Embedded Map Options for Your Website

If you are a new business owner, you should know just how important it is to make your business stand out and ensure that it's easy to locate. Here is a list of the top three embedded map options for your website:

Embedded Google Maps

Google Maps is one of the most popular embedded map service options to date. Every day, billions of people worldwide tap into Google Maps in order to navigate their way around different places. But that isn't even the best part; embedding Google Maps onto your website takes less than five minutes and links Google Map apps on mobile devices. To do this, follow the below-mentioned steps:

1. Step 01: Open Google Maps.
2. Step 02: Navigate your way to the street view or Geotag of your current location.
3. Step 03: Move your cursor to the top left corner and click "Menu." This will open a list of options. 
4. Step 04: To get the embedded code, search for the "Embedded Map" or "Share" option in the list and select it.
5. Step 05: Customize your embedded map to select the right pop-up screen size. 
6. Step 06: Lastly, copy the HTML embedded code and paste it into your website. 

Obstacles with Embedded Google Maps

One of the most significant issues with embedding Google Maps in recent years is that your customized map will show your location and the locations of similar businesses or competitors. Google intentionally added this feature to provide relevant data to users. However, this feature provides a conflict of interest. For example, most healthcare providers would prefer to show only their location and not their competitors' locations on a map embedded on their website. Nonetheless, Google has programmed its Maps to do just that. 

Google's most recent update feature has led many to look for alternative solutions to embedded maps. However, there are very few alternative options, and even fewer yet provide a reliable and accessible interface like Google. 

Alternatives to An Embedded Google Map

Unfortunately, or fortunately, Google Maps is the most reliable embedded map option on the market. It is also the most used map on mobile devices next to Apple Maps. However, Apple Maps has not pioneered a website embed feature that would work on all devices.

• CMS Applications are used to embed maps on your website. There are many website development applications that have developed maps for WordPress and other Content Management Systems (CMS). Most of these applications, of course use Google API. A question might arise, "Google has already developed an embed feature; why create an alternative embed application?" The reason for this is formatting. Many website applications use Google's API feature to customize the look and feel of the map. This is great for brand alignment. But it is still a Google Map. 
   
• Bing is on the list of embedded maps. Bing is known for high-resolution mapping images and user-friendly API. Even though it doesn't have many locations, it is a perfect navigation tool to guide you to popular places. To embed Bing into your website, follow the steps below:
  1. Step 01: Open Bing Maps.
  2. Step 02: Navigate to the location you desire. 
  3. Step 03: Select the More button.
  4. Step 04: Select the Embed Map feature.
  5. Step 05: Customize the map as directed. 
  6. Step 06: Copy the HTML code. Past the code in your website application.
      
• OpenStreetMap is another alternative solution that is gaining small interest. OpenStreetMap is an open-source geographic database. And because thousands of people add new data to the app every day, OpenStreetMap is one of the most up-to-date embedded map options below Google and Bing. To embed OpenStreetMap in your website, follow the below-mentioned steps:
  1. Step 01: Open OpenStreetMap.
  2. Step 02: Navigate your cursor to the area you want to locate. The interface is not quite intuitive, but you have the option to place a cursor and not on your location. 
  3. Step 03: Select the share button.
  4. Step 04: Select the HTML option and pass a marker to the top of the map.
  5. Step 05: Copy the HTML code. Past the code in your website application.
      
• Google My Maps is an alternative solution to the standard Google Maps interface. This interface allows you to create a customized map based on Google Maps. Here you may opt to include all your business locations, points of interest, etc. This interface requires you to create a custom template and save it to your Google drive. This map will only be accessible to the public if you choose to. And you need a Gmail account to create a custom map. To create a custom Google Map navigate to Google My Maps
  1. Step 01: Navigate to My Maps
  2. Step 02: Create a New Map. Follow the online guide or follow Google's instructions.
  3. Step 03: Click the dots in the window
  4. Step 04: Select Embed Map
  5. Step 05: Copy the HTML code. Past the code in your website application.

Searching for a Medical Marketing Agency in the USA?

Medical Marketing Guru is a pioneer in developing medical web designs. Our healthcare marketing team is passionate about designing websites that effectively capture and engage potential customers. With extensive years of experience in the industry, we have worked with everyone from ophthalmologists to surgeons and dentists. 

Want to know which embedded map option works best for your website? Contact us right away!