May 7, 2025
Why embedding maps helps local SEOGoogle uses a range of signals to determine whether your business is relevant to local searchers. Embedding a Google Map on your site adds powerful context for both users and search engines. Here’s why it works:Boosts location relevance Embedding a map that’s directly linked to your Google Business Profile (GBP) sends a strong geographic signal
Why embedding maps helps local SEO
Google uses a range of signals to determine whether your business is relevant to local searchers. Embedding a Google Map on your site adds powerful context for both users and search engines.
Here’s why it works:
Boosts location relevance
Embedding a map that’s directly linked to your Google Business Profile (GBP) sends a strong geographic signal to search engines. It acts as a confirmation that your website and GBP belong to the same physical entity, which is crucial for ranking in the local pack (those top map-based search results). This is especially effective when the embedded map is placed on pages that also include consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) details and local keywords.
Improves trust & user experience
For new visitors or potential customers who aren’t familiar with your brand, a visual map can create a sense of credibility and professionalism. Instead of just reading your address in plain text, users can see exactly where you are and in many cases, explore your storefront through Street View, zoom in to see nearby landmarks, or understand your neighbourhood. This can be especially reassuring for local services like clinics, shops, or restaurants, where physical location plays a role in customer decisions.
Helps with mobile usability
Mobile users are often searching with high intent. They’re not just browsing, they’re trying to get somewhere. A well-placed embedded map enables quick access to directions without making the user switch apps or copy-paste your address. One tap on the map can open Google Maps or Apple Maps with turn-by-turn navigation. This improves mobile usability, reduces friction in the user journey, and can directly influence in-store visits or bookings.
Signals engagement to Google
Google considers user interaction data as part of its algorithm. When someone clicks on your embedded map, uses the “Get Directions” feature, or spends time interacting with the location, it sends positive signals to Google that your content is helpful and relevant. This kind of engagement-based behavior could influence your visibility in local results over time. While it’s not the only factor, it’s part of the larger picture of how Google gauges the usefulness of your website.
Where to place maps on your website?
1. Contact page
The contact page is arguably the most important location for embedding a map because it’s the first place users look when they want to visit your business or get in touch. Including a map here not only makes it easier for customers to find you physically but also builds trust by showing that your business has a real, verifiable location. From an SEO standpoint, this is a critical opportunity to provide consistent location data that aligns with your Google Business Profile, reinforcing your presence in local search results and increasing the likelihood of appearing in the local map pack.
Things to Include:
- An embedded Google Map
- Your full NAP in plain text
- A “Get Directions” link or button that opens in Google Maps
2. Website footer
Placing your map or address in the website footer allows you to subtly reinforce your location on every page of your site. This helps users quickly identify where your business is based, regardless of the page they land on. More importantly, it acts as a consistent local signal to search engines, enhancing your site’s geographic relevance across all indexed pages. Over time, this can contribute positively to your local SEO efforts, as search engines pick up on repeated, consistent location references.
Things to Include:
- A small embedded map or icon linking to the full map on your contact page
- NAP information in consistent with crawlable text
3. Location-specific landing pages
For businesses with multiple locations, creating dedicated landing pages for each one allows you to tailor content to specific geographic audiences. Embedding a unique map for each branch not only guides users to the correct address but also strengthens your site’s ability to rank in local searches for each city or neighborhood. This approach avoids duplicate content issues and makes each page more relevant and useful for visitors. It’s a proven strategy for increasing visibility in “near me” and location-based searches, especially when combined with locally optimized content.
Things to Include:
- A unique embedded Google Map per location
- Location-specific NAP and contact info
- Customized content: local services, staff, reviews, or images
- Driving directions or public transport information
4. About or service area pages
Service-based businesses that operate in a wide area or without a physical storefront can still benefit from embedding maps, especially those that illustrate coverage zones or specific neighbourhoods served. This helps potential customers quickly understand whether your services are available in their area, improving trust and reducing friction. From an SEO angle, it adds valuable local context to your content and makes it easier for search engines to associate your business with various geographic terms and regions, even if your address isn’t based there.
Things to Include:
- A custom map showing your service radius or neighbourhood coverage
- Area-specific content: ZIP codes, cities, or district names
- Descriptions of services offered per region
- Testimonials or case studies from customers in each area
5. Blog posts & content pages
When used within blog posts or other content-rich pages, maps serve as helpful visual tools that bring location-specific stories, events, or customer case studies to life. This enhances user engagement by making content more interactive and informative. It also adds another layer of geographic context that search engines can pick up on, which may help your content rank for location-specific keywords. Embedding a map in these scenarios shows attention to detail and a commitment to user-friendly content, which can also reflect positively on your brand.
Things to Include:
- A map related to the event, location, or story mentioned in the content
- A link to your business or location-specific page
- Contact or call-to-action elements related to the mapped area
How to embed Google Maps on your website
Digital PR is one of the most important SEO techniques to make brands visible online. Seeders have developed their PR strategy to create newsworthy press releases with measurable results. Digital PR is the way to position yourself as an authority. With data as our gold, we create content with a striking angle that the media cannot ignore. This results in extra exposure, high-quality branded backlinks, and enhanced trust in the brand.
Add a “Get directions” link for mobile users
Mobile users often search with high intent, especially when looking up a business location. They are ready to visit you now. Instead of asking them to copy your address or manually search for directions, you can make their journey smoother by offering a one-click link that automatically opens Google Maps with your business pre-filled as the destination. This removes friction, speeds up conversions (like walk-ins or appointments), and provides a better user experience, all of which can contribute to increased engagement and better SEO signals.
Google Maps has a URL structure that allows you to create a pre-filled directions link using your business address. The basic format looks like this:
| <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Your+Business+Name,+Street+Address,+City" target="_blank">Get Directions</a> |
Just replace Your+Business+Name,+Street+Address,+City with your actual business info. For example:
| <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Sunny+Cafe,+123+Main+Street,+Amsterdam" target="_blank">Get Directions</a> |
Place this link near your embedded map or address on your contact page, footer, or location section so users can easily find and use it.
Content marketing intern
David Awatara is a Content Marketing Intern at Seeders Zwolle. With a passion for storytelling and a keen interest in digital marketing, David is focused on creating engaging and impactful content. Eager to learn and grow in the evolving world of online marketing, David contributes to developing strategies that enhance brand visibility and strengthen online presence. With a creative and detail-oriented approach, David is dedicated to delivering high-quality content that supports the company's marketing goals.
