Google Maps should be your go-to app for finding places and reviews. This is why Google is competing with other user-contributed review sites like Zagat and Yelp to create a more wholesome experience using Google Maps.

Google wants to encourage more people to contribute reviews to Google Maps by rewarding them. Users can sign up to be a “Local Guide” to start earning points today.

Each of the following actions can earn you 1 point:

uploading photos

posting a review

adding a new place (which isn’t on Google Maps)

fixing information (wrong phone number, misspelled name)

answering questions (“Is this a family restaurant?”)

Google also lets Local Guides lead local communities and have discussions with other communities to share the things they love. There is even a calendar that lists Hangout sessions for training and meetups.

There are 5 point levels for a Local Guide:

0 to 4 points gets your entries into device giveaways in select countries

5 to 49 points gets you early access to new Google products and features

50 to 199 points gets you a badge that recognizes you on Google Maps as an official Local Guide

200-499 points gets you a free 1TB upgrade of Google Drive storage

500+ points makes you eligible to attend Google sponsored Local Guide events and visits to the Google Campus

Google even gives Local Guides the resources and tips for hosting a local event for just about anything. The company really wants to give back to the communities everywhere while helping small businesses gain reviews from more customers.

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