Who became a local guide accidentally? Well as it turns out three of the four local guides today joined up that way. And I was one of them.
As I continued my foray into Google maps local guide world I met other local guides who inspired me and showed me what the program was about.
Today I shared my story with the group of what it means to be a local guide for 9 years after stumbling accidentally into it after posting some food photos after a holiday overseas. I also shared where it has taken me - including four Connect Live events so far. I then went on to share, more importantly, how to upload quality photos and craft useful reviews and how to add new places to Google Maps.
I had some Google Maps pins which I had received at ConnectLive 2026 Singapore which I gave out to those who wanted one as well.
Here are some tips I shared with the group.
Photography
- When taking photos make sure your subject is clearly visible and well lit.
- Try different angles to get the best view. Be intentional. Move your camera around your subject to capture it from different angles. Even with the best intentions it might be a challenge.
- Be respectful of who you might be including in your photo. This is not the place to post your selfies. I usually avoid taking people’s faces in an identifiable way. I wait until they turn away from me or if necessary I will blur out their faces.
- Keep updated on the local guide policies about specific things that should not be included e.g. anything that promotes violence or nudity and posting the same photo more than once.
- When taking photos, think of the different groups of people who might be interested in the information.
- Some scenarios you might like to consider when taking photos (or writing reviews) so that you can expand on what you might normally immediately gravitate to e.g. Someone in a wheelchair, elderly with walker, mum with small kids, business meeting, a hot date, group of 12 looking for a celebration venue, price of food, kind of food (therefore include the menus), dog friendliness, parking etc.
- Menus deserve a special mention because we all like to know the price range of an eatery before deciding if it might be suitable or not. Yet, menus don’t seem to be an automatic thing people include in their photos.
- You can also add captions to your photos.
What can we take photos of or write reviews about to add to Google maps?
Pretty much anything that is on Google maps. Apart from the obvious like restaurants, museums, art galleries etc there are things and places like playgrounds, toilets, hiking areas, sculptures, sports centres, drinking fountains, bbq areas, parking lots etc are all things you can write reviews on. These are not always obvious choices until you need it.
Photo of the sculpture from the side
Reviews
- Some of the scenarios we looked at for photography also apply in our reviews. That way you go beyond one or two word reviews which don’t give much information. If you liked something, share why.
- Be honest but fair. This is not the place to rant. Be constructive.
- Reviews for a gift or benefit is not ethical practice for local guides. Definitely a No, No.
Adding new places
- Adding new places is such a super power as a local guide. Use it with care.
Practical exercise
After our time of sharing we had a round of practising adding photos and writing reviews of the things around us. Some had taken photos of places they had visited recently which they had not thought of uploading but which they now also posted.
We had a great time together. Even though we didn’t have as many people turn up (partly due to bad weather forecast and drizzle just before the event was due to start), it was a great time sharing over lunch and discussing one of my favourite topics - being a local guide!!
Wearing our local guides pin and badge proudly
Lunch. One person came later so wasn’t in this photo.
Busy posting to Google maps. Hands on guided experience.
Posing in front of the BBQ area that I had just added to Google Maps 
The BBQ area location:
Sharing real experience and practical tips like this truly strengthens the Local Guides community. Thanks for sharing.
the way you have shared information regarding the photography and reviews ,it is truly marvellous to see you shine as a local guide. Enjoyed going through your recap.Thank you 
