Google’s Local Guide program is a way for the search engine giant to crowdsource local business information and ratings from users. It provides an incentive system for people to leave ratings and reviews of local businesses and attractions. This program benefits both the Guides themselves as well as businesses looking to improve their local search rankings.
What is the Google Local Guide Program?
The Local Guides program allows users to rate, review and add information about businesses, destinations, and other places around them. Each contribution earns points which level up a user’s Guide status.
For businesses, having an active, positive presence on Google through ratings and reviews is crucial for visibility in local search results. Google heavily weights these crowdsourced contributions in its local ranking algorithms.
Benefits for Guides
So what’s in it for the users taking time to rate businesses and add local data to Google’s knowledge base? There are a few incentives:
Do Guides Get Paid?
Unfortunately, no, Google Local Guides are not paid for their contributions. However, there are other incentives and perks:
Incentives
- Early access to new Google products and features
- Periodic prizes and contests
- Special badges on Google services
- 1TB free Drive storage upgrade for top contributors
Levels
There are 10 levels in the program, with higher levels awarded to top contributors each year. Attaining higher levels unlocks additional benefits like online events and promotional items.
*I am currently a level 6 and I do not get anything special from Google for this, but I have fun helping others find great local businesses to support!
Benefits for Local Businesses
The biggest benefit of the Local Guides program for businesses is the increased visibility and credibility that comes with more ratings and reviews on Google. User reviews factor heavily into Google’s local ranking algorithms.
Local businesses like landscapers, roofers, electricians, etc, tend to benefit greatly from online reviews. If you are marketing a landscaping business for example, do not neglect your Google reviews!
Businesses with more reviews tend to rank higher in the local map pack results on Google search. This prominent positioning puts businesses in front of motivated local customers looking for nearby solutions.
Since online reviews influence 67% of purchasing decisions, having a strong review profile on Google can translate into more foot traffic and sales for local businesses.
Joining the Google Local Guide Program
If you want to start contributing reviews and ratings to become a Google Local Guide, it’s easy to sign up on the program website or through the Google Maps app.
Once you start leaving contributions like reviews, photos, answers and fact checks, you’ll earn points and reach higher levels. Of course, Google incentivizes high-quality contributions that are honest and follow their guidelines.
Does Your Business Rank on Google?
Are you wondering how your local business ranks on Google search and maps compared to competitors? A proper search engine optimization (SEO) strategy is key to improving visibility.
But many local businesses struggle to keep up with SEO best practices while running day-to-day operations.
That’s where specialists like Loading Leads Marketing come in – we develop tailored local SEO strategies to boost your presence on Google’s local map pack and search results. Contact us for a free consultation!
