365 Project #51 Google Map Maker

For a few years now I have been a Google Map Maker.  That's a person who has a Google account and adds information to Google Maps.  The edits I've made have all been legitimate and now I have a reputation for adding trusted edits.  I have added several places to Google Maps.  Google scrapes information from public sources and attempts to display the most relevant results, but the best and most complete information comes from the community.

There are some real benefits to having a building, business, park, trail, neighborhood, etc. listed on Google Maps.  Google indexes its own products first and so you have the Google Search engine knowing where to find it and displaying the information prominently.  When you add a place and its information, hopefully including photos, you will get a search page that looks like this when you search for, say 'Red Top Jail':

If you have a business, a search term such as 'chinese restaurant llano' will get a result like this, with business hours, contact information, photos of your choice, etc..

Once you're on the map and have a Google Place Page, you can click on the link at the bottom of the listing that says 'Are you the business owner?' and go through a verification process.  Then you can manage your page just as if it were a free web page, but with the added benefit of being indexed and updated by Google automatically in Google Search.  And as always, Google makes it easy for anyone to use, no special web skills needed.

Here's how to get started with Google Map Maker, search for ;-) of course, 'google map maker' while signed in to your google account.  You must have a google account to use it, but it's worth it.  If you need some help, let me know.