The Google Local Guide program comprises of a global community of users that businesses can engage with to widen the scope of their marketing activities, build brand reputation. And manage online reviews and ratings, besides augmenting online search visibility and exposure. Notwithstanding that the impact of Local Guides on brand reputation management strategy hinges on the quality and quantity of the contributions from the Guides, businesses can identify with these contributions and capitalize on the program to magnify their online presence and manage their reputation.
Benefits of Participating in the Local Guide Program
Participating as a Local Guide in Google’s program offers concrete rewards and a perception of community engagement while providing immense benefits to local businesses through improved visibility and interaction. Here are some benefits of google local guides program, worth considering for your local business.
Badges and Recognition: Achieving higher levels lead to Local Guides being awarded badges, that are displayed on their Google Maps contributions. They indicate their active and informed participation.
Exclusive Perks: High-level Guides reap benefits like additional Google Drive storage, early access to new Google features, and exclusive event invitations.
Community and Networking: Guides associate with a worldwide community, transmitting updates and becoming a part of discussions and local meetups.
Enhanced Visibility: Contributions from Local Guides cause local business listings to be more prominent increasing the likelihood of attracting new customers.
Improved Local SEO: Regular updates and precise details from Local Guides optimize a business’s presence on search engines.
Increased Credibility: Positive reviews from high-level Local Guides immediately improves a business’s credibility, enticing potential customers.
Precious Insights: Reviews and photos from Local Guides offer businesses vital feedback for service and product optimization.
More Engagement: High-profile Local Guides who review a business can substantially increase community interaction and customer visits.
Local businesses can gain significantly from the activities of Local Guides, mainly through increased visibility on Google Maps and improvements in local search engine optimization (SEO).
Businesses can significantly magnify their visibility and credibility on Google Maps by strategically connecting with Local Guides. Here are the strategies to maximize this powerful community:
Encourage Customer Reviews
Keep on encouraging your customers to write full reviews on Google Maps. Offer incentives like discounts or special offers for individuals who leave a review, aligned with Google’s guidelines, which don’t allow payment for reviews.
Host Local Guide Events
Host events or meetups at your business place, specifically targeting Local Guides. This can increase the number of Local Guides who come to your business, potentially culminating in a higher number of high-quality reviews and photos.
Respond to Reviews
Make sure to regularly respond to reviews, both positive and negative. This demonstrates that you value customer feedback and motivate other Local Guides to engage with your listing.
Keep Your Information Fresh
Make a point to keep verifying and updating your business information on Google Maps. Accurate hours, location, contact details, and services are vital to retain trust and ensure Local Guides provide accurate information.
The Bottom Line
There are many benefits of Google Local Guides program that includes opening up a wealth of community-powered insights that can substantially magnify your business’s visibility online.
