Being a Local Guide means that I know that I am a part of something that can benefit so many people and places. As a Local Guide, I love to know that I can make a positive impact on my local community, and, all the while, know that I am also a part of a global community.
I discovered the Local Guides program three years ago. At the time, I had found a local, somewhat unknown, bar. I happened to post a photo that I had taken of my Buffalo Chicken Poutine on Google Maps, and to my surprise, that photo received over 200,000 views. I proudly showed the owner of that bar and he was astonished.
Since that moment, I have had a passion for helping my community. Most importantly, I am passionate about exploring and finding hidden gems in my city, so that I, as a Guide, can help to put them on the map.
The Local Guides program has introduced me to a passion that I never knew I had. After becoming involved in this program, I was inspired to start my own digital marketing agency – CityPlace Media – so I could learn social advertising, photography, and videography, as a way to generate traffic to the small businesses of my community in Toronto.
My Local Guide adventure began by helping a local pub, but I have discovered so many other businesses that needed to stand out on Google Maps. This included my local Shoe Repair shop, which was struggling to generate traffic. I helped that small business owner, David, advertise and increase his social media awareness, which generated positive Google reviews and increased foot traffic to his store.
I have learned that being a Local Guide means supporting local businesses in the city that I love – it means contributing knowledge and experiences. My passion and enthusiasm for this program gives me the energy to continue to do what I can to help shape my city to be the best that it can be.