There are thousands of business websites around the world that show maps to promote their business locations. These maps are common sights for any one surfing the net. However, how are these maps made? What other purposes do they serve aside from simply showing location? In this article find out how a map can affect search engine optimization. Also, find out how you can geocode your addresses to create more dynamic maps that are perfect for your business.
Whenever you search online you may notice these pages: "Locations" and "Contact Us." Usually, these pages include simple maps that basically show where businesses are located. There are some websites that display their maps in a more interactive way. These maps are hyperlinked to free mapping softwares like Google Earth and Google Maps for better viewing experience.
You would agree that an interactive map is far better than a simple map right? Yes some interactive maps are products of costly geocoding services but there are again free mapping software that lets you map minus the cost. An example is Google Maps API. Here are some tips on how you can use it effectively.
1. Sign up with Google Maps API to secure the API key you need to transport the map from your domain name.
2. Geocode your address. Wikipedia defines geocoding as "the process of finding associated geographic coordinates (often expressed as latitude and longitude) from other geographic data, such as street addresses, or zip codes (postal codes). With geographic coordinates the features can be mapped and entered into Geographic Information Systems, or the coordinates can be embedded into media such as digital photographs via geotagging." Quite simply, you need to change your business address into latitude and longitude coordinates manually or with the help of software mapping tools. Manual geocoding requires GPS but it is not necessary to purchase a geocoder if you will use it only once. Again you use free geocodes like what Google Maps API offers. Just a down side, this may prove challenging to those who have little knowledge in programming languages.
3. After geocoding, always check the map to ensure that everything is without error.
4. Finally don't forget to include your business information such as business name, address and contact numbers. These are needed for search engine optimization. The details you provide will be used to affiliate your website to business directories. Keywords are as you may know the backbone of SEO.
These tips should allow your business to be noticed in the world wide web. You can now create dynamic maps and market your business effortlessly.
Whenever you search online you may notice these pages: "Locations" and "Contact Us." Usually, these pages include simple maps that basically show where businesses are located. There are some websites that display their maps in a more interactive way. These maps are hyperlinked to free mapping softwares like Google Earth and Google Maps for better viewing experience.
You would agree that an interactive map is far better than a simple map right? Yes some interactive maps are products of costly geocoding services but there are again free mapping software that lets you map minus the cost. An example is Google Maps API. Here are some tips on how you can use it effectively.
1. Sign up with Google Maps API to secure the API key you need to transport the map from your domain name.
2. Geocode your address. Wikipedia defines geocoding as "the process of finding associated geographic coordinates (often expressed as latitude and longitude) from other geographic data, such as street addresses, or zip codes (postal codes). With geographic coordinates the features can be mapped and entered into Geographic Information Systems, or the coordinates can be embedded into media such as digital photographs via geotagging." Quite simply, you need to change your business address into latitude and longitude coordinates manually or with the help of software mapping tools. Manual geocoding requires GPS but it is not necessary to purchase a geocoder if you will use it only once. Again you use free geocodes like what Google Maps API offers. Just a down side, this may prove challenging to those who have little knowledge in programming languages.
3. After geocoding, always check the map to ensure that everything is without error.
4. Finally don't forget to include your business information such as business name, address and contact numbers. These are needed for search engine optimization. The details you provide will be used to affiliate your website to business directories. Keywords are as you may know the backbone of SEO.
These tips should allow your business to be noticed in the world wide web. You can now create dynamic maps and market your business effortlessly.
About the Author:
Want to start mapping but have limited budget? Visit Drew Kesler's site to discover a mapping tool that uses Google Earth to provide affordable geocoding and mapping services.
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