Maximizing Rewards with Google Local Guides: Points, Badges, and Benefits

Google relies on a group of volunteers known as Local Guides to ensure that Search and Maps are constantly updated with details about nearby businesses and points of interest. These volunteers play a crucial role by sharing reviews, photos, and videos that can assist you in making informed choices when exploring a new area.

Local Guides participate in Google's program to help improve Maps for users. In return, they receive virtual rewards as an incentive for their contributions.

Local Guides have the opportunity to verify information provided by businesses. Anyone can sign up and share reviews to earn recognition and special perks.

This article explains the Local Guide program – how to join, what you do, and the rewards you can earn.

What Is The Google Local Guide Program?

The Google Local Guide program encourages users to enhance Google Maps and Business Profiles.

It operates like a game, rewarding points for contributions that help you progress to higher levels and earn badges.

Your badge appears next to your name when you write reviews or answer questions on Maps. This identifies you as someone knowledgeable about the local area.

Points, Levels & Badges

Points can be earned with the following contributions to Google Maps:

Write a review – 10 points.

Write a 200+ character review – 10 bonus points.

Rate a business – 1 point.

Upload a photo – 5 points.

Tag a photo – 3 points.

Add a caption to a photo – 10 points.

Upload a video – 7 points.

Answer – 1 point.

Respond to Q&As – 3 points.

Edit information – 5 points.

Add a place – 15 points.

Add a road – 15 points.

Check a fact – 1 point.

You’ll reach higher levels in the Local Guides program as you build up points.

The levels of the local guides program are as follows:

Level 1 – 0 points.

Level 2 – 15 points.

Level 3 – 75 points.

Level 4 – 250 points.

Level 5 – 500 points.

Level 6 – 1,500 points.

Level 7 – 5,000 points.

Level 8 – 15,000 points.

Level 9 – 50,000 points.

Level 10 – 100,000 points.

At level four and higher, you’ll earn a badge that’s displayed next to your name when it appears in Google Maps.

Google Maps Local Guides levels

Screenshot from maps.google.com/localguides/, February 2024

Google used to provide nice perks to Local Guides, including free cloud storage and discounts on apps and media.

As the Local Guides program grew, Google stopped offering additional perks and now only gives badges to acknowledge user contributions.

While it doesn't guarantee anything, Google may occasionally provide early access to new features for Local Guides.

How To Join The Google Local Guides Program

Step One

How To Join The Google Local Guides Program Step 1

Screenshot from maps.google.com/localguides, February 2024

Visit the Google Local Guides signup page and click on Get Started.

Step Two

How To Join The Google Local Guides Program Step 2

Screenshot from maps.google.com/localguides, February 2024

Enter the name of your city and click on Become a Local Guide.

Step Three

Google Local Guides Program: How To Earn Points & Badges

Screenshot from: maps.google.com/localguides/, February 2024

You can start collecting points on Google Maps by contributing content.

Like the one shown above, the dashboard lets you monitor your progress toward reaching the next level.

If you let Google access your location history, you'll receive recommendations for places to review that are based on the locations you've been to.

You don't have to turn on location tracking to become a Local Guide. You can simply search for places on your own and provide details about them.

How Local Guides Can Impact SEO

Local search marketing relies heavily on Local Guides and the content they contribute.

User-generated content such as reviews and photos from Local Guides can greatly boost a business's visibility and search rankings.

Businesses can enhance the visibility of this content by actively engaging with it, responding to reviews, and interacting with influential Local Guides.

Getting involved in the Local Guides community can offer valuable consumer insights and help establish connections with influential users who can help promote your business. Staying updated with the changes to the Local Guides program enables businesses to take advantage of new opportunities.

In Summary

Anyone with a Google account can sign up to be a Google Local Guide.

To become a knowledgeable Local Guide, simply contribute accurate information, photos, and thoughtful reviews to Google Maps and Business Profiles. As you make more contributions, you'll reach level four and Google will recognize your expertise by adding a badge next to your name on your reviews. This badge shows others that you are a trusted source of information.

The Local Guides program is Google’s way of showing appreciation to individuals who contribute their time to enhancing Google Maps.

This program offers a fantastic perk by increasing your visibility and trustworthiness among Google users.

So, if you want recognition for helping improve Google Maps, sign up to be a Local Guide today.

More Resources:

Google Business Profile: A Complete Guide for Local SEO

Adapting Your Digital Marketing Strategy To Local Events And Seasons

Local SEO: The Definitive Guide To Improve Your Local Search Rankings

Featured Image: ViDl Studio/Shutterstock

Editor's P/S:

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the Google Local Guides program, highlighting its role in enhancing Google Maps and Business Profiles. As a former Local Guide myself, I appreciate the recognition given to the contributions of volunteers who share valuable information and insights. The gamification aspect of the program, with its points, levels, and badges, fosters a sense of community and encourages active participation.

However, it's important to acknowledge the shift in perks offered by Google. While early Local Guides enjoyed additional benefits like free cloud storage and discounts, the current program focuses solely on badges as recognition for contributions. This may be a disappointment for some, but it's essential to remember that the true value of being a Local Guide lies in the impact on the community and the satisfaction of helping others make informed decisions.