I don’t know about all people, but I am definitely into writing reviews and I think that is the basic work that most Local Guides start their journey with. Some may say it is so usual and ordinary; but the simplest is actually the most interesting, don’t you think?
Writing reviews is the most impactful action you can take on Google Maps. By mentioning the details of a place such as location, price, and quality, you save a lot of people’s time on searching and deciding. I take account of other Local Guides’ reviews when I visit a place, so I do hope mine can help people the same.
Not only be useful to visitors, reviews can actually help grow the businesses. I sometimes receive thankful replies from owners of stores I reviewed, and they made my day everytime. Knowing that I at least play a small part in supporting these spots gain more recognition and praise, I am more than happy.
Another good reason is that reviewing sharpens my writing skill as well as my confidence. When I write reviews, it’s not just for fun (though IT IS FUN!), it’s also for everyone to get to know better about the places. That’s why I always give honest and detailed reviews. I make sure my words and ideas are expressed in a clear, logical, and approachable way, and this, in fact, helps improve my own skill gradually.
The ‘Local Guide’ program is a reliable system for global citizens to share their own experiences, and it values my contributions through each tiny work I do. This makes me proud of myself. Although I’m now just a Local Guide level 6, I’m confident since I can be helpful for someone. And admit it, having the ‘Local Guide’ badge is one of the coolest things you can do on Google Maps.
Last but not least, reviewing is the easiest way to satisfy both my hobbies of sharing and connecting, which I believe are your passion as a Local Guide, too. Nothing is more enjoyable than a good review along with some great photos. I wish to share the beauty and points of interest of my Saigon (official name Ho Chi Minh City) and Vietnam to the world so everyone can see and admire them nearly as much as I do. By leaving reviews for local places I travel to, I provide people a bit of information about these wonderful destinations and hopefully inspire them to come and explore themselves.
You don’t have to be a professional writer to leave reviews. All you need is a real experience, enthusiasm, maybe several nice pictures, and voilà! Is there any easier and simpler way to share and connect with the world?
Writing reviews is more powerful than you think and it should not be underestimated. They are a few words that help set people’s ideas on how a place is. Reviewing is what turned me to a Local Guide and I would keep doing this since it is the most interesting thing I’ve done (until now).
