When I think of Google and Local Guides, the Maps App is the first thing that pops up. It’s on all of my devices and in everyday use. How come? It’s just perfectly practical and helpful in many daily situations. But the more interesting question is, how I become more involved? Why I share my experience, advice and pictures with others? Or, what kind of content I post and why? Curious? Let’s find out!
Before I start, my story wouldn’t be complete without understanding where I come from. I’m an 80s kid, born in a small town, that grow up without computers behind the Iron Curtain. So far, I left the small town for Germany’s capital, switched from my job in art business to social media, moved from analogue to DSLR and lately to mirrorless camera system, replaced cellphone with smartphone and so on.
What got me so excited that I find time to post stuff on Maps in between all the other posting on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook and who knows what other channels? Not to forget to mention all the expected daily online engagement with family and friends!
Well, I find Google Maps very useful. Especially in new cities and foreign countries, no matter if it’s a business trip or just holidays. What got me more engaged was my aha moment few months ago when Google asked me about a very specific place I was visiting. It was the classic: share your experience, post some pictures, let others know what to expect. And I did and thought, „Ok, that’s it!“ Of course that wasn’t it and for sure not just how it ended! I remember like it was yesterday, seeing the statistics for the first time! The moment when I realised how the shared content from locals can have a real impact! It felt just overwhelming.
Help others, stay true to yourself
Ok, so I knew I can help others. But what content to post? Obviously, you can let Google guide you through this: answer question, post about places you’ve been to… But on the other hand, I knew what I like (to see, visit, taste), I knew what I expect from others, I travel because of work anyway and I take pictures for others. Why not make it more „me“ and focused on topics I enjoy particularly?
That’s easy to say, but hard to do. Generally, I love beauty. And this might be the most difficult category to post about! But let’s see what’s on my list: art, tasty food, nice drinks, interesting architecture. Every single one of them is worth a full time engagement! So let’s get more specific and „local“.
The category is: Bon Appétit
Brunch, Lunch, Tea Time, Dinner - no matter what time of the day, I enjoy good food. And I want others to do the same! Am I visiting a new place or eating an exotic dish for the first time? Would I recommend this restaurant to a close friend? Do they serve vegetarian or vegan food as well? Was the service good? There are so many perspectives and so many ways to form an opinion. And still, it’s true what they say, one picture tells more than thousand words. So why not take one before you bite in?
My lunch break is a perfect example! As my office surroundings evoke Sahara - a place to eat is a distant Fata Morgana, me and my colleague we transformed our noon time into a secret project: passionately dedicated to the task, we hunt the Berlin jungle round Kottbusser Tor for the best bites. Chilly weather? Time for a warm soup! Sumer feelings? How about a nice fresh salad! Turkish, Indian, Japanese or French cuisine? Absolutely no problem! Aged dried beef burger with my boss at Markhalle Neun? Let’s go! And don’t forget to share with others the experience!
The category is: Night Fever
Berlin night life offers something for everyone. Except for Berghain, you are allowed to take picture nearly everywhere. Though taking pictures in one of the opera houses during the performance would evoke lack of manners. Still you can write about it.
In my case, I spend the evenings either at one of the exhibition openings or enjoy a nice drink with friends in one of the cool bars. But why not the best of both worlds? Meet your friends in a gallery and discuss the exhibition later, let’s say at Saint Jean with a glass of Dark and Stormy in your hand.
The category is: Voyage, Voyage
To have the chance to travel from time to time and to explore the world is one of the most exciting things in life. I can’t say it often and loud enough: it changes your views, opens your mind, expands your horizon and enriches you with new connections and friendship. And that’s one of the most precious things you’ll ever get to experience.
Significant for this category is that somehow it comes all together: pictures and reviews of good food, recommendations for museums and galleries, views of and from landmarks and outstanding architectural creations. This is also where I expand somehow from a local to, let’s say, more international guide, at least on the European level.
Last but not least
Sure, in a globalised world we know most of the hotspots. We know them from TV, magazines, internet, social media. So what drives me on? The unexpected! Nothing can replace the real life experience. How it feels (and looks) behind the obvious facade! You never know, the next most exciting thing might be just round the corner! And I admit, I do enjoy to walk around cities and get lost from time to time. There’s no better way to discover the New and maybe also to see the Obvious from a different perspective. And if you can’t find your way, just ask one of the local guides.