I started a local guide as a fun time past after discovering Google maps. The technology used to come slow in our area and Pakistan. But since the advent of cheap smartphones and high-speed internet in Pakistan things have changed and adapted to the latest trends and online tech and searches.
Initially, I was attracted to the idea of a place and or business being listed on the Google search directory, easy to access and search online. As Google picked and highlighted most of the places in Pakistan via its satellite images and without authenticating them from a street cam which made most of the results in the starting days sketchy or off-target.
I felt a duty to properly fix the latencies or mistakes in the street markings and business tags, especially in our densely populated areas.
That’s where a past fun time turned into something serious. I understood the power of the engine and the map and knew the future potential of the system, back in 2015. Back then I made a few changes here and there due to a lack of android phone ( as I used to have a windows phone that’s why i did not make a lot of progress back in those days).
I started with editing the small streets and properly marking roads and public places so did many other people who were joining local guides. Then I started adding local SMEs and highlighting a little bit about each and every one of them.
I tested with my own family business first, reaping the benefits of Google maps and saw an increase in search results. As a local guide, I started highlighting the importance of Google business and google maps to businesses around my neighborhood. Which resulted in most of them expanding their footprints online especially on Google Maps.
To be honest as a Local Guide being able to help people utilize the power of Google Maps is the best thing because it helps both the seller and the consumers at the same time.