Hello Local Guides! 
Have you written your first post on Connect yet?
If not, this is the perfect time to begin your journey here and introduce yourself 
here, following the 5 prompts mentioned in the post.
Did you know? By creating your first post, you earn the 
“New Writer” badge on Connect. It’s a small step—but a meaningful milestone in becoming an active member of this global community.
What Can You Write About?
If you’re wondering where to start, here are some more simple and meaningful ideas:
1. Share Your Google Maps Achievements
(This topic will fall under Category Connections and cellebrations and tag Let’s celebrate)
Google Maps regularly sends emails highlighting your contributions and milestones.
The next time you receive one, turn it into a Connect post!
Share your progress, your journey, and what motivates you.
2. Talk About Your Favourite Contribution
(This topic will fall under Category Connections and cellebrations and tag Let’s celebrate)
Not sure what your best contribution is?
Open your Google Maps profile and check where you contributed the most.
Remember:
-
It’s about number of contributions, not points
-
Example:
- 1 review = 10 points
- 1 answer = 1 point
- If both show 10 points → your favourite is Q&A (because you contributed more times!)
This is a great way to discover your strength as a Local Guide.
3. Share Your Favourite Place
(This topic will fall under Category Google Maps contribution stories and tag Food & drinks and/or Local business)
Think about:
- The tea stall you visit
- Your favourite restaurant
- A hidden local gem
After writing a review on Google Maps:
- Add ratings
- Answer attributes
- Then come to Connect and share your story
- Don’t forget to include:
- Your review link
- Google Maps location link
Prefer Reading Instead of Writing?
That’s absolutely fine!
But don’t just scroll—
Engage with the community:
- Like posts
- Share your thoughts in comments
A great place to start is the Community Guidelines section, which helps you understand how Connect works.
Further Readings
- How do I write a topic on Connect?
- Formatting your topic to look nicer
- Adding photos, videos and links in the composer
- Help Others: Add a Caption to Your Photo in Connect
Get Involved
Attend In-Person Meetups Near You or Join Virtual/Hybrid Events from Anywhere. Take photos/screenshots and share your first meetup experience on Connect. Here you can explore and join upcoming meetups Meet-ups - Local Guides Connect
What You Gain from Being Active
From my personal experience, Connect is much more than Maps:
- I learned PPT presentation skills from Connect Moderator @ErmesT
- I witnessed how Connect Moderators @KashifMisidia & @TusharSuradkar encouraged a Local Guide to speak in her own language during a meetup—helping her express confidently.
- And there are many more such inspiring examples
These moments show that:
- You grow personally
- You build confidence
- You connect with people across the world
This is what makes our community sustainable and powerful 
Facing Any Difficulty?
If you feel stuck while writing your post:
Just ask here on Connect
The community is always ready to help
Feel free to tag me anytime!
Final Thought
There are countless ways to begin, but the most important step is to start.
So go ahead…
Write your first post
Earn your “New Writer” badge
And become an active voice in our amazing community
Looking forward to reading your first post soon! 
We’re really proud to see one of our Connect Moderators excelling as a prolific print media writer. And thank you so much for appreciating this post—truly encouraging!
| Local Guide Level 8 