PEOPLE are earning free stuff from Google with a special reward scheme which isn't widely known.
The tech giant runs a Local Guides programme which you've probably encountered before but not even realised it.
It's this club that provides all the useful information on Google Maps.
Whether it's a restaurant review, a photo upload of a little-known summer spot, or even a road that's not correctly listed, Local Guides are the backbone of all that information we use for free.
And Google rewards people who join the programme and actively provide content.
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Users earn points for everything they share which increase your rank with virtual badges.
And overtime Google offers free stuff that could save you money.
For example, you can redeem six free months of Google One cloud storage for all your iPhone photos and videos instead of paying for iCloud.
Others say they've previously received money off cinema tickets and even a pair of Local Guide socks.
Annoyingly, there's no clear idea when Google rewards users with perks, many just keep at it.
But it's worth a shot for a couple of minutes of time - and it helps other Google Maps users too.
Google Maps Local Guide points
Here's an idea of the points you earn for each type of information or content you provide.
- Review - 10 points per review
- Review with more than 200 characters - 10 bonus points per review
- Rating - 1 point per rating
- Photo - 5 points per photo
- Photo tags - 3 points per tag
- Video - 7 points per video
- Answer - 1 point per answer
- Respond to Q&As - 3 points per response
- Edit - 5 points per edit
- Place added - 15 points per place added
- Road added - 15 points per road added
- Fact checked - 1 point per fact checked
- Eligible list published - 10 points per published list
- Description (in list) - 5 points per description added
What badges do you earn with Local Guides?
You go up a level when you earn so many Local Guides points.
From Level 4 onwards, a badge will appear next to your name.
- Level 1 - 0 points
- Level 2 - 15 points
- Level 3 - 75 points
- Level 4 - 250 points
- Level 5 - 500 points
- Level 6 - 1,500 points
- Level 7 - 5,000 points
- Level 8 - 15,000 points
- Level 9 - 50,000 points
- Level 10 - 100,000 points
How do I sign up to Local Guides?
You just need a Google Account to sign up to Local Guides.
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Add your account to the programme via this link.
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