Google just unveiled its new Local Guides program aimed at competing with Yelp’s review service. Local Guides gives consumers the opportunity to join and review the businesses they visit. Reviews can be added via Google Search or Google Maps on smartphones, tablets and desktop computers.
Here are the details on what you can expect from Google’s Local Guides.
- Reviews must be a minimum of 3 sentences
- Reviews must contain informative, insightful, helpful, and respectful information.
- Local Guides is not designed to provide commentary on a business, social or political issue. Review the business and its goods or services. Keep the ancillary conversation to blogs and other social networks.
- The more reviews you submit the more benefits you receive.
There are currently four benefits levels for reviewers to aspire to.
- Level 1 (0+ Reviews). Receive access to the monthly Local Guides newsletter.
- Level 2 (5+ Reviews). Join Hangouts with other influential Local Guides, submit a meet up for promotion, and be eligible to test new Google products/features early.
- Level 3 (50+ Reviews). Receive a Local Guides badge, access to the private Google+ community, ability to moderate Local Guides Google+ communities, and invitations to exclusive events.
- Level 4 (200+ Reviews). Be featured on Local Guides Google+, Facebook and Twitter pages. Receive a gift for providing consistent, high-quality reviews.
Business owners can be a member of Local Guides. However, soliciting reviews or self-promotion through Local Guides is not allowed.
You can join Local Guides by clicking here.