Throughout my childhood, the definition of a local guide to me was pretty straightforward. An example would clarify what I mean. Think you are travelling in the busy city of Dhaka in Bangladesh. You desperately need some sense of direction. You stop and found some people in a ‘Tong’ (a street Caffe) and ask someone, ‘Hey! Do you know where this address is?’. Then the local guide will tell you how to get there. Although this sounds pretty straightforward, the impact it will have on travellers is massive. One can get mugged if lead to a wrong direction intentionally or unintentionally. So, an expert traveller would ask multiple people. And still, there will always be the issue of trust and accuracy! Who is leading you in the right direction?
Google Local Guide vs Traditional Local Guide
To me, the Google local guide program is like local guides on steroids. Not only good people can provide fellow travellers with accurate direction and information, with the power and reach of Google, a guide’s reach is going beyond imagination. Let me summarize the differences in a few key points.
1. Reaching more people: Google is without a doubt the #1 Search Engine in existence. The reason why it’s Map platform is hugely successful is due to its local guide program. With the help of this program, one can get important information about numerous local listings with the help of local guides. And the best part, my listings, photos, reviews and information can help travellers 24/7 all year around.
2. Trustworthy Information: Since Google has this local guide program, we can see the level of the guide, which gives a sense of trust.
3. Interaction Beyond Images (360 degree photos): This one is all about Google’s Street View Photography program. Using certain cameras a local guide can add 360-degree street view photos in Google Maps. This allows engaging audience beyond imagination.
Google Street View Photography
I always try my best to stay in touch with the latest gadgets. I was watching this video about 360 cameras and Google Street View photography. Later I found out that, one can be a Street View Trusted photographers after going through certain stages. This hooked me tight! I started saving for a few months to get myself a Ricoh Theta IV camera and stand. With the camera in my hand, I started taking photos and never looked back.
By the time I am writing this article, my 162 approved Street View photos accumulated over 4.8 million views! It is literally impossible for me to meet even a million people face to face. But with the power of google map, local guide and the Street View photography program I was able to help these massive number of people to engage deeply with a local listing. This is something I am really proud of and consider to be the most interesting thing I have done in my Local Guide Career!
The local guide program really has impacted my life. It not only made it easier for me to impact many peoples lives. It also helps me grow my business. From Google Steet View trusted photographers list, I was hired a couple of times to help some local businesses take their in-store photos. What a way to earn doing something one loves! Moreover, the local guide connect allows us to meet other local guides, create a friendship that may last forever!