how much does Google Local Guides mean to me?
I remember, a few years ago when I first became a Local Guide, I became very fond of visiting various places. Especially in the city where I live.
Yes, I am an independent local guide. Do not join the community. Because there is no Google Local Guide community in my city, Palembang. I searched the city by myself and took several pictures using my cellphone. I feel very happy because I visited a new place and can share some of my images and experiences that I shared via Google Maps.
Every time I visit a new place, I immediately take pictures and review them. Day by day, more and more of my photo viewers and reviews. Feeling so happy, because that means what I do is something important for others.
A few months ago, there was one of the viewers I invited to meet while I was visiting his city. Though we have never met at all. We often contact via Whatsapp because we are an Indonesian blogger community. And it turns out he is also a Local Guides in his city, Jakarta.
When I was in Jakarta, he became my personal Local Guide for sure. Visiting various places that I have never visited, and not forgetting me to take some photos and review them on Google Maps. Within one week my level immediately rose to level 6 and had the opportunity to take part in the Google Local Guides Connect Live 2020 in the Bay Area, California. Feeling more happy for sure. My friend also got the email.
When I was in Jakarta, I didn’t forget to get acquainted with the Jakarta Local Guide community. I was inspired to initiate the Palembang Local Guide community as well. Members of this community are very friendly and accept my arrival. I learned how to set up a community with few members. The community will be active if all members actively participate.
I am sure, there are still many independent local guides out there like me, who have not joined the community and are eager to join. I took the initiative to establish the Palembang Local Guide community last month, and now there are 7 members.
Google Local Guides means a lot to a quiet introvert like me. I often go out, visit new places, share pictures and review new places, find new places, and make new friends too. And that I will never forget, I founded a community.
I got a new friend who turned out to be a hobby with me. Yes, I found it through Google Local Guides. You know ? apparently not just a new place that you can find. That means Google Local Guides means a lot to me.