Dear Google,
We are dedicated Local Guides who have contributed extensively to Google Maps through reviews, photos, and edits, enhancing the platform’s value for millions of users. While We appreciate the badges and occasional perks offered, We respectfully request that Google consider monetizing the Local Guides program to fairly compensate contributors for their time and effort. A potential model could include ad revenue sharing or tiered payments for high-quality contributions from top-level Guides (e.g., Level 6+), similar to YouTube’s creator program. Such a system would incentivize continued engagement while recognizing the significant role Guides play in driving Google Maps’ success. Thank you for considering this proposal, and I’d be happy to discuss further via Local Guides Connect or other channels.
Local guide is a volunteering program, you won’t get anything for contributing on Google maps but Google will recognize you as a Local Guide for your contribution. Anyway, you will get points for your every contributions on Google Maps and you can raise up your local guides levels.
However, Google Local Guides perks depends on quality contribution on Google Maps; Google sends some perks to Local Guides for high-quality contributions. Moreover, to receive perks, you must be subscribed to emails about them and contribute regularly on Maps. Please be sure that your email preferences have perk emails enabled by visiting your Local Guides settings .
@ManojKanojia This topic has been debated from time to time since the beginning. I argue that we’re not enhancing the platform’s value as much as we are enhancing the value for the businesses we visit and post about. I’m also curious: What do you feel is your value to the platform? Are you focusing on adding specific attributes or enhancing the product? Are you contributing detailed reviews that are helpful and can drive business to a shop or POI?
There is a very thoughtful and well-worded post about this called G€t Paid for Our Contribution$? What could happen if that were the case? by @ErmesT. You may want to read his post and give some thought to the matter.
I participate in this program as a hobby and for the love of my community, travel, and mapping in general. @AbdullahAM is correct: You should check that your settings allow you to be considered for little gifts that go out from time to time, but don’t hold your breath. We are owed nothing. We have been provided a free platform to use as we wish. Whether we want to contribute or be a passive user is up to us.
I hope you choose to continue contributing and use the Connect community to help you grow and have fun in the process.
Nicely said. I too see that though our contributions that we are improving the maps platform; however the real value is to the businesses that we add information about.
Jake, Love the Arizona Guides badge!
Thanks! I figured we were getting quite a bit of attention through the Trivia games, so we should have some proper identification. 