I view Local Guide as an essential program one can use in his daily life.
Local Guide helped me before and still of a consistent help, guidance and support for millions through facilitating reach one’s destination and helping explore the world by offering options. It is considered as the world in your hands.
My first experience using Local Guide was for fun purpose, started with a visit to one of the well-known hyper- markets which was 60 KM ride from my place.
Reading the positive reviews submitted on Google Maps on this facility was the motivating and encouraging to visit. And it proofed to be right, as my visit was a joyful and entertaining shopping experience.
Because I love photography, and I believe that photos reflect a lot of vibes, in addition to the memories they record, the idea of having a higher quality photo to be uploaded on Google Maps hit my mind before I leave the place.The idea of capturing a live, vibrant shot that reflects the special features of the place was appealing, the thing that could add to one’s experience, same it did to me.
The moment I uploaded the photo, I received a “thank you for improving Google Maps” message. Seriously Google!! it was just a simple photo for me, but it had such an impact on myself and others later.
Few days later, I started receiving messages from Google that “you are popular,your photo reached XX number of views” and “your photo helped X number of people”. This was the moments when I started to get attached to the Local Guide and where it grabbed my attention to how simple things can be of a great impact not only for me but also for others, the thing that inspired me to include reviews on my photos, to include my feedback and my experience gained from this visit and share it with others for greater value.
Later, I noticed a considerable increase in the number of view which is a reflection to a larger benefit, the thing that turned writing reviews to be an integral part of the experience for each place I visit, and made me keen to share my full experience by providing a review that covers anticipated visitors’ inquiries with a particular focus on specific questions usually asked by Google about wheelchair accessibility, cash only, Kids menu …etc.
Day after day, I felt I am adhered to influence others to support them make their decisions, and help them reach their desired destinations. Later, my contribution reached another level when I started to verify provided information on visited places; i.e. correct phone numbers, working hours, website, add my own photo, definitely check the correct coordinates on Maps, answer Google’s famous question “are you here now” and ADD PLACE on Maps in case it does not exist.
In my opinion, Local Guide role can go beyond a review or ADD PLACE. A local guide may help save lives, or assist a mother to give birth, or support an emergency medical case when he/she identifies a neighborhood hospital or a medical facility along with full information, which is a great contribution to the society.
Afterwards, I shared my experience with friends and started motivating them to contribute to enhance Google Maps in order to open opportunities for more Local Guides which leads to a greater impact and larger benefit as well.