Embed Google Maps into WordPress

Does your business have a physical location, such as a shop, restaurant, office or visitor centre? In this case, adding Google Maps travel directions on your website is helpful. Travel directions allow people to come to your location directly. In this article, you read how to embed Google Maps into WordPress, with or without a plugin.

What is Google Maps?

Google Maps is a tool from Google that allows you to look up geographical locations. Google Maps is helpful if, for example, you want to visit a shop, office building or restaurant and need travel directions to visit the location.

In addition, you can use Google Maps to:

• View satellite photos;
• See live traffic;
• Use Street View;
• Check the air quality and wildfires;
• See bike lanes and public transport roads;
• Share your location.

Why Google Maps on your website?

Google Maps offers you several advantages. First, you allow customers or visitors to find the route to your location. In addition, they can view the surroundings of your location to plan a day out, for example. You also show them you are transparent about your location, which creates more trust. Finally, Google Maps offers useful features to offer your customers or visitors extra service.

Google Maps and local SEO

Google Maps is essential to take your local business SEO to the next level. With local SEO, you ensure your local business is more visible online. Suppose you are a hairdresser in London. If someone types ‘hairdresser Londen’ into Google, they will see a list of all hairdressers in this location. You are probably one of those hairdressers. So your opportunity is to turn the person into a customer if you use Google Maps. You need to register your business with Google My Business to add your business to Maps.

How do I add Google Maps to WordPress?

You can add Google Maps to WordPress in several ways. The simplest way is to copy and paste the embed code onto your site. Here’s how you do it:

1. Go to Google Maps.
2. Enter your company name or location in the search bar.
3. Click on the share button.
4. Go to the ‘Embed a map’ tab.
5. Copy the html code. It starts with ‘<iframe’.
6. Go to a page or post in your WordPress installation.
7. Paste the HTML code in the desired location. Are you using WordPress’ block editor? Choose the ‘Custom HTML’ block.

The 5 best Google Maps plugin for WordPress

It can always go right via the steps above. Do you want the option to customise a Google map to your liking? Use a WordPress plugin. Below are the most popular plugins to add a Google map to your site.

1. Maps Widget for Google Maps

With Maps Widget for Google Maps, you can quickly add an interactive map to your WordPress website. You can choose from a satellite and terrain map and various colour schemes. The plugin is available in several languages.

Tip: Check the map examples for yourself on Gmapswidget.com.

2. WP Go Maps

Are you looking for a customisable card that only needs to add a shortcode to a WordPress post or page? WP Go Maps is the right plugin for you. Among other things, you can use an unlimited amount of responsive maps and choose from 9 designs. In addition, the plugin is available in multiple languages, and you can add animations to the maps. Do you want to use more features? Choose the Pro version.

3. WP Maps

WP Maps allows you to create beautiful, modern, responsive Google maps for your website. You can add multiple locations, icons, categories, posts, images and more. The plugin is available as a free version or as a premium plugin.

4. Easy Google Maps

Easy Google Maps allows you to create versatile maps. You design the maps completely your way; you can add images, videos and more. Is your map ready? With just a shortcode, you add the map to your site. This plugin is also available in several languages.

5. WP Store Locator

Do you own multiple shops or offices? With WP Store Locator, you can easily add all locations to your site on 1 map. You can add details like phone number, email address and opening hours. It is also possible to use the plugin in multiple languages and show directions to visitors.

An API key for Google Maps in WordPress

Finally, you may need an API (Application Programming Interface) key to use a Google Maps plugin. You need to have a Google account to create an API key. Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to Google Cloud Console.
2. Click on ‘Create a Project’.
3. Click the ‘Create’ button.
4. Under ‘Add credentials to your project’, click ‘Click the API key link’.
5. Enter a name.
6. Click the ‘Create’ button.
7. You have now created an API key you can use.

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