I could have never imagined that making a difference is possible by making people aware. With Google Maps I can express a gratitude or frustration and let others know about my experiences. By doing this I hope that people can experience the same positive emotions as myself, or avoid an unnecessary disappointment and make better choices.
I became a local guide by a pure accident. There was a short period of time when I received an amazing customer service in one place and a frustrating one in another place. I thought bringing it to Google Maps was the best idea, as not many people search for reviews elsewhere. I just wanted to share my appreciation for one place and warn others about the other. This is how it all started.
I don’t usually review places, I try to review experiences. When I was not a guide, I was trying to search for places that I could be sure would provide the best experience. These reviews were rare, but most useful to me. Of course, a good description of a place helps a lot, especially if it’s a new place to me. This sets up an expectation of the place itself. But knowing what to expect from being in a place is just as important.
I never chased points as a local guide (and still don’t) and had no intention to climb the ratings, all I wanted was to be useful. It did take me some time to improve my reviews and become more consistent, but I enjoy the process of learning. To this day I rarely review a place where I know my input is only another comment - I want my reviews to be impactful.
I keep going as a local guide because I think this is an amazing way to contribute, and the reward is immense. The most important reward for me, when it comes to reviews, is knowing that I’m resourceful to others. I’m thankful for this great platform that allows me to contribute and turn it into an enjoyable habit.