How to Get the Most Out of Google Maps Driving Directions

It’s no secret that Google Maps is one of the most widely used mappings and navigation tools available. A study found that 70% of drivers use Google Maps for directions. That’s a lot of people! So if you’re not using Google Maps to its full potential, you’re missing out on many opportunities to reach your target audience.

Google Maps is a lifesaver when getting around town, especially if you’re not familiar with the area. But even if you are familiar with a place, Google Maps can give you more information than basic driving directions.

Google Maps: Your Go-To Driving Directions Resource

First and foremost, Google Maps is an excellent resource for driving directions. You can enter a starting point and destination, and Google will provide step-by-step instructions. You can also choose between different types of transportation, such as car, transit, bike, or walking. And if you’re not sure which route to take, you can compare different ways side-by-side to see which one is the best for you.

But Google Maps isn’t just a driving directions resource. It’s also an excellent tool for finding businesses and services. For example, let’s say you’re looking for a new pizza place to try. You can use Google Maps to search for pizza places in your area, and it will show you a list of all the nearest options. You can then click on each one to get more information, such as the address, phone number, hours of operation, and customer reviews.

Google Maps is also handy for finding out about traffic conditions. For example, if you’re planning a long road trip, you can use Google Maps to check the traffic conditions along your route. This way, you can plan your trip around areas with heavy traffic and avoid them.

Make the Most of Google Maps

As you can see, there’s a lot that Google Maps has to offer. So if you’re not using it to its full potential, now is the time to start. With so many features and benefits, it’s one of the best tools you can use for getting around town, finding businesses and services, and planning your trips.

How Google Maps Benefits Businesses

Businesses can also benefit from using Google Maps. If you have a physical location, you can use Google Maps to promote your business to potential customers in your area. You can add your business information, such as your hours of operation, address, and phone number. Customers can then find your business more efficiently and get directions to your location.

Here are some of the most apparent benefits businesses can get from using Google Maps.

1. Improved Visibility

One of the main benefits of using Google Maps for businesses is improved visibility. When potential customers search for businesses in their area, your business will appear in the results. And if you have a well-optimized listing, you’ll be more likely to appear at the top of the results, leading to more clicks and customers.

2. Customer Insights

Another benefit of using Google Maps for businesses is providing valuable insights about your customers. When you claim your business listing, you’ll be able to access data about how many people have viewed your listing and clicked through to your website. You can also see how customers find your listing, such as through a search engine or word of mouth. This information can be precious for marketing purposes.

3. Free Advertising

Another great benefit of using Google Maps for businesses is that it’s a form of free advertising. When you add your business information to your listing, you’re effectively creating an ad for your business that potential customers in your area will see. And since Google Maps is used by millions of people every day, this can be a great way to reach a large audience with little to no cost.

4. Helping People Find Your Business

Google Maps can also help people find your business who might not have seen it otherwise. For instance, if you have a brick-and-mortar store, potential customers can use Google Maps to search for companies in their area. This is especially useful for small businesses that might not get a lot of foot traffic.

5. Improved Customer Service

Another benefit of using Google Maps for businesses is that it can help you improve your customer service. When you add your business information to your listing, you can include your hours of operation. This way, potential customers will know when they can come to your store or office. You can also add a link to your website so people can easily find more information about your business.

6. Customer Credibility with Reviews

Google Maps also provides a way for customers to leave reviews about your business. These reviews can be precious, as they can give potential customers an idea of what to expect from your company. And if you have positive reviews, this can help boost your business’s credibility and attract more customers.

7. Managing Multiple Locations

If you have more than one location for your business, Google Maps can be a great way to manage all of your listings in one place. You can add and manage multiple listings from your Google My Business account. This can be very helpful if you have a chain of stores or offices.

8. Improved Search Engine Optimization

Google Maps can also help improve your website’s search engine optimization. When you add your business information to your listing, you effectively create a backlink to your website. This can help improve your website’s ranking in search results, leading to more traffic and customers.

9. Adding Photos and Videos

You can also add photos and videos to your Google Maps listing. This can be a great way to show potential customers what your business looks like and what you have to offer. You can also add videos, which can be very helpful for companies that provide services rather than products.

10. Google Maps Is Easy to Use

Finally, one of the best benefits of using Google Maps for businesses is that it’s straightforward. You can add your business information and start getting driving directions from Google Maps in just a few minutes. And if you need help, you can always contact Google My Business support for assistance.

How to Get the Most Out of Google Maps Driving Directions

When it comes to driving directions, Google Maps is hard to beat. You can enter a starting point and destination, and Google will provide step-by-step instructions. You can also choose between different types of transportation, such as car, transit, bike, or walking.

There are a few things you can do to get the most out of Google Maps driving directions:

1. Use the ‘My Places’ Feature

One of the best features of Google Maps is the ‘My Places’ feature. This allows you to save locations to find them again later easily. Simply click on the ‘star’ icon next to a location to use this feature. You can then access your saved areas by clicking on the ‘My Places’ link in the left sidebar.

2. Get Directions for Multiple Locations

If you need directions for more than one location, you can use the ‘Multi-Destination’ feature. Simply click on the ‘Directions’ link in the left sidebar to use this feature. Then, enter your starting point and destination as usual. Finally, click on the ‘+’ sign next to the ‘Destination’ field to add additional destinations.

3. Print or Email Directions

If you need to share directions with someone, you can print them or email them directly from Google Maps. Simply click on the ‘More options’ link in the top-right corner of the directions box. From there, you can choose to print or email the directions.

4. Get Directions for Walking, Biking, or Public Transit

In addition to driving directions, Google Maps can also provide directions for walking, biking, and public transit. To get these directions, click on the ‘More options’ link in the top-right corner of the directions box. Then, select the ‘Walking,’ ‘Biking,’ or ‘Transit’ tab.

5. Use Street View

Google Maps also offers a ‘Street View’ feature, which allows you to see what a location looks like in real life. Simply click on the ‘Street View’ link in the left sidebar to use this feature. Then, click on the ‘ Pegman’ icon and drag it to the location you want to see.

6. Get Directions Offline

If you’re going to be without internet access, you can still get driving directions from Google Maps. Click on the ‘More options’ link in the top-right corner of the directions box. Then, select the ‘Download offline map’ option.

7. Use Google Maps on your Mobile Device

If you have a smartphone or tablet, you can use the Google Maps app to get driving directions. The app is available for both Android and iOS devices.

8. Add a Link to Your Website

If you have a website, you can add a link to it from your Google Maps listing. To do this, click on the ‘Edit’ link next to your business name. Then, scroll down to the ‘Website’ section and enter your website address.

9. Add Photos and Videos

Another great way to promote your business on Google Maps is to add photos and videos. To do this, click on the ‘Edit’ link next to your business name. Then, scroll down to the ‘Photos and videos’ section and click on the ‘Add photo’ or ‘Add video’ button.

10. Add Special Offers

If you have any special offers, you can add them to your Google Maps listing. To do this, click on the ‘Edit’ link next to your business name. Then, scroll down to the ‘Special offers’ section and click on the ‘Add offer’ button.

By following these tips, you can make sure you’re getting the most out of Google Maps driving directions.

Tips and Tricks for Using Google Maps Driving Directions

Have you ever been somewhere new and had trouble finding your way? Or maybe you’re just wrong with directions. Either way, Google Maps is here to help. With its easy-to-use interface and step-by-step guides, you can get from point A to point B in no time flat.

But what if you want to do more than get directions? What if you’re going to find the quickest route or avoid traffic? Or maybe you’re looking for something a little more out of the ordinary, like a scenic route or a place to stop for coffee. Google Maps can do all of that and more. So here are some tips and tricks for getting the most out of Google Maps driving directions.

Choose your transportation type

By default, Google Maps will show you the quickest route by car. But what if you’re not driving? You can choose between different types of transportation, such as transit, bike, or walking. Just click the icon in the upper left corner and select your preferred method of transportation.

Get step-by-step directions

Enter your starting point and destination, and Google Maps will provide step-by-step instructions for getting there. You can even see how long each step will take and the traffic conditions. Just click on the steps tab in the left panel.

Avoid traffic

Traffic can be a real pain, especially during rush hour. But you can avoid it by selecting the fastest route that avoids traffic. Just click on the Traffic tab in the left panel, and Google Maps will show you the best way to take it.

Find places along the way

Need to make a pit stop? Google Maps can help you find gas stations, restaurants, and other places. Just click on the places tab in the left panel and select your category of interest.

Get there faster with live traffic updates

Google Maps can keep you up to date on the latest traffic conditions so you can adjust your route accordingly. Just enable the traffic layer in the upper right corner.

Get turn-by-turn voice navigation

Hands-free is the way to go when you’re driving. With turn-by-turn voice navigation, Google Maps will give you directions without looking at the screen. Just enable the Voice Navigation setting in the left panel.

These are just a few of the many features that Google Maps offers. So the next time you’re looking for directions, be sure to check out all that Google Maps has to offer. You might find it’s the best way to get from point A to point B.

Get Started with Google Maps Driving Directions Today!

Now that you know how to get the most out of Google Maps driving directions, why not try? First, enter your starting point and destination into the search bar and hit enter. Then sit back and let Google Maps do the rest.

Are you using Google Maps for Your Business?

If you’re a business owner, Google Maps can be a valuable tool for you. Here at WowVisible, we make sure to include it as part of our comprehensive local SEO marketing. We can help you claim your business listing, add photos and videos, and even create a custom Google Maps driving directions URL for your website.

Contact us today or request a free quote to learn more about how we can help you. We’re always happy to answer any questions you may have!