Apart from energizing me to explore the world around me in great detail, and connecting me with friends all over the world, the most interesting thing I’ve done as a Local Guide is add places to Google Maps. By adding these places, I’m able to help business owners and their potential customers. Here’s a look at some of the places I’ve added and my personal impact:
RaceTrac: I made a bigimpact by adding a RaceTrac along a major road in Florida to the map—it’s been viewed over 450,000 times! My boyfriend, @DLappy , noticed a new gas station that looked to be open during our holiday trip home, and when we stopped in, we learned that they’d opened that night. We were among their first customers! I was so excited to add this place to the map, and Dave’s eyes lit up in the driver’s seat when my edit was instantly applied. Now weary travelers who are low on fuel in the Tampa area will know exactly how far away provisions are during times of need. Dave loves to call me when he passes by the RaceTrac, reminding me that I’m the one who added it to Google Maps to help others.
Chip NYC****: I often walk along a commercial street in Manhattan called Bleecker Street. It’s quintessential New York City, with both its charm and sky-high rents, so I pay close attention to businesses as they come and go. In January 2019, I saw a vinyl sticker in an empty storefront advertising the future home of Chip NYC, a fresh-baked cookie shop, and I added it to the map. Chip NYC opened their doors 10 months later, and just a few days ago, I stopped in for my first cookie. There were about 20 people in this small shop expectantly waiting for warm cookies to pop out of the oven just before closing time at 10 pm. It’s one thing to add a business on Google Maps. Witnessing that business achieve success adds another dimension to the good feeling I get when I contribute.
Niche Niche: I made a new friend by adding this one-of-a-kind wine and dinner party concept to Google Maps. I attended the restaurant’s preview night in February 2019, and when the reservations manager, Amelia, greeted my table, we had a conversation about Google Maps business listings. Last month, nearly a full year later, I visited Niche Niche again. I walked up to Amelia to check in and she ecstatically hugged me and thanked me. I didn’t think she would remember me after the passage of time, but the good deed made me a memorable customer and a friendly face. Just like Chip NYC, Niche Niche has achieved a cult following. It’s nearly impossible to get a reservation!
Adding new places to Google Maps is a dynamic way to make an impact. Through this small action, I’m able to help a customer in need find what they’re looking for; help a small business grow; or make a new friend. I’m grateful for a map that serves people worldwide while also being maintained with constantly updated data by those same people. Adding places—and the impact those places have had—is the most interesting thing I’ve done as a Local Guide!
Editor’s Note: This post was written to help demonstrate the kind of posts that are requested as part of the Connect Live 2020 application, but the above authentically represents my Local Guides experience.
to you and Thanks a lot for your valuable post sharing with us.
and support 
!
Loved reading about your experiences with adding places, local and far.