Classic Google Maps Features to Be Found in New Maps

We love Google Maps and their integration with local business directories. Users prefer Google Maps over any other mobile mapping application. According to GlobalWebIndex, Google Maps is the most highly used mobile app, even more than Facebook. Around 54 percent of smartphone owners use the app every month. This is fantastic news for businesses that are engaged in Google marketing.

How Local Business Directories Work with Maps

Listing your company in Google’s local business directories is essential for being featured on Google maps. Your company needs to have a Google Local page with a Google+ profile. This will cause you to show up on a search within Google maps and help with your organic marketing on desktop and mobile searches. If you are listed in the directory your company will come up in a local search along with your contact information and address, in addition to any search results that come up organically or through PPC.

Key Features Missing from Google Maps

Google has recently taken their new map program out of Beta, replacing Google Maps. This new map software is still effective, yet missing some of the key features users have come to rely on. For example the send directions to car feature is no longer available. Google has specifically said that it is adding it. Also users are not able to see the terrain maps while getting directions from one place to another. Further, the 3D route preview is no longer available. Probably most important there isn’t an easy way to set the default location.

Google released a statement saying that they are aware the new maps is missing some key features and is going to continue to improve it. Hopefully, they will move the remaining features over shortly. In the meantime the key functionality is the same and as always, Google provides fast and accurate directions.

As a business, you will gain increased exposure by being listed in Google’s local business directories and showing up on their Google Maps. For example, when someone is driving in a new area and wants to find somewhere for dinner they are likely to visit Google maps. While paid Google marketing is fantastic for an online search, when someone is in the map application they will see data from the directories. If you want to come up in the search for a coffee shop in Atlanta, from the map feature, than you need to expand your Google marketing strategy to include a local listing.

Local SEO Sites can handle all of your Google marketing needs while developing a comprehensive organic marketing strategy to help grow your business.