I got to know about Local Guide from the prompts in an android device when I used Google Maps looking for something. At first with responding to the invitation to comment on the place I visited, I enjoyed the bonus points (even virtual) and the increase of the Local Guide level. Until I read others’ comments about the place I was going to, I found it really helpful for me and everyone in making decisions about places to visit, with the comments of the others.
When inviting comments, the Maps app says “to help others make decisions” and I did so. I also noticed that comments by Local Guide contributed to improving the quality of life and the relationship between people. To improve the quality of services, the providers (shops, restaurants, hotels, fuel stations …) need to know what customers say about their service quality, and comments of Local Guide is a great channel to do that.
The way of my comments improved gradually in the process. First of all, my comments were unpleasant words about service in the place I visited and encounter bad service quality. This way may work, but it did not seem to show service providers how to improve their services, and it created a bad behavior among people (just complain, insult but no positive feedback). It was a case when I came to a 2-star hotel in a remote province, I had heavy remarks about the behavior of the staff on the comment page, resulting in a change in the attitude of the staff, but if considered carefully, they were scolded while they deserved to receive sincere comments. I moved on to writing positive comments later elsewhere, with specific notes on the good points of the service, and talked about changes to be made for better service quality. This approach has brought positive results, when the service provider (a 5-star hotel in a tourist city) was very active in responding and talking about improvement. I also found that other service providers have similar feedback when receiving my positive comments on the Local Guide page.
I traveled quite a lot, and with every visit such as a scenic spot or a monument, and hotel and restaurant, I tried to make comments even though I couldn’t do it all the time. I also marked the location on Maps (especially the restaurant) so that I could easily find the location on the next visit, and provide guides for friends when they travel to that place and need guidance. Sharing locations on Maps is a great utility in this guide.
Google services have contributed a lot to the community. I myself as a Local Guide, have tried to contribute as best as possible through positive comments and sharing locations for guiding as I have done and will do.