Why I Joined The Local Guides Program

Google Maps contribution stories
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Listening to songs and mapping away
Listening to songs and mapping away2592×1936 960 KB

Hello dear Local Guides,

My name is Raza. I am based in Lucknow city in India.

I am a content writer by profession with focus on digital marketing. I knew the importance of Google reviews for businesses and have often been surprised that businesses are not really using this important business tool effectively.

Signals From The Universe

Recently two people I know suggested to me that I should do Google reviews. One person who I met at a wedding reception told me that he knew people were doing well with Google reviews. I got curious and the thought stuck in my mind.

Two days later, another person I know came up to me and said that I should leave a Google review on his business listing as Google ranking of his business had gone down. He is a digital agency owner.

So, two different people coming to me and saying the same thing. Was this some kind of signal? ?

World of Points-Levels-Badges

I started paying more attention to Google Reviews. Then I noticed that some reviews were written by people who were tagged as Local Guide. I wondered what this was. And then I tapped and entered the world of Local Guides.

The world of points, levels and badges seemed interesting to me. I decided to register and became tagged as a Local Guide myself.

Satisfaction Takes Shape

As I checked out the Google Map and started updating info and listings there, something struck me.

I asked myself why am I doing it. I answered with just one word – Satisfaction.

As I go onwards on my Google mapping journey, I have come to realise that I am getting two kinds of satisfaction:

#1. Satisfaction of doing something that is meaningful to me and helpful to many

#2. Satisfaction of seeing my progress in points, levels and badges.

Being Myself

Being a Local Guide connects me with who I am. I used to click lots of pics wherever I went. But they were all sitting around idly on my phone. Now I get to share them with everyone and earn points. That’s a plus.

I wanted to do something that makes some sense to me. I am not that guy who will be content just earning money doing whatever it takes. That is a recipe for dissatisfaction and disappointment for me.

Being a Local Guide gives me satisfaction. That’s a plus.

Also, it feels good to be part of a community that resonates with the same values that I hold dear: Honest intention and Honest effort that is non-commercial in nature.

That’s a plus.

Thanks. ??

7 Likes
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Great post @Bylineraza

Thank you for sharing with us.

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Indeed this a new idea introduced by Google, and though is a common feature in the United States and certain European countries, this is now being spread out in Asian countries and perhaps far East as well.

Undoubtedly, its a real ‘connect’ with people all around.

Welcome!

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This is a new concept in connecting with people far and near, with whom it would have been impossible. Indeed its the great use of mobile and connect networks. You meet new people around the globe, who are willing to give you something new such as idea, news and and also keen to be friends. Today in spite if technology advancement, some are still lonely and forlorn, as for one reason or the other you don’t find someone whom you understand and vice versa. It’s great to ‘connect’ and meet new friends from all over the globe.

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Thank you :slightly_smiling_face: Happy to share.

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Thank you for the welcome. Yes. This is a good way to connect with people and especially businesses and help them get better Google presence. :+1:

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Agree. Good people who are helpful can be such a blessing. This platform is a good way to meet with many such nice people from around the world. :+1:

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Hi Raza, nice to meet you.

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Hello @CakkavatiK Nice to meet you too. :slightly_smiling_face: How is your local guide journey going?

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@Bylineraza

it’s my pleasure to share my experience in google maps