The creation of the ‘Google Local Guides’ programme offers a great way of being able to review local businesses on a regular basis whilst also developing a level of trust with Google.
In order to become a ‘Local Guide’, you will need to sign up at maps.google.com and then take a proactive approach in regards to uploading images, reviewing local businesses, updating business details which you know to be incorrect and many more.
Earning Perks As a Local Guide
Google Local Guides unlock Google perks like access to new features as they earn points.
As a Local Guide, you earn points for sharing reviews, photos and knowledge on Google Maps. Those points lead to higher levels of the programme as well as benefits such as early access to Google features and special perks from partners. At Level 4, you also unlock your first Local Guides badge, which helps your contributions to places get noticed.
Make sure you’ve signed up for updates by reviewing your email preferences on your Local Guides settings page.
Points, Levels and Badges
Earn points by contributing content to Google Maps. Score a place with ratings, describe your experience with reviews, share photographs and videos, provide insights with answers, respond to questions about a place, update information with place edits, add missing places or verify the information by checking facts.
| Maps contribution | Points earned |
|---|---|
| Review | 5 points per review |
| Review with more than 200 characters | 5 bonus points per review |
| Rating | 1 point per rating |
| Photo | 5 points per photo |
| In-stream video | 7 points per video |
| Answer | 1 point per answer |
| Respond to Q&As | 3 points per response |
| Edit | 5 points per edit |
| Place added | 15 points per place added |
| Fact checked | 1 point per fact-checked |
Local Guides levels
Reach higher levels as you earn points for your contributions.
Please Note – Points and levels can take up to 24 hours to be updated. Points do not expire, though they may decrease if the content is removed for violating Google’s policies. Remain an active contributor on Google Maps to be eligible for perks and early access to new features.
Contact Us
If you would like any further information regarding becoming a Google Local Guide, Footprint Web Design have been at the forefront of web design and Social Media development for nearly 20 years. If you are looking for a website that truly represents your business, or advice on how to make your site stand out, then contact us today on 01883 372 488, or via email at info@footprint.co.uk.
