I saw a review by a “Google Local Guide” for the cleaner I chose. I got straight onto google to search "how to become a Google Local Guide”. The fact I could review local places and improve my community sounded awesome to me.
My main drive has always been to help smaller businesses. The ones that don’t have much technical knowledge to take full advantage of the online advertising options available to them. Google Maps and places is a great door opener for many small businesses.
It’s important to me to make sure the smaller businesses are not left behind in this new digital world. Smaller businesses don’t have thousands of pounds set aside for marketing and digital media. In my first year updated hundreds of places to include photos of the unique things each shop offered.
That’s where I found my calling…
____It felt so good to help create and update businesses listing adding awesome photos. Using my skills to progress and become a better community member.
One year later and with over 1.5 million views for my Google photos as well as being ranked an Expert Photographer and Expert Reviewer, I still have a long way to go.
I am prepared for the journey.
I have already taken the next step and starting to make advert videos for Google places, so there is a lot more scope for me to improve.
Thank You Google for allowing me to help all the businesses that may otherwise have been forgotten.
Zulfiqar Ali
Google Local Guide