I’ve been an active local guide for three years now. One of things that often pop up on my Maps app on my are questions about businesses or places. Maps users often ask pertinent questions about businesses or places on the map. I realized many businesses or places are unclaimed thereby leaving customers without direct contact with the businesses.
I have helped several businesses in my hometown of Busia claim ownership and the business owners are happy with the results. If for example someone is searching for a hotel, they search for hotels in the area with the phrase"hotels in Busia". When a business is claimed on maps, it helps the customers get the right contact information instantly other than going through advertising agencies.
Something else i’ve noticed about claimed businesses to the customer is that it builds trust to the customer from the business and makes them feel proud. Getting a reply from a business makes the customer feel happy and getting a positive review from the customer improves the business.
Some of the claimed businesses in my hometown are Hotel Itoya, Chefwest Hotel, Western Ambience Hotel
Making real change to maps as featured during Connect Live 2018 is what drives me to contribute to maps and that’s why I love maps.