Are you looking to add Google Maps to your WordPress website? Google Maps is an incredibly popular and free navigation tool that’s built into most smartphones. Considering that smartphone users account for half of all website visitors, this can be a real game-changer. Many people visit store and restaurant websites specifically to find directions.
Embedding Google Maps on your website makes it super convenient for visitors to locate your store. Fortunately, it’s really easy to do, and there are several methods to choose from. This is especially beneficial for websites with a physical location. Today, I’ll show you two different ways to embed Google Maps in WordPress.
Why You Should Add Google Maps in WordPress
Google Maps is a fantastic navigation tool that’s easily accessible on both computers and smartphones. With smartphone users making up more than half of all internet traffic, having Google Maps pre-loaded on most of these devices is a big plus.
Personally, when I need directions, I always use my smartphone. It’s convenient to glance at the directions while on the move. This method is popular since dedicated GPS devices have taken a backseat to smartphones, which often provide more accurate tracking thanks to nearby cell towers.
How to Add Google Maps in WordPress
Now, let’s dive into how to embed Google Maps in WordPress using two different methods. The first method involves copying code directly from Google Maps and pasting it onto your website. This is the simplest method and doesn’t require any additional plugins. If coding isn’t your thing, don’t worry; the second method uses the MapPress Easy Google Maps plugin, which makes the process a breeze. Both methods will help you seamlessly add Google Maps to your site.
Google Maps Embedding Link Method
Head over to Google Maps and type in the address you want to provide directions for. If you have multiple locations, you’ll need to repeat this process for each one. Once you’ve found the location, click on the “Menu” button, represented by three lines.
Click on the “Share or embed map” option. A pop-up window will appear with two tabs. The “Share” tab gives you a URL for the map directions, but what you need is the “Embed Map” tab, which provides the embedding link. You can choose between small, medium, and large map sizes. Once you’ve picked the size, copy the embedding link.
Next, go to the page or post where you want the map to appear. I recommend adding it to your homepage. Another good tip is to place the directions near your business hours. This way, visitors will know if you’re open before they head out. Paste the embedding link into the “Text” tab of the editor. If you place the code in the “Visual” tab, only the code will show up.
Check the “Visual” tab to ensure the map looks correct. Once you’re done, click on the “Save” or “Update” button to add Google Maps to your site.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully embedded Google Maps on your WordPress website. This is the easiest method. Every plugin you add can slow down your site, but sometimes code alternatives aren’t beginner-friendly.
Plugin Method
Start by clicking on “Plugins” and selecting the “Add New” option on the left-hand admin panel.
Search for “MapPress Easy Google Maps” in the search box. This will pull up additional plugins that you might find useful.
Scroll down until you find the “MapPress Easy Google Maps” plugin, then click the “Install Now” button and activate the plugin.
In the left-hand admin panel, click on “MapPress.” This will bring up the main settings page. You might see an error message saying you don’t have a Google API key. If you already have one, insert it. If not, visit Google’s Developers page to get one.
Insert your Google API key into the appropriate box and click on the “Save Changes” button. You can also change your map size on this page at any time.
This plugin is great for adding multiple maps to pages or posts throughout your website. Go to the page or post where you want to add a Google map. Scroll down under the editor and find the “MapPress” section. Click on the “New Map” button.
Give your map a title and select the location you want to display. Click on the “Save” button to save the map. Hover your mouse under the title of the map and click on the “Insert into post” option. A shortcode will appear in the editor. Move it wherever you want the map to show up. Make sure to save your work.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully added Google Maps to your website. This method involves a bit more work than the first, but it’s a better way to add multiple maps once everything is set up.
Make Your Website Convenient for All Platforms
The days of only worrying about desktop visitors are gone. Over half of your visitors will be viewing your website on a smartphone. Adding features like Google Maps benefits both platforms and helps visitors find your store. There are no downsides to adding this feature, so if you have a physical location, it’s a must.
If you run a restaurant website, this is an essential addition. It helps visitors figure out if they’re within delivery range or where to pick up their food. Trust me, this is a big deal.
How many Google Maps have you added to your posts or pages? Where on your website have you added your Google Maps?