For me, Google Maps is a way to help others find what they need and promote the growth of small local businesses. For example, here in Peru, and I am sure that in other countries of Latin America, there is what we call bodegas, which are like mini-markets, but the main difference is that these are located inside the houses and are managed by the families who live in these houses. You can find these small businesses around many Peruvian cities. Bodegas are, in many cases, the main economic support of families, so it is necessary that they be profitable.
My grandmother opened a bodega when she had her first child and this business helped her contribute financially to her home. Today, thebodega is more than 50 years old, time in which she invested money and time to move forward. When I became a Local Guide, I put the sign of my grandmother’s business on Google maps and from that moment the business received many comments, scores, and people from other neighborhoods told her that they had found the bodega in Google Maps and the photos I posted of the bodega helped them to know what things they could buy in it.
It was then that I realized that there are many bodegas and other types of family businesses that need the same advertising help, because in that way they could get more customers and reach a new audience. In addition, these small local businesses have the advantage of offering a friendlier and safer deal, because they are finally your neighbors and they know you better than a huge supermarket; also, you do not need to make a large line to buy something that you need quickly.
Now I know that I can help both parties, not only the users of Google maps with photos, comments, recommendations about specific businesses; but I can also help other local businesses to gain popularity, motivation to keep growing and let people know about their existence. Because many times, when we want to buy something, we check on our phones only the places indicated on Google Maps and lose the opportunity to help our local businesses. This is how I found my motivation to continue contributing in Google Maps and I would love to continue helping more people like my grandmother, who are good entrepreneurs and only need an opportunity and a means to continue to achieve it.