Is Google Local Guides for You?

I’ve always wondered, with all of the money involved in online advertising, how come I—as the viewer—can’t get some? Well, looks like Google might just be headed in that direction (well, sort of). Google’s new program, Local Guides, aims to reward participants for posting quality content.The program isn’t really new, but has recently been renamed from its old moniker “City Experts.” Participants will earn points and be rewarded in an escalating fashion with everything from exclusive contests to a boondoggle at the company’s headquarters for folks with the most points.In a blog recent post, Google wrote, “You can earn points and level up by writing reviews, uploading photos, adding new places, fixing outdated information, and answering simple questions. Each contribution type is worth one point, so you can earn up to five points per place.”So, Google has somewhat co-opted the secret shopper concept but made it a program to increase and improve web-based content, not doubt helping Google improve its search results. Pretty clever.If you’d like to get in on the fun, check out their video.