Looking to compete with review leader Yelp, Google has recently launched its Local Guides review service. Local Guides gives consumers another avenue for providing high quality online reviews of local businesses.
The Local Guides program encourages consumers to post reviews by rewarding them as more reviews are submitted. The four level benefits system provides benefits that include access to a monthly newsletter, invitations to hangouts, access to Google products and features before they go public, invitations to exclusive events, and gifts for the highest level contributors.
Submitting reviews for Local Guides seems easy enough. Reviews can be submitted on all devices from computers to smartphones to tablets. Reviews are submitted via Google Maps or Google Search and should contain at least 3 sentences of relevant and informative information about the business and their products or services. Reviewers are encouraged to be respectful, honest and helpful. Google cautions reviewers to avoid commentary and discussion preferring to leave those conversations to blogs and social media networks.
Joining Local Guides is easy. Simply click the Join Now link here and start reviewing businesses in your area.