Local Internet Mapping Technology Works
You’ve probably used internet-based maps hundreds of times (perhaps more) over the course of the last several years. In fact, from a web-savvy perspective, it’s safe to say that internet maps and directions are more prevalent now than traditional paper maps are. Next to in-car navigation GPS, they’ve changed the way travel happens – probably more than anything else in the last five decades.
The thing is, internet maps are still evolving. With ever-increasing local internet mapping technology, online maps today are doing so much more than providing travel directions alone. Local map technology is changing the way business is done locally and beyond.
Who Are The Major Local Internet Map Players?
While some of the earlier popular web map services have gone belly up in recent years, it probably will come as no surprise who the survivors are in the evolution of internet mapping:
- Google Maps - http://maps.google.com/
- Yahoo! Local Maps - http://maps.yahoo.com/
- MapQuest Maps- http://www.mapquest.com/
- MSN Live Maps - http://maps.live.com/
Similar in many aspects, each of these online map services have their own unique pros and cons, as well as their own loyal followings. But when it comes to ever-growing mobile map usage (which also tends to be really locally focused in nature), Google Maps has taken a solid lead.
Four Ways To Benefit From Local Internet Mapping
One – Use an interactive map from one of the major map providers on your website to help customers find your place of business. Visitors will also be able to obtain point-to-point directions with just a click or two, thanks to the included local mapping technology.
Two – If your business doesn’t show up on “Street View,” consider geotagging a photo of your business and streetscape so it appears embedded within a local internet mapping service. Doing this will make your business easier to find and recognize.
Three – Create a customized map for your site including certain specified points of interest that you add to the map. This technique is really popular with real estate professionals especially. For example, they can visit an online map service and add their local area properties to a customized map for free; then, the custom property listing map can then be added directly to a website or blog.
Four – Be found through search by being listed on the map. Are you on the map? Usually getting on the local map is accomplished by providing your business category, address, phone, and a few other pertinent details to the map provider through their submission form. It helps if this information is also clearly displayed on your website and with a reputable online phone directory.
The trend is clear – developments in local search capabilities are taking place primarily within the map services offered by the major search engines. Maximize your local search presence and rankings by taking control of local internet mapping technology.
