Most businesses have physical locations, whether a commercial property, shared workspace, or home office. Regardless of where this might be, a company location map that shows your physical location becomes crucial in helping customers learn where they can find you or, at the very least, build confidence that your business is legitimate.
However, the harder question to ask than why build a company location map is how. Below, we outline some of the different ways a business may create a map of its own.
Map API From Google
First on the list is building a custom google map that leverages an API to display it on a business’ website. Google Maps continues to be a popular choice for its ability to be easily incorporated into a Google My Business page in support of a more extensive SEO strategy. Google further provides users with professional services that support users in creating their map, even if they don’t have any prior experience. Custom maps are complete with 3D graphics and 360-degree views and directions for people to visit.
To build the app on Google, users will first need to navigate to Google Maps Platform, where they will acquire an API key for the service. Although this is not a free offering, Google offers a free limited trial which often includes a credit of up to $300 for the first 90 days of use. Often, following this initial period, users will receive an additional credit which users can put towards their continued Maps API usage. With the payment considered, users can select “Get Started,” create an account if they haven’t already and verify their identity by entering a phone number and submitting the code sent to the device.
Once verified, users will receive an API that can be copied to a clipboard and used to access Google Maps. The API should be safely stored in preparation for when their map is ready to go live.
Furthermore, custom providers such as Maptive will enable users to add more detail to their company location maps for businesses with more specific information, although often at an additional cost.
Map API From Apple Maps
Google continues to be a leader in interactive online maps. However, being a leader in this department often comes with a price. Therefore, it is not uncommon for smaller businesses to select a cheaper alternative such as Apple Maps.
Apple has proven to be a great tool for users of Apple products, complete with a new indoor mapping feature. Although the Apple API is simple to incorporate on a website, the features are said to be slightly more limited than other map location services. The process is fairly simple, starting with a user visiting Apple Maps Connect. From there, users can log in or create a new Apple ID and navigate to a menu called “Small Business.” Users can then select “Add my business,” where they will receive a prompt to add their business name and location to find their listing in the Apple Maps directory.
Building from Scratch with OpenStreetMap
If your business wants to build a map from scratch, OpenStreetMap is a preferred option for many teams. OpenStreetMap is an open-source offering that relies on geospatial data to enable users to build a company location from scratch. Despite requiring more setup, small businesses still have access to the support they need to create a map and can make edits for free. The only caveat is that the moderator must approve them.
Therefore, the editing process is similar to Wikipedia, where if a user does a good job, the map will stay. After creating the map, users can incorporate the map into their website as an iFrame by clicking on the HTML, copying the code, and pasting it into their document.
Users can also access imports and automation that help make these maps increasingly useful for businesses.
Putting Your Business on the Map
With several different ways to display your location, users have many options to begin building a company location map. Although Google Maps APIs have set a gold standard for these maps, users are encouraged to continue poking around the free alternatives to find the best option for their business.
