Reasons Why I Love Being a Google Local Guide!

What I love most about sharing on Google Maps is that I can help others make better decisions about where to go and what to try. Personally, I LOVE checking reviews online before I go places, and I want to helpful and contribute to others so that they can be more educated about trying new things. Thanks to google maps reviews, I have decided to try new restaurants, explore new places, and be more adventurous. As a Belgian citizen, I travel (especially Europe) A LOT!!! I ESPECIALLY LOVE being the first to review a new place. I love that my reviews get a lot of helpful thumbs up and positive feedback. It feels good to know that I am contributing to helping someone make a more informed decision. As a mom , I check maps a lot when I am places that are new or unfamiliar and its good to be prepared when you are going places with kids. It is ESPECIALLY helpful for me to know which (and contribute to) places that have handicapped access. To me this is one of the most helpful things about google maps. As a mom with a stroller, you need to know where you can go that has a ramp!! Additionally, as a small business owner in my community, I feel good about helping places get positive comments when they are a really good place that does not have a lot of traffic. For example, there is this excellent taco place where I live called Zazou’s. It is easy to park and there is a wheel chair ramp. But it seems to be a lot less crowded, given the fabulous service, excellent food, and low prices. I realized it was probably because of the location (it is a bit of a hole in the wall and the shopping center is not very sexy.) So I gave them a positive review. Telling people how easy it was to find and that is was worth the trip. It is also affordable, heathy and great place to go with kids. The man who owns the restaurant is an honest, hardworking man who always is super friendly. I wrote a fabulous review, 5 starts and included photos of menu items and the “food line” (this place is like a chipotle where you can customize your order). I checked back and found out that I got at least 10 thumbs up on that review! I was so excited to help this wonderful man improve his business and also help customers find a new place to eat. Best of all, I had a friend who told me a few months later that they gave the place a shot because they saw my review online!! That was very gratifying. I am very passionate (and truly enjoy!) helping the local community and helping small businesses in my community if they are doing a good job!

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Thank you for sharing, that was inspiring to read.

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Great post, @AnneTKibler .!

As a parent as well I never considered that the same accessibility challenges that the wheelchair-bound face can exist for moms and dads with wheelchairs. That will help inform some of my future reviews!

I also love when my friends let me know they try a new place because of my review or photo. What are your favorite restaurants in Charlottesville?

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Thank you for your kindness!

SO true!!! Becoming a parent changes ones’ perspective for sure!!