Google Maps
Google Maps is a free web mapping platform that helps searchers find directions to their chosen destinations and allows businesses to list their store locations.
This app is connected to Google Business Profile, allowing searchers to find even more business information on the Maps listing.
What you read here is written by our experienced in-house team, and subject matter experts from leading brands and agencies.
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6 things you need to know about Google’s Q&A feature on Google Maps
Noticed the new "questions & answers" section in Google Maps app listings? Columnist Joy Hawkins shares her observations about this helpful new feature.
SearchCap: Alexa & Cortana, Google Assistant speakers & Google Maps parking
Below is what happened in search today, as reported on and from other places across the web.
Google Maps Android app adds ‘find parking’ feature to show you nearest parking garage
Starting today, Google Maps users can tap the “find parking” button on the Android app to see a list of parking garages and lots in 25 US cities.
SearchCap: Google knowledge panel ads, Google Maps videos & AMP survey
Below is what happened in search today, as reported on and from other places across the web.
Google Maps local listings can now have videos uploaded
Google Local Guides and others can now add videos to local results if they use an Android device.
Google working to fix the ability to leave local reviews on Google Maps
Google is aware of the issue with leaving reviews in Google search and Google Maps for local reviews. They are working on a fix.
3 ways to use search query data from Google Search Console
New to Google Search Console? Columnist Dianna Huff provides a handy guide for gleaning actionable insights from the Search Analytics report.
SearchCap: Google Maps accessibility, Google Posts expire & link problems
Below is what happened in search today, as reported on Search Engine Land and from other places across the web. From Search Engine Land: Google Maps will use crowdsourcing to identify wheelchair-accessible locationsJul 6, 2017 by Amy Gesenhues Anyone can now add accessibility information to places on Google Maps or business listings in search. Fix […]
Google Maps will use crowdsourcing to identify wheelchair-accessible locations
Anyone can now add accessibility information to places on Google Maps or business listings in search.
7 changes by Facebook that make it a real local search player
Columnist Wesley Young looks at recent improvements Facebook has made -- and functionality being tested -- that may position the social media giant to compete with Google in the area of local search.
How to rank for ‘position 0’ in 3 simple steps: A featured snippets primer
What is a featured snippet, and how can you position your content to rank for one? Columnist Stephan Spencer explains this search feature and provides tips for optimizing your pages for it.
5 reasons why websites still matter to local search in 2017
More and more small local businesses are using social media profile pages, rather than websites, as the main face of their operation. Columnist Wesley Young explains why this isn't the good idea that it may seem to be.
4 ways brands are losing store traffic — and how to use location marketing strategies to reverse course
Many national franchise stores are failing to appear in Google Maps search results. Columnist Wesley Young's observations may help these brands improve their visibility.
Google Maps Timeline finally comes to iOS
Feature available on Android and desktop since 2015 hits iOS; Google's main iOS search app also gets a small update.
SearchCap: Advanced analytics, fake listings on Google Maps & link building
Below is what happened in search today, as reported on Search Engine Land and from other places across the web. From Search Engine Land: 5 hot trends in advanced analytics Apr 11, 2017 by Digital Marketing Depot Marketing data is everywhere. With so many new consumer touchpoints – from chatbots, to in-store beacons and virtual […]
Is Google really keeping fake listings off Google Maps?
A recent study released by Google claims that fewer than 0.5% of local searches lead to fake listings. But is this number misleading? Columnist and local search expert Joy Hawkins takes a deep dive.
SearchCap: Siri search, Google Maps spam & Google mobile-first index
Below is what happened in search today, as reported on Search Engine Land and from other places across the web. From Search Engine Land: Siri is Google’s nearest mobile search competitor [Report] Apr 6, 2017 by Greg SterlingAccording to a survey from Fivesight Research, Siri had a larger share of mobile search than Bing or […]
Google says it has reduced fake Google Maps listings by 70% since 2015
Company cites machine learning and new business verification techniques as main reasons for the decline.
SearchCap: Baidu AMP, paid search bids & Google Maps ads
Below is what happened in search today, as reported on Search Engine Land and from other places across the web. From Search Engine Land: Google Maps ad traffic steadily growingMar 30, 2017 by Andy Taylor Columnist Andy Taylor of Merkle shares data on the growth of ad traffic from Google Maps, including conversion rate and […]
Google Maps ad traffic steadily growing
Columnist Andy Taylor of Merkle shares data on the growth of ad traffic from Google Maps, including conversion rate and CPC data by device.
Google Search App for iOS gains Gboard, trending widget & 3D Touch
An update to the iOS Google Search app gives you more features and bug fixes.
SMX West session: The definitive guide to local search ranking factors
What will help your local business stand out in Google search results? Contributor Greg Gifford recaps an SMX West presentation that took a comprehensive look at local search ranking factors.
Why and how entities are shaping location marketing
What are entities, and how are they impacting local search marketing? Columnist Adam Dorfman tackles these questions and provides advice to local businesses looking to capitalize on this trend.
5 ways you can improve your new business’s visibility on Google Maps
Columnist Wesley Young compares the online presence of several new businesses to find out what makes one stand out and consistently outperform the others in Google Map search results.
SearchCap: Google algorithm changes, Google Maps lists & people also ask
Below is what happened in search today, as reported on Search Engine Land and from other places across the web. From Search Engine Land: Google: No comment on possibility of a Feb. 7 algorithm updateFeb 13, 2017 by Barry Schwartz Did your rankings in Google get better or worse over the past week? Many webmasters […]
Google Maps new feature lets users create lists of saved places that can be shared & accessed offline
Users can keep track of saved places and share lists with others via text, email and popular messaging apps.
SearchCap: Google AMP URLs, Google Maps traffic & Super Bowl search ads
Below is what happened in search today, as reported on Search Engine Land and from other places across the web. From Search Engine Land: Google makes it easier to see and share publishers’ real URLs from AMP pagesFeb 6, 2017 by Danny Sullivan New anchor button enables copy-and-paste of URLs directly to publisher sites. SMX […]
Google Maps updates Android app with real-time traffic info, nearby places & bus schedules
Starting today, swiping up from the bottom of the Google Maps app home screen on Android displays a Places tab, Driving tab and Transit tab.
SearchCap: Google Maps parking, iProspect report & Google’s spinner
Below is what happened in search today, as reported on Search Engine Land and from other places across the web. From Search Engine Land: Google Maps will tell you how hard it will be to find parkingJan 26, 2017 by Barry Schwartz Now you can plan enough time not just for driving to your destination […]
Google Maps will tell you how hard it will be to find parking
Now you can plan enough time not just for driving to your destination but also the time it takes to park at your destination with the Google Maps app.
Google My Business revamps photo management for Google Maps listings
Google aims to make it easier for business owners to manage their photos within Google My Business.
SearchCap: AMP images, Google Maps promoted places & machine learning
Below is what happened in search today, as reported on Search Engine Land and from other places across the web. From Search Engine Land: AMP results now showing in Google Image SearchDec 15, 2016 by Barry Schwartz AMP is now showing up in the mobile Google Image search results. Retailers testing Google Maps mobile Promoted […]
Retailers testing Google Maps mobile Promoted Places ads include MAC Cosmetics, Starbucks, Walgreens
The promoted pins in Google Maps are being tested on Android devices.
Google Maps adds a live view for popular times at venues
Google Maps makes the popular times feature work in the now, with a real-time view.
Study shows Google’s Possum update changed 64% of local SERPs
How significantly did the Possum update impact local search results in Google? Columnist Joy Hawkins shares data and insights from a study she did with BrightLocal, which compared local results before and after the update.
Google Maps app adds “Ok Google” voice command activation for hands free directions
Google improves voice search while using the Google Maps app.
Google Maps adds “Wi-fi only” feature & ability to save areas to SD card
In addition to the new offline features, Google Maps has added more international ride-service options to compare rates in a number of countries.
SearchCap: Google AMP in search, Search Analytics semantics & more
Below is what happened in search today, as reported on Search Engine Land and from other places across the web. From Search Engine Land: AMP breaks out of news into the main Google search resultsAug 2, 2016 by Greg Sterling The company says that AMP pages will not receive a rankings boost. New Google help […]
Google adds multi-stop support to Google Maps iOS app
Google Maps for iOS adds multiple destination support for driving directions.
SearchCap: AdWords reports, CTR data & Google Maps ads
Below is what happened in search today, as reported on Search Engine Land and from other places across the web. From Search Engine Land: Merkle’s early data on expanded text ad CTRs: Results are mixedJul 29, 2016 by Ginny Marvin The agency looked at expanded text ad performance from both brand and non-brand traffic. Excited […]