The A-Z of Google Maps

Navigate Your Way Around Google Maps

PAY TO PLAY | NEW FEATURES | DON’T GET LOST

Do you have Google Maps on your website?

If you do or if you are a developer who recommends this feature to your clients then you need to read this!

If you want to use Google Maps on your website you need to generate an API key. Otherwise your map will become a low-resolution map with a watermark that says for development purposes only. Here is an extract from the Google blog updating developers here >

Beginning on June 11, 2018, you’ll need to enable billing with a credit card and have a valid API key for all projects.
Also, in June 2016 we announced that we would stop supporting keyless usage, meaning any request that doesn’t include an API key or Client ID…keyless calls to the Maps JavaScript API and Street View API will return low-resolution maps watermarked with “for development purposes only.”

Now if you don’t have much traffic then there is no need to panic as you will have access to $200 of free monthly usage but you do still need to get your web developer to action the API key.

UPDATE: The new deadline is 16 July 2018

Read what TechCrunch has to say here >

New Features in Google Maps

Explore Tab
The redesigned Explore tab gives you quick recommendations for restaurants, bars, and cafes in any area you’re interested in
Trending
Find the best burger in town or track the top brunch spots in the city with trending lists from local experts and Google’s algorithms.
Competitive Eating
Indulge your inner foodie on Android by automatically keeping track of your progress against any of the restaurants featured in the trending lists.
Make Plans Faster
If you have Location History turned on, each restaurant or bar now features “Your match,” a numeric rating that tells you how likely you are to enjoy a place based on your own preferences.
Personalise Results
Tell Google Maps about your food and drink preferences so it can surface better dining recommendations as you eat your way around town
Local Updates
Get inspired for your next culinary adventure. The new “For you” tab will keep you in the know about everything happening in areas you care about whether it’s near your home, work, or a city you visit frequently.

How Businesses Can Benefit

It is amazing how many restaurants,hotels, bars & shops don’t make the most of Google My Business, which is how you manage your Google Maps listing. You can upload images, manage your reviews, update your opening hours and even post your social content and events. If you don’t make sure your listing is up to date then your customers have the right information – go, log in now, and make sure your listing is correct > Google My Business.

Don’t forget to do the same on Bing Places!

Want some help? Contact our team here >

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