What Is a Local Guide in Google Reviews and Google Maps?

Posted by admin November 2, 2024


by Lindsay Pietroluongo
October 31, 2024
Brand Reputation Business Google Reviews

Illustration of four people standing in front of a large digital map on a screen. Two map markers are placed on the map. The group appears to be discussing or reviewing the map details.

This article discusses the Google Local Guide program, including how to sign up as a contributor.

The Local Guide program from Google can be an excellent tool for your business. While business pages aren’t allowed to act as Local Guides, participants with local knowledge can help your business get noticed on Google Maps and in Google Search.

The more positive activity your business has on Google, the better your SEO will be and the more customers you’ll attract.

Plus, when Local Guides leave great reviews for your business, your target audience has more credibility and trust in your company.

Whether you want to be part of the Google Local Guides program or you’re interested in how Local Guides promote your business, read on.

Do you need to speak with someone about online review management? Call us today at 844-461-3632 or fill out the form below for a free consultation.

Request a Free Consultation

What is a Local Guide in Google Reviews and Maps?

A minimalist design with a red map pin icon at the top, followed by the text "Share your world as a Local Guide." Below, there is a blue button labeled "Get started" on a white background, with faint cloud shapes in the corners.

A Local Guide is a member of the Google community who contributes to Google Maps by sharing info, photos, reviews and other local knowledge that can help others find and make decisions about places. According to Google, “Millions of people rely on contributions from Local Guides to decide where to go, what to do, and how to get there.”

In case you’re unfamiliar, Google Maps is a free online map tool that lets you find places around the globe and get directions to them.

A smartphone displays a navigation app showing a route on Van Ness Ave. Next to it, a busy urban street scene features cars, buses, and an elevated train passing between tall buildings.

Source: Google

On top of offering regular road maps, Google Maps also has aerial, satellite and street views of many of its listed locations.

What Does a Google Local Guide Do?

Google Local Guides share a few different types of local business information on Google Maps:

  • Photos and Videos: Since Local Guides are, obviously, locals, they’re able to take and share photos and videos of locations, restaurant dishes, and more.
  • Q&A: Google Local Guides frequently answer questions posed by others.
  • Reviews and Ratings: As trusted members of the local community, Local Guides will write reviews about different places in their area and provide ratings.

You can tell that a high-level Google Local Guide left a review or other information on Google Maps by looking for the Local Guide badge under their name. A Local Guides badge is achieved at Level 4 and helps verified feedback get noticed (more about the points system in a minute).

A Google review from a Local Guide with a five-star rating. The reviewer mentions visiting three times in the past year and appreciates the coffee, decorations, and friendly staff, highlighting ideas for Halloween and Christmas.

Google Local Guides may add or update location information on Maps for accuracy. They’ll also fact-check and verify Google Maps info.

The Google Local Guides Point System

Google Local Guides earn points for contributions. As Local Guides rack up more points, they can achieve higher levels in the program.

Table showing Maps contribution activities and corresponding points earned: Review (10), Review >200 characters (+10), Rating (1), Photo (5), Photo tags (3), Video (7), Caption (10), Answer (1), Respond (3), Edit (5), Place added (15), Road added (15), Fact checked (+1), Incorrect report (-1).

Source: Google

Benefits and rewards are unlocked as new levels are reached, such as early access to features that Google is rolling out.

If you’re part of the Google Local Guides program, you can check your level by following these steps:

1. Go to Google Maps.

2. Click the three-line menu bar on the top-left.

A blurred map interface with a red arrow pointing to the top left corner, where a menu icon is located. The left side displays icons for sections like Saved and Recents. Background shows faint map details and a partially visible sidebar.

3. Select Your contributions from the sidebar.

A screenshot of Google Maps with a red arrow pointing to the "Your contributions" tab in the side menu. The background shows a blurred map view.

If you’re not yet part of the Local Guide program, you may see a prompt asking you to sign up.

Who Can Be a Google Local Guide?

The Local Guide program is available wherever Google Maps is located, which includes 40+ countries. Here are a few important details about program requirements:

  • Only individuals, not local businesses, can join the Local Guide program.
  • You must have a valid Google account and meet your country’s age requirement to join the program.
  • It can take Google up to 9 weeks to update your account after turning 18.

While they can’t be part of the Local Guide program, local businesses have other options for creating and maintaining a presence on Google, particularly via Google Business Profile.

Signing Up for the Google Local Guides Program

After checking that you meet the requirements, you can sign up to become a Local Guide here.

Enter your location in the designated box, click the two Agree boxes, and then click the Become a Local Guide button.

Screenshot of a webpage inviting users to become a Local Guide. It highlights sharing discoveries, community support, and rewards. Features a form to select a city and options to agree to terms and receive updates. A "Become a Local Guide" button is at the bottom.

That’s it! As long as Google Maps is available in your area, you’ll see a “welcome” message, and you can start contributing.

A welcome message with colorful balloons and confetti, announcing membership to the Local Guides community on Google Maps. Below the message is a blue button labeled "Start contributing.

As a Google Local Guides contributor, it’s important to adhere to Google’s policies for conduct, which you can read here.

Professional Online Reputation Management

A hand adjusts a reputation meter, with shades ranging from red to green. The meter is halfway green, suggesting a positive reputation. The background is a light beige color.

Google’s products have a huge impact on business success and online reputation — and the same is true for individuals, too.

If your business has a presence on Google Maps, you may be thrilled with the reviews and feedback you receive from regular users and advanced Local Guides.

Or, you may be disappointed with what you read and worry that negative reviews are tarnishing your digital reputation.

You have more control over your online reputation than you think. Stop reputational damage in its tracks today by speaking with our experts. It’s never too late.

Call us at 844-461-3632 or fill out the contact form below for a free consultation.

Request a Free Consultation



.