The Local Guides program has played an important role in my life, it colors my life, allows me to contribute my insights and provide me a channel for creativity.
The first thing that pops up in my mind when I think of Local Guide is how it colors my life. A lot of people search on Google Maps about what to eat, and where to go. I’m definitely one of the people who is addicted to it deeply. I like to find coffee shops that I’ve never been to on Google Maps, save them onto my list, and check them out when I want a cafe to study at. Over the years, I found lots of wonderful cafes in Taiwan with tasty desserts, which I accumulated on my Google Maps, which I shared with friends when they wanted my recommendation. The Local Guides program has been an important part of my life for many years.
Next, local guides not only contribute to the people who use Google Maps, but also help local business. Often, Google Maps provides the first impression of a restaurant, so it’s crucial reviews are true and accurate. I try to provide details and unbiased opinions so Google Maps Users can make an informed decision. This also helps businesses improve themselves or know what great things they should keep doing. For instance, once I went to a restaurant with my family, and I left a reviews of where they were doing great and what specific they could do to be better, and they replied me few days after. They thanked me about letting them know my experience, and I really liked that because I will definitely go back again to try if they improved.
Lastly, contributing reviews also allows me to be creative. Besides what I ordered and how did the food taste, I like to go into details in my reviews about the staff’s attitude, food portioning, price, or opinions from whom I go with. Furthermore, I developed my photography skills by practicing taking more aesthetic pictures and from a better angle. Sometimes, I take short videos too in order to better capture the atmosphere.
Overall, the Local Guides program brings me into an incredible world. I never knew I can have such an impact from just leaving reviews, from inspiring choices of Google Maps users to helping local businesses improve.
Note: Please check my list on Google Maps about Cafes for broken hearts in Taipei and Dispelled rumors: Edmonton, Deadmonton? !