Introducing three new Google Maps features
Google is constantly updating and improving its platforms, Google Maps is no different. During the global pandemic, businesses have had to adjust to the sudden changes in customer behaviour. Google gave businesses the opportunity to give their users the best experience possible and to inform them about new and/or changes in (store) policies. However, not nearly all businesses have taken (full) advantage of this.
Even though not all businesses make use of the advanced features, Google still wants to have as much information as possible available for the public. People rely more and more on high quality information about places around them. All the more reason for Google to roll out a set of 3 new ways to improve and update Google Maps.
Use photo updates on Maps to share your latest experiences
Photos are a great way of getting a better impression of a place. It can give you the information you need with one look at the picture – it’s a hot day and you’re wanting to eat at a restaurant but you’re unsure whether the outdoor area is well shaded or, you want to find out how crowded the beaches parking lot is during a hot summer day at the park. On the other hand, you might want to share a quick and helpful tip for other users, without having to leave a review. Google Maps is rolling out this new content type: photo updates – easily find and share your most recent experiences with your latest photos. The pohto updates are snapshots of places with short descriptions, leaving a review or rating won’t be necessary.
Using the photo update feature is quite easy. Navigate to the “updates” tab when you’re viewing a place in Google Maps, and you’ll be able to view the latest updates from merchants and other people. Adding an update on your own is done by tapping the “upload a photo update” button, here you can select your photos, write a description and post. You may post as many photos as you like.
Reviews and Updates community challenges
It’s known that supporting local businesses in Google Search and Maps has been possible for quite a while now. Google wants to intensify this and has been piloting a new feature (in the US) regarding local support.
You can expect community challenges to roll out gradually on Google Maps. You’ll be able to participate (as long as you’re eligible) in these challenges where you can leave helpful reviews, ratings, post photos, updates and confirm information about local businesses. Participating in the community challenges can be done from within the “Contribute” tab.
Drawing new or missing roads on Google Maps
It will be made easier for contributors to report road changes, with a new desktop road editing tool. Whenever you encounter a missing road on maps.google.com, you will be able to edit the roads on “Edit the Map” and “Missing Road”.
You may add missing roads by drawing lines, rename roads, change the directionality, and realign or delete incorrect roads. You’ll also be able to let Google know if a road is closed with dates, reasons and even directions. Google will always check whether the change is correct. This feature will be rolled out over the next months in over 80 countries.
