Here on Connect, you can discover and share exciting Local Guides stories within four main categories: Connections & celebrations, Google Maps contribution stories, Google Maps tips & tricks, and Meet-ups. If you want to learn how to start a topic in each category, check out this guide.
To find the four categories, go to Connect’s homepage or hover over “Categories” in the left-hand side menu on every page. If you’re using a mobile device, simply tap “Categories.”
If you want to see all community content in one place, click “Topics.” You will find it in the left-hand side menu on your computer or at the bottom of your screen on a mobile device. You can customize what topics appear in your feed by using the category, tag, and country filters at the top.
Here’s a breakdown of the four categories and guidelines for each.
This is where you’ll get to know other Local Guides in our community and how they make a difference for others on Google Maps and Connect. Use this space to share about your own proudest achievements as a Local Guide, celebrate each other’s wins, or team up to achieve even more. Here, you can also involve others in global celebrations, such as World Gratitude Day and Earth Day. Make sure you stay relevant by sharing creative ways Local Guides can celebrate these events on Google Maps, like contributing to certain places.
Google Maps contribution stories
Tell us the stories behind your contributions on Google Maps. Maybe you recently visited a beautiful spot and wrote a helpful review about it, or your storefront photo of a local small business got featured on Maps and the owner thanked you for it. This is the best category to share your travel and food adventures, or tell us about a celebration specific to your area. Whatever the story, make sure to add a link to your contribution on Maps and guide by example.
This is the best place to share and sharpen your Google Maps knowledge as a Local Guide and learn about how others contribute on Maps. Exchange tips on how to take impactful photos and videos, how to write helpful reviews, add roads, map accessibility, and more. Use this category also to ask questions about the Local Guides program, Connect, and Google Maps. What’s more, here you’ll find best practices and updates from Google.
If you’re experiencing an issue or bug that another Local Guide has already reported in this category, there’s no need to leave a separate comment! Simply click the new “Me too” button to raise your hand and let us know you’re facing the same issue. Tapping it increases the counter by one, keeping discussion threads tidy while giving the team clear visibility into how many community members are impacted. Plus, the topic will automatically be set to “Tracking,” ensuring you receive a notification as soon as the issue is resolved!
Are you planning a fun Local Guides meet-up or want to join a meet-up organized by another Maps contributor? In this category, you’ll find all upcoming events and recent recaps.
Please follow these category guidelines to stay on topic and relevant to what Local Guides come to Connect for. Off-topic content will be removed from the community.
If you need help when writing a topic, check out the resources in our Community guidelines or tag a Moderator to get advice.
