Google had always been innovative when it comes to public participation for the promotion and publicity of their services. This is possible with the freebies and added benefits that have been promised. So far it has been a huge success as more and more people are attracted to this idea. Also, this comes with the consequence of handing over of personal information to the tech-giant
If we can bypass this small glitch, Local Guides is a wonderful platform if you are fond of travelling and would like to check out the local places like eateries, tourist attractions etc. It works like Trip Advisor and other contemporaries and gives you an opportunity to rate their service and to leave the feedback.
Additionally, the Local Guides program offers free Google Drive storage and gives you insider access but with time. Also, it assures your presence in the social media network as your ratings and feedbacks would be present in Google Maps and give you an opportunity to make the Map more accurate and useful to people.
UPGRADATION:
There are five levels in the up gradation process and they assure quick boosts up the ladder. Every rank or level is ascended based on the ranking by earning points for your reviews, photos, adding or editing places and by answering questions that are asked. Until level three, everything is easy and at this level, you earn a little icon to your profile indicating that you are a bonafide Local Guide. It is quite something!
The first couple of levels doesn't offer much when it comes to benefits as they offer only a monthly newsletter and invites to an occasional Google Hangout. It is once in a blue moon kind of a thing. The full on benefits starts pouring in once you reach level four. Here you get a terabyte of Google Drive storage for two years and annual surprise thank-you gift. And with level five you get proprietary information about what's coming with Maps and possibly an invite to a Local Guides Summit.
HOW TO CLIMB UP THE LADDER?
The basic and general idea are very simple. Add more reviews, more photos, new locations in Google Maps. But keep in mind that all the reviews are honest and true to the core. Just to earn points one shouldn't be promoting a really bad place.
Another way to pace up the stride is to use few of Google's other services like Google Photos, Enable Location History in Maps. You will find your photos everywhere you've been with your phone after turning on these services. Also, photos will appear along places where Google think you've stopped by. Also, this will be auto saved by Google Photos.
To add images for reviews all you have to do is to tap on one of the locations you visited and then add your review along with the pictures. You get more points and rewards with both images and reviews together. Speak about added benefits!
Another way to climb up the ladder, add venues and locations into Google Maps. In other words, you are updating and validating Maps. Most often many nice joints wouldn't be listed on Maps or else it will be misplaced so on and so forth. If you successfully add up all the relevant information such as name, address, hours and other details about the place, are sure to get a nice points boost. Also, it is a two-way street. You help boost the business of someone. On the other hand, you actually bring to the limelight to fellow humans a nice place to pass by. It's kind of a win-win situation.
Yet again another way to earn points is by answering the simple questions that always seems to pop up. And trust me; these questions can sometimes go bizarre.
IS IT WORTH IT?
If you are ready to follow the strategy, you can be a master Local Guide within a short span of time. But the only drawback is you give away a lot of information, even personal to Google. Where ever you go, Google will tag along. If it's scary for you, you can delete your history whenever you want. The drawback to these is your past benefits too will be wiped out. On the whole, it is a beautiful experience and that it will help a lot of people and you too get benefited from Google. As I said, it is a win-win situation for all.
