Google Maps has once again stepped up its game with a fantastic update that caters to Local Guides. The latest addition (Gmaps Android App) brings a whole new level of engagement and personalization to the platform. Now, alongside the “Followers” and “Following” tabs, there’s a third tab dedicated to Suggestions. This tab revolutionizes the way users discover new Local Guides to follow. What sets these suggestions apart is their tailored nature. Leveraging the power of integration with Gmail and Photos. Great thing is you also get highlights of often repeated words like particular dish or drink or places etc. Once you tap on those words you get the LGs sorted as per the filter, in case suggestions are massive, and you want certain interest oriented people sort listed.
But wait, there’s more! The additional functionalities don’t stop at personalized suggestions. Google Maps has introduced the ability to remove specific followers, providing a more flexible approach than immediately blocking them. This allows users to curate their follower list and maintain a positive and engaging community. You can remove a follower by tapping on 3 dots next to his/her name ( While being in the following list) and tap on remove Follower.
To block an LG you need to tap on his name/ profile then on three dots on right side of profile picture ( for Android App) where you get 2 options either to report the profile or block it.
These exciting enhancements make being a Local Guide on Google Maps an even more enriching experience. Not only can you contribute to the platform’s vast knowledge base by sharing reviews and photos, but you also have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and discover new perspectives.
There are other interesting things when you tap on Lean More section. I’m sure we all know the fact that the contributions are public and they are visible to public despite you profile being set as restricted. Even in restricted profile Name, Profile Photo and Bio are visible to anyone but yes you can keep check on being followed by the others. Right now the maximum limit of being followed and maximum followings one can have is 10,000.
It’s great to see Maps going so clear , engaging and interacting with each updates.
I assume you’re thinking this will lead me a bit closer to finding those elusive Local Guides in my own country so I can tell them about the Top100 program and have someone to share my space on the Country Leaderboards.
A random check of a few of the names on that Suggestions tab seems to bring up foreign tourists who reviewed local places during their visits. Will try again when I have more time, and I’m sure it will eventually yield a result.
Exactly @tony_b . As I mentioned in my reply to @Trail_blazer , when I first saw the Suggestions tab I thought that it might interest you however, while these other Local Guides in your area would be most welcomed, whether or not they are interested in joining you on the leaderboards was not the point. It was just a thought that it might be another possible way to at least find and/or at least know about other Local Guides operating in your country.
Another thought. If you are able to use this feature to find the places that are popular with foreign tourists, then this might help you determine places worthy of visiting, reviewing/take photos of yourself. My thinking is that if you were to do this right then your contributions on these POIs would be a great help to tourists and in turn boost your contribution achievements!
Thanks @AdamGT I’m using any available opportunity to go back to that list to filter out the ones who appear to be local, so will connect with a few as time goes by.
Good idea to attempt to visit the places the tourists seem to be reviewing. That’s sure to yield results as you stated.
I’d be interested to see how you go with all that @tony_b . If for example tourists seem to like a particular pizza parlour in Bridgetown then I would make sure to visit that parlour myself, order a pizza, even a small one, take some pics, enjoy the pizza, take some pics of the internal and storefront, rate the place and write a review based on your visit, and finally, post one or two of your best photos. Job done!
Thanks for the update summary @Trail_blazer . I’ve been deemed a fast food enthusiast based on my contributions, so I’m getting a lot of similar recommendations. Maybe I can start an exercise group for all of us to burn off the terrible food we love to review .
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