t on the map, add it! This is one of the most valuable contributions a Local Guide can make.
- Answer Questions: Keep an eye on the “Contribute” tab for questions about places you’ve visited. Answering these helps build a reliable knowledge base for everyone.
4. Community Guidelines & Ethics
- Stay Objective: The Local Guides program is about helpful information, not manipulating business rankings. Never accept payment for reviews or post fake content.
- Avoid Duplication: Do not post the same review or photo across multiple locations.
- Protect the Brand: Remember that you are a community volunteer. Do not use the Google or Local Guides logos in a way that suggests you are an official employee or representing Google in a professional capacity.
Quick Pro-Tips for Points
- Use the “Contribute” Tab: Regularly check this in your Google Maps app. It provides personalized suggestions for places that need your input, such as verifying business hours or adding photos.
- Create Lists: Build and share public lists (e.g., “Best Coffee Spots in Plymouth”) to showcase your local knowledge and help others discover great places.
- Engage with Local Guides Connect: Join the Local Guides Connect forum to share tips, learn from others, and stay updated on the latest program features.
As you reach higher levels, you’ll unlock different perks and badges, but the most rewarding part is truly the impact your contributions have on your local community.
Are you looking for advice on how to improve a specific type of contribution, like writing better food reviews or taking more professional-looking photos for the map? Just ask below…..