Google Local Guides Program: A Guide How To Earn Points & Badges

Google Local Guides Program is a community-driven program that Google launched to encourage users to provide useful and reliable information about local destinations on Google Maps. Local Guides are enthusiastic people who freely offer their expertise, experiences, and insights by writing reviews, uploading images, adding new sites, revising current information, and responding to questions from other users.

Also Read:- What is the Google Local Guide Program– Google Rewards 2022

Google developed the Local Guides program to incentivize regular individuals to help keep Maps updated.

The program is intended to improve the accuracy and usability of Google Maps for all users. Local Guides play an important role in assisting people in navigating and exploring their local communities or locations they want to visit by giving extensive and up-to-date information about companies, landmarks, attractions, and other points of interest.

Members that participate in the Local Guides program can receive points for their contributions. As they earn points, they can advance to higher levels, each with its own set of perks and bonuses. These benefits could include early access to new Google features, invitations to exclusive events, special badges, and even Google-branded goods.

The Local Guides initiative builds a sense of community among its participants by allowing them to engage, share tips, and work together to improve the accuracy and quality of local information on Google Maps. Google uses the power of the crowd in this effort, harnessing the pooled knowledge and experiences of its users to improve the mapping experience for everyone.

If you want to become a Local Guide, you may begin by signing up for the program via the Google Maps app or website. Once you’ve signed up, you can begin contributing to the platform by uploading reviews, images, and information about local businesses, and as you earn points, you’ll move through different levels and uncover interesting incentives along the way.

What Is The Google Local Guide Program?

Google Local Guides is a gamified system that rewards people for contributing to Google Maps and Google Business Profiles.

Every contribution you make as a Local Guide earns you points. After earning a certain number of points, you can advance to new levels of the program and earn new badges.

When you post a review or answer a question in Google Maps, your badge appears next to your name, allowing everyone to recognize you as a local expert.

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

Points, Levels & Badges

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

• Write a review – 10 points
• Write a 200+ character review – 20 points
• Rate a business – 1 point
• Upload a photo – 5 points
• Tag a photo – 3 points
• Upload a video – 7 points
• 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
• Publish an eligible list – 10 points
• Write a description (in list) – 5 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

How To Join The Google Local Guides Program

Joining the Google Local Guides program is a simple procedure. Follow these steps to become a Local Guide and begin contributing to Google Maps:

Create a Google Account: If you don’t already have one, you’ll need one to participate in the Local Guides program. Visit the Google Account creation website (https://accounts.google.com/signup) and follow the instructions to establish a Google Account.

Download Google Maps App (Optional): While you can participate in the Local Guides program using the browser version of Google Maps, the mobile app is more convenient. Download “Google Maps” from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) and sign in with your Google Account if you choose to use the app.

Participate in the Local Guides Program:

• Using the Google Maps App: Launch the Google Maps app, touch on your profile photo in the upper right corner, and then choose “Become a Local Guide.” Sign up and join the program by following the on-screen instructions.
• Using the Local Guides Website: In your web browser, navigate to the Google Local Guides website (https://www.google.com/local/guides/). Click the “Get Started” button, sign in with your Google Account if requested, and proceed with the program enrollment process.

Accept the Terms and Guidelines: Google will offer you with the terms of the Local Guides program as well as contribution guidelines. Examine them carefully before clicking “Agree” or “Accept” to proceed.

Begin Contributing: After enrolling in the Local Guides program, you may begin contributing to Google Maps. You can post reviews, submit images, update missing areas, check facts, and answer questions, among other things. Each contribution earns you points, and as you gather points, you will advance through several Local Guides levels and unlock unique incentives.

Final Words

Google’s Local Guides program recognizes those who maintain Maps and Business Profiles up to date with accurate information, new imagery, and insightful evaluations.