After announcing their City Experts would now be known as ‘Local Guides’ last month, Google has begun the task of bringing the information gained from these local reviewers to their mobile apps, especially Google Maps.
In the latest update to Google Maps (version 9.4.0 for those playing at home), now includes the Local Guides feature. The Local Guides feature exists to highlight local haunts which have received great feedback from Local Guides who receive benefits in return for reviewing local places. The Local Guides program exists ‘everywhere Google Maps is’ but the benefits offered exist only in Sydney at this stage.
To be considered a Local Guide, you’ll need to complete 50 reviews of local businesses, at which point a ‘Local Guide’ badge will appear in the Local Guides section.
There’s been comparisons of the Local Guides program to the Yelp Elite reviewers program, which seems to have a little better reach, but is very similar in scope.
If you’re a Local Guide already, you’ll be familiar with the program and benefits, or if you’re interested in signing up, you can head to the Local Guides landing page to find out more information.
The update to Google Maps should hit your device in the next few days, but as always APK Mirror has the updated APK ready for you to side-load.
Local Guide perks are pretty good!