Why hire a guide?
Having a knowledgeable guide can make planning easier, help you save time and money, get extra information you might otherwise miss, and explore the best of an area you don’t know much about.
With Google Local Guides, I feel it is the same.
You don’t check reviews of places you know. You only look when you’re new to a place and trying to make plans. Sadly, many reviews are solely about the person writing and actually aren’t helpful to new people. Here’s an example of an old review I wrote about my favorite local diner, Sil’s Cafe in Layton, Utah:
- “Grew up in Layton and still think about Sills. The food is amazing and the staff are friendly. It’s always very busy, so brace for that, but the reason is because it’s so amazing. I stop by every time I’m even remotely close.”
This review is trying its best to be helpful, but if you’re brand new to what is arguably the best cafe in the world, there are some things you might want to know before you go. Since I started trying to write reviews like a guide, I added:
- It is self-seating, but if it’s busy, make sure you pay attention to the people who come in before you so you know when you’re next up.
- ALSO, tables must be CLEAR before you self-seat, so let the servers do that before sitting down.
- Sil’s is known for its scones and homemade honey butter! Order one and see why.
- They serve breakfast all day!
- It is VERY busy Saturday mornings, but worth the wait if you have time. Otherwise, come between mealtimes to avoid rushes.
See the difference? Yes, it’s a delicious place I’ve had a lot of experience with, but the focus on quirks newcomers might encounter is what makes the review go beyond an explanation for my 5-star rating. (Seriously, if you live anywhere in Utah or even just plan to pass through–stop at Sil’s! Just look at the scones.)
In the expanded review, I’m not just a reviewer anymore. I’m a guide. I’m making planning easier, helping you save time and money, giving you extra information you might otherwise miss, and aiding you in exploring the best of an area you don’t know much about.
Put it another way, as outlined in this comic by xkcd that changed my perspective on newbies:
It’s thus my philosophy and mission as a local guide to be here for the “lucky 10,000” (or, you know, 40 people who actually look at my reviews, ha!).