Many businesses have pivoted their business models to offer virtual versions of their regular services. This could be anything from a one-on-one Pilates session to a group meditation class. We’ve even seen some really creative virtual offerings from small business owners like makeup artists, too. You can book virtual experiences like these directly on Google Maps.
As Local Guides, you can help bring awareness and give back to the businesses you love by reviewing virtual experiences as you typically would under other circumstances. Read on for some tips and best practices to keep in mind when it comes to reviewing an online class or service.
Be descriptive
Is this a fitness studio that you used to go to all the time or is this a place around the world you’re trying out? If you’ve been there before, you can compare the virtual experience to previous classes you’ve attended in the past. Either way, be as descriptive as possible about the new virtual offerings in your review. The more information you give, the more it helps Google Maps users find the best experiences to try, even from home.
Don’t use screenshots
In general, the Google Maps team does not recommend sharing screenshots of your virtual experience on Maps even if you’re discussing a virtual class. If you do want to upload relevant photos and the place is near you, you can consider snapping photos of the outside of the business on a separate occasion (if you are in an area where it is safe to do so.) We encourage you to continue following local guidelines at this time.
When you’re done with your review, you can also consider other ways to support local businesses you love on Google Maps. Consider giving a rating and checking factual information (like business hours). You can update as needed to provide further support to businesses. Making a list on Google Maps of all of the places where you’ve tried virtual classes is a great way to get the word out to others about this type of virtual experience. Not sure how? Check out our guide to creating lists on Google Maps.
Have you tried a virtual experience yet? Review it on Google Mapsand share review links in the comments below to let other Local Guides know about your experience.
Hello @KatieMcBroom like @Ewaade_3A has said this is a very cool idea. Wonder is this a kind of a new normal the Covid-19 has left us,because like @SebaasC It’s new to me and have never had a virtual experience with the places and buisness I review. In most or all the cases I do have a personal contact with the places. Anyway we’ll look out for it. Thanks for the post.
Hola @Angel41_1 , como estás? La publicación se refiere a como realizar reseñas en Google Maps sobre experiencias virtuales en comercios. También da una serie de consejos muy útiles de como hacer esas reseñas de la mejor manera.
No te olvides que siempre en todas las publicaciones tenés el botón de traducción de Google para leer en tu idioma.
Great tip @KatieMcBroom . Thanks. This is especially helpful as more businesses are switching to offering virtual services to customers. Although a new terrain for me, will definitely get used to the new changes.
I actually wanted a post like this as I am using online mode to get services unlike before. I have even made few lists on that which I will publish very soon.
Reviewing a virtual experience can help businesses in this pandemic as everyone needs that. Thank you @KatieMcBroom
When will the next honest Yoga be starting I missed the first Virtual meet-up because I was buying food and Grocery’s but I know the second ones gonna even better and funnier
Thanks for these virtual experience reviewing tips @KatieMcBroom ,
I never thought about taking virtual experience screenshots and uploading (which is definitely “NO”) to Google Maps. I am glad you clearly state that the Google Maps team does not want us to do this here.
