How to embed google maps into website to boost local SEO

Putting a Google Map on your website is dead simple. Just find your location on Google Maps, hit 'Share', flip over to the 'Embed a map' tab, and copy the HTML code it gives you. Paste that code into your site's HTML editor, and you've got an interactive map, just like that.

Why an Embedded Google Map Is a Business Essential

Let's be honest, in a world where everyone wants information yesterday, just listing a plain text address on your contact page doesn't cut it anymore. An interactive map isn't just a nice-to-have feature; it's a powerful tool that directly shapes how customers see and interact with your business.

It instantly answers that all-important "where are you?" question without making people leave your site, copy your address, and paste it into a different app. This simple step keeps them on your page, cuts out the hassle, and makes their whole experience smoother. A visitor who can instantly see your location or get directions is far more likely to actually show up. Think of it as a digital welcome mat, guiding customers straight to your front door.

Building Trust and Credibility

There's something solid about seeing a physical address plotted on a map. It screams legitimacy. It shows you're a real, verifiable business with a tangible location, which builds instant trust with potential customers. This is absolutely crucial for local shops, restaurants, and service providers where your physical presence is everything.

Plus, that little map bridges the gap between your online persona and your bricks-and-mortar shop. When someone sees your business on a map, it stops being an abstract website and becomes a real place they can actually visit.

A Cornerstone of Local SEO

Embedding a Google Map is also a classic, must-do tactic for boosting your local SEO. It sends crystal-clear geographic signals to search engines, reinforcing your location and the area you serve. This helps Google connect your business with local searches, making you pop up for customers right in your neighbourhood.

This is especially vital for your Google Business Profile. Having an embedded map on your site that points to your verified profile creates a strong, consistent signal that Google loves. It's a foundational step, and knowing how to rank higher in Google Maps will help you squeeze every drop of value out of it.

The move towards map integration is undeniable. The UK, for example, is a huge adopter, with 140,972 websites currently using Google Maps technology. This makes the UK the third-largest market for its use, proving that for British businesses, a map isn't an option—it's an expectation.

Ready to get your site noticed locally? Our guide on how to boost your business with local SEO for small businesses is packed with practical strategies to get you started.

The Easiest Way to Embed a Map Using an iframe

If you need a map on your website but the thought of code or APIs makes you want to run for the hills, I have some brilliant news for you. There's a ridiculously simple way to get it done. The quickest route is using Google Maps's built-in Share feature, which spits out a little HTML snippet called an iframe.

This method is fast, totally free, and you honestly can't mess it up. It’s the perfect solution for showing a single, static location—like your shop, office, or that secret spot where you're hosting an event.

Think of it as taking a direct snapshot of Google Maps and pasting it right onto your webpage. No tech background needed. Anyone can do this.

Finding and Sharing Your Location

Everything starts on the Google Maps homepage. First thing’s first: search for the exact address you want to show off. This could be your business name (especially if you have a Google Business Profile) or just a plain old street address.

Once you’ve found it and the little red pin is sitting pretty, you’re ready to share. Look for the "Share" button, usually tucked into the information panel on the left. Give that a click, and a new window will pop up with a couple of options.

Here's what you'll be looking for—that "Share" button is your starting line. This is where you'll grab the embed code for your website.

Generating and Customising the iframe Code

After hitting "Share," you'll see a pop-up with two tabs: "Send a link" and "Embed a map." You’re going to want the "Embed a map" tab. This is where the magic happens. Google instantly cooks up an iframe HTML code snippet just for you.

Before you grab the code, look to the left. You’ll see a dropdown menu that lets you do a little bit of customisation. You can pick from a few preset sizes:

• Small: Great for tight spaces or sidebars.

• Medium: A solid, all-purpose size that works almost anywhere.

• Large: Perfect for when the map is the star of the show.

• Custom size: This lets you get specific, defining the exact width and height in pixels to fit your website’s layout perfectly.

Pick the size that feels right for your design. For most businesses, the contact page is the map’s natural home. If you want some pro tips on getting that page just right, check out our guide on designing a high-converting contact us page.

Placing the Map on Your Website

Once you’ve chosen your size, the last step is to smash that "COPY HTML" button. This copies the whole iframe code to your clipboard.

Now, head over to the backend of your website. Find the page and the exact spot where you want your map to live. You'll need to paste this code into an HTML block, a custom code widget, or directly into your page editor’s source code view. Just paste what you copied from Google Maps, and you're golden.

This iframe method is, hands down, the fastest way to get a map on your site. But what if you need more? For things like custom markers or unique map styles that match your brand’s colours, you’ll need to step up to the Google Maps Platform API.

Ready to take your website to the next level? Contact Baslon Digital today, and let our experts handle your website design and integration needs for a flawless result.

Going Further with the Google Maps Platform API

While the iframe method is brilliant for its simplicity, it's basically a pre-packaged deal. You get what Google gives you, and that's it. But what happens when you need more? What if you want to show multiple shop locations, style the map to match your brand’s colours, or use custom icons instead of that standard red pin?

This is where the Google Maps Platform API comes into play. If the iframe is a ready-made meal, the API is a fully stocked professional kitchen. It hands you all the ingredients and tools, giving you complete creative control to cook up a map that’s perfectly integrated into your website.

Sure, this approach involves a bit more setup—including creating something called an API key—but the payoff is a truly bespoke and dynamic map that elevates your site. It’s the difference between a generic tool and a seamless brand feature.

So, What's an API Key Anyway?

Think of an API key as a unique password that gives your website permission to talk to Google's mapping services. It's just a string of characters you include in your site's code to authenticate your requests.

Google uses this key to track how much your site uses its services. While there's a generous free tier, this is essential for billing if your map traffic ever goes beyond certain limits. More importantly, it secures your account and stops anyone else from using your map allowance on their website.

For a basic embed, the process is dead simple.

This visual shows the straightforward path for an iframe. But when you want to get creative with custom features, you’ll need that API key to unlock the magic.

Setting Up Your Google Cloud Project

Before you can get your shiny new API key, you need a place to manage it. This is all handled inside the Google Cloud Platform. It sounds more intimidating than it is, I promise.

Your first step is to create a new "project." This project acts as a container for all your map settings, API keys, and any billing info. It keeps everything neat and organised, which is especially handy if you manage multiple websites or apps.

Once your project is set up, you need to tell Google which specific map services you want to use. For most custom web maps, the essential one is the Maps JavaScript API. You'll just head to the API library, find it, and click "Enable." This gives your project the green light to start generating interactive, customisable maps.

Generating and Securing Your API Key

With your project ready and the API enabled, you can finally create the key itself. Inside your project's dashboard, you’ll find a "Credentials" section. Here, you can generate a new API key with a single click.

Google will spit out a long string of letters and numbers—this is your key. But hold on! Don't just copy and paste it into your site yet. An unrestricted key is like leaving your house keys in the front door. Anyone could grab it and use it, potentially racking up costs on your account.

To prevent this, you absolutely must apply restrictions. For a website, the most important one is HTTP referrers. This lets you create a whitelist of the specific website domains (e.g., ) that are allowed to use your key. If someone else tries to use your key on their domain, Google will simply block the request. It's a simple but powerful way to protect your account.

Why Do I Need to Add Billing Info?

A common point of confusion is why Google asks for billing details, even if you only plan on using the free services. This is mainly for identity verification and to have a payment method on file in case your usage scales up beyond the free tier.

The good news is that the Google Maps Platform provides a substantial £200 free credit each month. For the vast majority of small businesses, this is more than enough to cover typical map loads and interactions without ever costing a penny. Setting up a billing account is just a prerequisite to activating the APIs and getting your key.

Once you have your secured API key, you're ready to unlock the full potential of Google Maps. You can start building dynamic maps that do far more than just show a single location, creating a richer, more branded experience for your visitors.

Feeling a bit lost with API keys and cloud projects? Let the experts at Baslon Digital handle it for you. Get in touch with us today for a free consultation, and we'll ensure your website has a perfectly integrated, professional map.

Customizing Your Map to Match Your Brand

Alright, you've got your Google Maps Platform API key. Now the fun begins. This is where you move beyond a generic, slapped-on map and create something that truly feels like part of your website.

A standard map works, sure. But a customised map shows you care about the details. It tells your visitors that you’ve thought about every part of their experience, right down to the map on your contact page. It’s the difference between a functional tool and a seamless brand feature.

Let’s dig into two powerful ways to make the map yours: changing its look to match your brand’s colours and swapping out that boring red pin for something a bit more… you.

Styling Your Map to Reflect Your Brand’s Palette

Your website has a specific vibe, right? A colour scheme, a certain feel. A bright, default Google Map can stick out like a sore thumb, especially if your site has a minimalist, dark, or otherwise unique aesthetic.

Luckily, you can tweak almost every visual element.

The simplest way to get started is the Google Maps Platform Styling Wizard. It’s a super user-friendly tool that lets you play around with colours, hide things like points of interest or transit lines, and see your changes happen in real-time. You can strip the map back to just the roads or create a high-contrast version that’s easier to read.

Imagine a high-end fashion boutique with a sleek, monochrome website. They could style their map in shades of grey and silver. Or an eco-conscious brand could use earthy greens and browns to keep everything on-brand.

Once you’ve perfected your design in the Styling Wizard, it spits out a JSON style array. Don’t panic—it’s just a snippet of code. You copy and paste this into the JavaScript that loads your map. This little block of text tells the map exactly how to paint itself, completely transforming its appearance.

Replacing the Default Pin with a Custom Marker

Everyone recognises that classic red Google pin, but it doesn't say anything about your business. Swapping it for your company logo or a custom icon is a small change with a big impact.

It’s a fantastic way to make your location pop, especially if you’re showing multiple spots on one map.

Creating a custom marker is done through the Maps JavaScript API. Instead of letting the API do its default thing, you'll point it to your own image file. Think your logo, a unique icon—anything that represents your physical spot.

You’ll need to make a small tweak to the JavaScript code you use to embed Google Maps into your website. Here’s the gist of it:

• Prep your icon: Get your image ready. A simple, web-optimised .png or .svg file is perfect.

• Define it in your code: When you create your map marker in JavaScript, you'll add an property.

• Set the path: The value for that property will just be the URL to your custom image.

• Tweak the size: You can also specify the icon’s dimensions to make sure it looks just right—not too big, not too small.

This one tweak makes a huge difference. It turns a generic map pin into a branded signpost for your business.

Adding an InfoWindow for More Context

A custom marker is great, but what happens when someone clicks on it? An InfoWindow is that little pop-up bubble that appears, and it’s your chance to give people key info without cluttering the page.

You can set up your InfoWindow to show all the useful stuff:

• Your business name and address

• Opening hours

• A direct phone number

• A "Get Directions" link that opens in a new tab

Adding one involves creating a new object in your JavaScript and telling it to listen for a 'click' on your marker. When someone clicks, the bubble pops up, delivering instant, helpful information. This transforms your map from a simple picture into a genuinely interactive tool for your customers.

For a business owner, this means less friction. Customers get what they need, right when they need it, making them that much more likely to walk through your door.

Ready to put these customisations into action but feeling a bit lost in the code? The team at Baslon Digital specialises in creating polished, on-brand website experiences. Contact us today to see how we can perfectly integrate a custom map into your site.

Getting Your Map to Look Great on Any Device

It’s an easy detail to miss, but a map that looks slick on your desktop but breaks on a mobile phone can do more harm than good. In a world where well over half of all web traffic comes from mobile devices, a responsive map isn't just a bonus—it's non-negotiable.

The standard iframe code Google spits out comes with fixed and pixel values. That’s a problem. Pixels are rigid, and they don’t play nice with different screen sizes. This leads to a map that either gets awkwardly cut off or, even worse, creates an ugly horizontal scrollbar on smaller screens. It’s a clunky experience that can frustrate visitors enough to make them leave.

The Classic CSS Trick for a Fluid iframe Map

Thankfully, there’s a simple, reliable fix for this: a CSS wrapper. The idea is to tuck the rigid iframe inside a flexible container that scales gracefully, forcing the map to adapt along with it.

This method uses the "aspect ratio" trick, a clever technique that maintains the map's proportions (like 16:9 or 4:3) as its container resizes. It's a copy-and-paste solution that works on just about any website platform, from WordPress to custom-built sites.

Just drop this CSS snippet into your website’s stylesheet:

.map-container {
    overflow: hidden;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%; /* 16:9 Aspect Ratio */
    position: relative;
    height: 0;
}

.map-container iframe {
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%;
    border: 0;
}

Then, wrap your iframe code in a with the class . It should look like this in your HTML:

<div class="map-container">
    <!-- Your Google Maps iframe code goes here -->
</div>

This little bit of code makes a huge difference, ensuring everyone gets a great viewing experience. To dig deeper into this, you can learn more about responsive web design in our article.

Making Maps Responsive on Wix Websites

If you’re a Wix user, things get even easier. The Wix Editor is built from the ground up with responsiveness in mind, so you don’t have to wrestle with custom CSS to get your map looking sharp on all devices.

When you add a map element or an HTML iframe to your Wix site, just follow these pointers to make sure it adapts correctly:

• Go Full-Width: For a map that stretches across the whole screen, attach it to a full-width strip. The strip is already responsive, so the map inside will stretch right along with it.

• Stick to the Grid: Make sure your map element is placed inside the vertical gridlines in the Wix Editor. This keeps it within the main content area so it doesn’t get chopped off on smaller screens.

• Always Check Mobile View: This is a big one. Switch to the mobile editor to preview and tweak the map’s size and position specifically for phones. Wix lets you make mobile-only adjustments that won’t mess up your desktop layout.

Need a hand making your Wix website look perfect on every screen? Baslon Digital is a London-based Wix agency that builds stunning, fully responsive sites. Contact us for a free consultation and let’s put your business on the map.

Got Google Maps Problems? Let's Fix Them

Even the simplest tech has its off days, and an embedded Google Map is no exception. It’s beyond frustrating when you go to check your contact page and find a broken map staring back at you. But don't panic—the fix is usually a quick click or two once you know where to look.

Most of the time, these little hiccups trace back to your API key setup in the Google Cloud Console. Getting those settings just right is the secret to a happy, functioning map.

Why Is My Map All Grey and Watermarked?

Ah, the dreaded “For development purposes only” watermark. If you see this, take a breath. It’s Google’s polite way of saying there’s an issue with your account, not your website’s code.

This message almost always points to one of two culprits:

• Your billing isn’t set up: The Google Maps Platform needs an active billing account linked to your project. Yes, even if your usage falls squarely in the free tier, this part is non-negotiable.

• You've enabled the wrong API: Your project absolutely must have the Maps JavaScript API enabled to work on a website. If it’s not switched on, the map won’t play ball.

To sort this out, pop over to your Google Cloud Console. First, double-check that your project is linked to a valid billing account. Then, make sure the Maps JavaScript API is toggled on. The watermark should disappear as soon as Google gets the memo.

What If the Map Just... Isn't There?

Sometimes, the map space is just a big, empty void. No error, no watermark, just nothing. This is a classic sign of a problem with your API key restrictions. When you secure your key, you’re basically telling Google which websites are allowed to use it. A tiny mistake here and Google will simply block the map from showing up.

Head back into your API key settings in the Cloud Console and have a very close look at your "HTTP referrers." Your website's domain needs to be listed perfectly. My advice? Use wildcards to cover all your bases, something like .

The fact is, this technology is incredibly valuable. In the US, a whopping 73% of websites have integrated the Google Maps API. This trend shows just how vital these tools are in markets like the UK for keeping users engaged. You can learn more about how businesses are using these powerful mapping tools to their advantage.

If you’ve tried these fixes and are still pulling your hair out over a stubborn map error, it might be time to call for backup. Our team can sort out any technical gremlins and get your map perfectly integrated. Contact Baslon Digital today for some expert help.

Need a Hand With Your Website Integration?

You’ve seen the playbook: from a quick-and-dirty iframe embed to a fully custom map using the Google Maps API. While you can go the DIY route, getting it all just right—making sure it’s perfectly responsive, styled to match your brand, and doesn't throw up weird errors—takes time, patience, and a bit of technical wrangling.

Let's be honest, your time is better spent running your business, not wrestling with CSS wrappers or deciphering API key restrictions. A professional touch ensures the final result is polished, works flawlessly on every single device, and genuinely improves your customer’s experience from the moment they land on your page.

Why Let a Pro Handle It?

A clean, professional map integration does more than just show people where you are; it builds trust and makes a solid first impression. When you hand the reins to an expert, here’s what you get:

• Flawless Execution: No broken maps, no weird watermarks, and definitely no mobile-unfriendly glitches.

• Brand Consistency: We'll style your map to perfectly match your website's colour palette and vibe.

• More Time for You: We get nerdy with the technical details so you can get back to what you do best.

As London's expert Wix agency, we live and breathe this stuff. We specialise in creating stunning websites that actually get results for businesses like yours. We can put your business on the map—literally—with a perfectly executed integration that looks fantastic and helps customers find their way right to your door.

Ready to get a professional-grade map on your site without the headache? Let Baslon Digital take care of it for you. Get in touch today for a friendly, no-obligation chat, and let’s see how we can help your business grow.