The Google Local Guides program is a global community where individuals contribute to Google Maps by sharing their knowledge and experiences about local businesses and places. This article delves into How To Use Local Guide Points, exploring the benefits, perks, and how businesses can leverage this program for enhanced online presence and reputation management.
Understanding the Google Local Guides Program
The Google Local Guides program is a Google initiative that encourages users to share information about local businesses, attractions, and places of interest. As Local Guides, users contribute by:
- Writing reviews
- Adding photos and videos
- Updating business information
- Answering questions on Google Maps
Local Guides earn points for their contributions, unlocking different levels within the program. Each level offers various benefits and perks. The program aims to improve the accuracy and completeness of local business information on Google Maps, fostering a community of users passionate about sharing their experiences.
Becoming a Local Guide: The Steps
Anyone with a Google account can join the Local Guides program. Here’s how:
- Open Google Maps: Use the mobile app or a web browser.
- Sign In: Log in with your Google account.
- Access Your Contributions: Tap the three horizontal lines in the top-left corner, then select “Your contributions.”
- Join Local Guides: Tap “Join Local Guides” and follow the instructions.
- Alternatively: Visit
https://maps.google.com/localguides/to sign up.
To earn points and reap the Google Local Guide benefits, users can:
- Rate places
- Write detailed reviews
- Share photos and videos
- Answer questions about locations
- Edit and update business information
- Add missing places
- Verify facts
Remember, the Local Guides program is designed for individuals, not businesses. Contributions from business pages will not count towards Local Guides levels or benefits.
Earning and Using Google Local Guide Points: A Breakdown
Local Guides accumulate points for their contributions, which dictate their Local Guides level. Here’s a breakdown of how many points you can earn:
- Review: 10 points per review
- Review (200+ characters): 10 bonus points
- Rating: 1 point per rating
- Photo: 5 points per photo
alt: Google Local Guide contributing photos, showcasing the visual contribution aspect.
- Photo Tag: 3 points per tag
- Video: 7 points per video
- Caption (Photo Update): 10 points per caption
- Answer: 1 point per answer
- Respond to Q&A: 3 points per response
- Edit: 5 points per edit
- Place Added: 15 points per place added
- Road Added: 15 points per road added
- Fact Checked: 1 point per checked fact
Levels range from 1 to 10, with higher levels unlocking more benefits. Level 4 unlocks the first Local Guides badge, making contributions more visible.
Google Local Guide Benefits and Perks: Maximizing Your Points
The rewards for contributing as a Local Guide are manifold. Benefits and perks can include:
- Early access to new Google Maps features and services
- Discounts on Google products
- Invitations to special events, parties, and meetups
- Eligibility to test new Google products and services before their public release
- Thank-you gifts for high-quality contributions
Some Local Guides also receive additional Google Drive storage as a perk, highlighting the value Google places on community contributions.
The Impact of Local Guides on Local Business Listings
Local Guides significantly contribute to the accuracy and comprehensiveness of local business listings on Google Maps. This makes it easier for users to find what they need and supports businesses by improving their discoverability and search visibility.
Local Guides enhance the quality of information available on Google Maps, benefiting both businesses and users seeking reliable details about local establishments. Their efforts help keep local business listings (Google Business Profiles) helpful and up-to-date.
Local Guides and Reputation Management: How It All Connects
Contributions from Local Guides can significantly impact a business’s online reputation management strategy.
Reviews and Ratings
Positive reviews from Local Guides can boost brand reputation, while negative feedback can deter potential customers. Local Guides’ reviews often appear at the top of listings due to their detail and inclusion of photos and videos. They also influence the overall star rating displayed on Google Business Profiles and Maps listings.
Visibility and Exposure
Google Business Profiles with positive reviews and detailed information from Local Guides can experience increased visibility on Google Maps and other Google services, attracting more potential customers. Active participation from Local Guides can also lead to higher user engagement, encouraging interactions with the Business Profile.
Brand Trust and Credibility
User-generated content from Local Guides can boost brand credibility and trustworthiness. Reviews from real customers help users make informed decisions, fostering greater consumer trust and confidence.
Local SEO
Content generated by Local Guides, such as reviews, photos, videos, and Q&As, can positively impact a business’s local search engine optimization (SEO) performance. Detailed and positive content from Local Guides can help businesses rank higher in local search results.
alt: Brand Scorecard Widget Header, displaying the brand’s online reputation overview.
Community Building
Engaging with the Local Guides community can foster a sense of community support, leading to more positive interactions with customers and the creation of brand advocates within the Local Guides program.
Customer Experience
Negative reviews from Local Guides provide valuable customer feedback for companies, highlighting areas for improvement. Responding to reviews, especially constructive criticism, demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing customer concerns and improving customer experiences.
Engaging with Google Local Guides: A Business Perspective
While you can’t directly control Local Guides, you can create an environment that encourages their positive engagement:
- Manage Your Google Business Profile: Ensure your profile is accurate, complete, and up-to-date with essential information.
- Respond to Reviews: Timely responses improve consumer perception. Research shows that a significant percentage of customers expect a response within 7 days, yet many never hear back.
- Avoid Incentivized Reviews: Encourage organic contributions. Buying or incentivizing reviews violates Google’s policy and can lead to penalties.
- Publish Google Posts: Regular updates keep your profile fresh and relevant.
- Analyze Feedback: Use Local Guides’ feedback to identify areas for improvement and gain valuable customer experience insights.
Conclusion
Understanding how to use Local Guide points and leveraging the Google Local Guides program is crucial for both individual contributors and businesses. For individuals, it offers a way to share knowledge, contribute to their community, and enjoy various perks. For businesses, engaging with Local Guides can enhance online presence, build brand reputation, and improve customer experiences. By focusing on delivering exceptional experiences and actively managing their Google Business Profile, businesses can harness the power of the Local Guides program to achieve significant results.
