The Google Maps being updated to version 9.4 brings a new feature of ‘Local Guides’, which is developed with the idea in mind to provide expert opinion about the area to the people using the service.Local Guides is similar to Yelp, in the sense that it gives local reviewers more benefits as they write more reviews.
The rewards Google is giving out are not much but its still something. The list of rewards is as below:
0+ reviews(Level 1)
- Access our monthly newsletter
- Stay up to date on the latest program benefits, features, and news
- In select countries, invites to members-only contests
5+ reviews(Level 2)
- Join Hangouts with tastemakers, connoisseurs, and Googlers worldwide
- Submit your own Local Guides meetups for promotion
- Eligible to test new Google products and features before public release
50+ reviews(Level 3)
- Get highlighted in the Google Maps app with a Local Guides badge
- Join our private Google+ community
- Apply to moderate Local Guides Google+ Communities
- In select cities, invites to exclusive events
200+ reviews(Level 4)
- Eligible to be featured on our official Google+, Facebook, Twitter, and more
- Annual thank you gift for consistent, high-quality contributions to Google Maps
So,if you are interested you can go to the site in the source to become a Local Guide or you can also try the updated by installing it directly from apk.
