In July 2021, there were approximately 3,70,000 Local Guides on the Local Guides Connect platform. However, an estimated 120 million Local Guides were active worldwide. This significant difference raises an important question: Are Local Guides uninterested in joining the Connect platform, or are they simply unaware of it?
Lack of Awareness
Today, 1.4 million Local Guides have earned the “New Friend” badge on Connect, meaning they engaged for the first time by liking a post. This suggests that the total number of active Local Guides on Connect may exceed 2 million. However, the overall Local Guides community is estimated at 160 million—again, a huge gap!
If many Local Guides don’t know about Connect, it becomes our responsibility as a community to spread awareness. Some contribute through posts, while others work silently behind the scenes—all efforts are commendable!
Why Awareness Matters – My Personal Experience
Even moderators have pointed out that many people mistake “Local Guides” for “tour guides.” This misconception is understandable. When I joined as a Local Guide in 2017, I was passionate about heritage walks and thought I could lead tours. Later, I realized it was more about contributing to Google Maps.
I only discovered Local Guides Connect in 2023. Had I known about it in 2017, I would have received the exclusive 5-year anniversary badge given to early members. But whom should I blame? The Local Guides community at the time? Google Maps? Or simply the lack of information? 
Let’s ensure that no new Local Guide misses out on Connect due to lack of awareness. Keep sharing, keep engaging, and let’s grow this amazing community together!
Please join the campaign
- Each One Reach One: Celebrating 20 Years of Google Maps with Local Guides
- Each One, Post One" Campaign – Grow the Local Guides Connect Community!
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