Can you believe it’s been 13 years since the introduction of Google Maps? Since its inception, I don’t know about you, but I just about use Google Maps for everything! From restaurant reviews to discovering nearby traffic, it becomes a part of your everyday life.
As a Cheshire web design agency, we have seen such a change in Google Maps over the years and how we have had to incorporate it into digital marketing and web design structure.
Well, because of how Google Maps has transformed and improved user experience, Google have now rolled out a series of new updates designed to make things even simpler and easier for you by introducing Google Maps platform – the next generation of Google Maps.
Join us as our Cheshire web design look into Google Maps Platform by highlighting the major changes plus answering some of the questions you may have. Let’s get started…
Google Maps
When travelling to unfamiliar surroundings, I’m sure we’re all guilty of using street view on maps to take a sneaky peak of what we’re letting ourselves in for. Well with the Google Maps update, your business can now bring the world to your users with customized maps and street view imagery to create a more engaging experience with no detail missed. With over 25 million daily updates, users of your business website can be guaranteed that they are receiving accurate, real-tome location information.
As a Cheshire web design agency, we have found the ability of being able to customize your maps a much-needed feature in the new update. From custom markers, brand colours and images, you can present users with instant brand identify, store locations and even provide a custom virtual cycling path powered by street view, but more of that in Google Places.
Google Routes
With over 25 million daily updates, business owners now have the ability to create efficient biking, driving and walking directions to ensure they can find your business. If you are based near major landmarks, Google Places will now also allow business users to create up to 25 different waypoints, so users have all the information they need to find you.
If you have an important meeting scheduled, users can choose faster routes or change transportation methods based on real-time traffic conditions, so they can pan ahead and find your business without added stress of not finding it or being late.
Google Places
Through providing accurate data on location, address, ratings, reviews, contact information and even atmosphere, users are overloaded with enough information to decide about your business.
Let’s say for example, you run a successful Italian restaurant. Through Google Places, users can find how far away they are from their location and see how busy the restaurant will likely to be when they view your Google Map Platform listing.
After implementing a new, powerful geolocation and geocoding database in combination with up-to-date places, users have instant access to the information they need, when they need it.
How to sign my business up to Google Maps Platform?
As a Cheshire web design agency, we would highly advice all our customers to make sure your business website is registered and listed on Google Maps, as it’s an essential digital marketing tool which only benefits your business, so users can find you both on search and maps.
You can register your free business listing on Google My Business which will only take a matter of minutes to complete. Once created, you can then make endless changes to your listings to add/update services, opening times and even location!
As an existing customer, can I still use Google Maps for free?
Yes, you can. When you enable billing, each business account is given $200 free usage every month for products such as Maps, Routes or places. According to Google, only international business will likely to exceed the free credit limit usage.
Okay, what products can I use with my free $200 monthly free credit?
All essential Google Maps Platform products which are Maps, Routes and Places.
How much is pricing after I exceed the £200 monthly free credit?
You only pay for what you use, so the amount of usage will vary depending on after you have exceeded your credit limit. If you are worried about exceeding your free limit, you can enable email notifications along with daily checks if you are close to exceeding your limit.
Cheshire Web Design Opinion: Google Maps Platform
Regardless of any digital marketing agenda, creating a listing on Google My Business to get your business listed on Google Maps along it’s partnered products is an essential in helping your business to be found and grow providing the ultimate user experience.
If you need any help creating or submitting your Google My Business listing, or need any technical support producing some bespoke customization such as map branding colours, get in touch with your professional Cheshire web design agency.