Can I earn money from being a local guide for Google Maps?

Many people come to us asking, “Can I earn money from being a local guide for Google Maps?” The simple answer to this question is no. Google Maps Local Guides are not employed by Google, and there is not any money involved in this program. The Google Maps Local Guides Community is comprised of people who use the Google maps app to review places they visit on the map, take photos of businesses, correct business directory information and answer questions about the businesses.

Google Local Guides is a program that is run by volunteers. According to the program rules, terms and conditions- just because you are a local guide does not mean you work for Google or represent their company in any form. Listed below, you can see what do you get per level:

Level 1: 0+ points

-Get the inside scoop with the Google monthly newsletter

-Join Google-hosted workshops and Hangouts

-In select countries, enter into exclusive contests for Local Guides

-Join the conversation at Local Guides Connect

Level 2: 5+ points

-Get early access to new Google products and features

-Promote your own meet-ups on the Local Guides calendar

Level 3: 50+ points

-Get noticed with your Local Guides badge in Google Maps

-Be eligible to receive promotion of unofficial communities

Level 4: 200+ points

-Be eligible to be featured on Google’s official online channels: Google+, Facebook, Twitter, and more

Level 5: 500+ points

-Eligible for Trusted Testing opportunities — access Google products and features before they are made public

-Apply to attend Google’s Local Guides Level 5 summit

While Google Local Guides do not earn money, there are many rewards as stated above. You can help businesses in your communities succeed, or warn would-be customers of potential disappointments or issues they may wish to avoid. This help you to have an impact on your local community and also gives businesses who are providing quality services a leg up on their competitors.

Additionally, becoming a Google Local Guide has the ability to grow your position in an online community. This can be great for networking and also socializing. If you are interested in becoming a Google Local Guide, start taking photos of businesses you visit, reviewing interactions you have, and post them online through the Google Maps App.