1. Use Street View to Identify Gaps
How-To:
- Open Google Maps, switch to Street View, and explore areas virtually.
- Look for missing landmarks, businesses, or entrances that haven’t been marked yet.
- Add these places via the “Add a missing place” feature.
Pro Tip: Include detailed information like hours, contact numbers, and accurate categories.
2. Master the Art of Tags and Keywords
How-To:
- Use specific and searchable keywords in your reviews to help them appear in Google searches.
- Example for a restaurant: “Cozy vegan café with gluten-free options and great Wi-Fi. Perfect for remote workers or casual meetups.”
Why It Works: Keywords like “vegan,” “gluten-free,” and “Wi-Fi” help Google surface your review when users search for these terms.
3. Go Beyond Ratings with Star Criteria
How-To:
- Instead of just giving a rating, explain why you gave it.
- Example: “4/5 stars: Amazing food and ambiance, but parking was challenging during peak hours.”
Why It Works: It builds trust and makes your reviews more credible.
4. Use Google’s Q&A Feature
How-To:
- Navigate to a location’s page and check the “Questions & answers” section.
- Answer unanswered questions or ask useful ones yourself (e.g., “Do they offer vegetarian options?”).
Pro Tip: Follow up with an updated review based on the responses you get.
5. Review in Real-Time
How-To:
- While visiting a place, draft a quick review with fresh details.
- Mention special offers, event timing, or daily crowd trends you noticed that might be temporary.
Example: “Visited at 3 PM on a weekday—great for quiet coffee breaks. They have a Happy Hour from 4-6 PM!”
Pro Tip: Include timestamps or upload live photos/videos for authenticity.
6. Create Google Maps Lists
How-To:
- Open Google Maps, click on “Saved,” and create a list.
- Examples:
- “Best Breakfast Spots in [City Name]”
- “Top Places for Photography in [Region]”
- Add a description, location links, and even custom emojis for flair.
7. Contribute Accessibility Insights
How-To:
- Highlight features like ramps, braille menus, or accessible restrooms.
- Use Google Maps’ “Accessibility” section to tag relevant details.
Pro Tip: Use photos to showcase accessibility features, as these are invaluable for users with specific needs.
8. Add Hyperlocal Reviews for Remote Areas
How-To:
- Visit lesser-known or rural locations where reviews are sparse.
- Include unique details like nearby public transport, rest stops, or weather conditions to expect.
- Example: “This trail is gorgeous in spring but beware of slippery paths after rain.”
9. Upload Before-and-After Photos
How-To:
- Take a photo when you arrive and another later (e.g., a restaurant before and after it fills up).
- This gives users insights into crowd levels or transformations (e.g., daytime vs. evening ambiance).
10. Leverage Google’s Contributions Gamification
How-To:
- Aim for badges like “Trailblazer” or “Master Photographer” by contributing unique content (new places, great photos).
- Monitor your stats in the Local Guide dashboard to see what contributions are gaining traction.
11. Use Third-Party Tools for Better Content
How-To:
- Use photo editing apps (like Snapseed) to enhance images before uploading.
- For videos, try quick edits with apps like InShot or CapCut to add captions or trim clips.
Pro Tip: Avoid over-editing—natural, clear images resonate more with users.
12. Engage with the Community on Local Guides Connect
How-To:
- Share posts about your journey, tips, and best finds.
- Example Post: “How I Found the Best Street Food in [City Name]—A Local Guide’s Story.”
Why It Works: It builds connections, gains recognition, and motivates others to explore.
