Living in a big city, I found it very helpful to use Google Maps. Finding a recommended restaurant, planning the commute route during rush hours, managing a tourist attraction list, I use Google Maps almost every day. I am very grateful for the information I need in life provided by local guides. It also makes me very happy to share my experiences to help people as well.
Starting my journey as a local guide since last year, I reached level 6 in early 2020 due to a special incident when I went to a newly opened restaurant in the city with my friends. I still recalled that the meal, the dining environment, and the service were all great. I enjoyed the pleasant evening with my friends there. When I was uploading the aesthetic pictures of the dishes to Google Maps, the waiter noticed and asked if I could help to add a 5-star review for the restaurant. Although it was not a very common request from a waiter, I promised right away.
Immediately, I saw lots of 1-star comments complaining almost everything when I typed the restaurant’s name in Google Maps app. I felt sorry and believed it had improved a lot because my experience was just totally different from those comments. After submitting a very detailed review, introducing the features of each dishes, I reached level 6 as a local guide and got the expert reviewer badge at the same time.
2 months later, when I passed by the restaurant again, I can tell the business is running so well from the atmosphere and the amount of customers in there. Of course, the amount of 5-star reviews is much higher than others now.
I am very proud of being a local guide, and I really appreciate Google Maps provide a wonderful platform for me to leave memories, record my life, and help people’s lives even their business better. From my opinion, local guides make Google Maps not only a map containing locations and directions, but also a community full of sharing and caring.