What is a Google Maps Plugin?
One of Google’s flagship products, Google Maps, is by far the most common map service on the internet. Since its introduction in 2005, the service has been incorporated into a variety of websites, applications, and other platforms. The Google Maps API, which allows third-party products and services to integrate Google Maps, made this possible.
Google Maps is well supported by WordPress, and there are several WordPress Google maps plugins available to help you incorporate it into your contact page, about page, sidebar, or wherever else you like. Google Maps is also built-in to a lot of WordPress themes.
In this post, we will go through some of the best Google Maps plugins for WordPress.
Acquiring a Google Maps API Key
Since 2016, Google has allowed website owners to use a Google Maps API key when making requests. To incorporate maps into your website, most Google Maps WordPress plug-in enables you to enter this API key. There are, however, several options that take care of this for you.
1. WP Google Maps (FREE/$9.99-plus)
WP Google Maps for WordPress is one of the most common Google Maps solutions, with over 400,000 websites using it.
The plugin’s method for making new maps is awesome. Markers, lines, polygons, and other shapes may be added to your map. There are ten different themes to choose from, as well as traffic layers, bike layers, directions, and the highest zoom level.
After you’ve finished creating your map, you can use a shortcode to embed it into your website. You can allow and disable map controls like zoom, street view, and whether or not a mouse can be used in the main settings section.
If you didn’t enter your Google Maps API key after activating the plugin, you can do so in the advanced tab to ensure that it can retrieve maps. You can also add custom CSS and JavaScript to the advanced settings section.
The core version is available for free download, is simple to use, and includes hundreds of features.
WP Google Maps comes with three paid addons.
- The Visitor Created Markers addon is the cheapest at $9.99.
- The Gold addon costs $29.99 for a three-website license and adds marker clustering and real-time location tracking.
- The Pro addon is available for $39.99 for a three-website license.
2. Google Maps Locator plugin for WordPress ($27)
The Google Maps Locator plugin for WordPress is a highly customizable maps solution that lets visitors submit listings and markers on your website’s front end.
Videos can be added to listings, and they can be rated using a star rating system. Some interesting map features include the ability to draw on the map, scan within a certain radius, and automatically view geolocation.
There are a dozen map types and styles to choose from, giving you a lot of choice in terms of the types of maps you can create. The color scheme of links, buttons, and menus can be adjusted too.
CodeCanyon provides the Google Maps Locator plugin for WordPress for $27.
3. Simple Google Maps Shortcode (FREE)
Simple Google Maps Shortcode is a good option for those looking for a more straightforward solution.
As you might guess from the name, this plugin allows you to use a shortcode to insert maps into your website — all you have to do is specify the map address and your Google Maps API key. Using the WordPress Transients API, the map will be cached for three months.
Simple Google Maps Shortcode is the one for you if you don’t need any of the bells and whistles that other Google Maps solutions have.
4. Maps Marker (FREE/€39-plus)
Google Maps, Open Street Map, Bing, Mapbox, and custom WMTS-maps are all supported by the Maps Marker WordPress map plugin. On WordPress.org, the plugin is still known as Leaflet Maps Marker, but it is marketed as Maps Marker everywhere else.
The plugin allows you to create location markers and then organize them using layers. When you create a new marker, you can also specify the map’s size and zoom level, and moving from the simplified to the advanced editor brings up a wide list of icons to choose from. You can back up settings and describe the default map, as well as default map settings and more, on a dedicated tools tab.
A single license of Maps Marker Pro costs €39 and includes one year of support and updates. All of the pro features that are restricted in the free edition, such as augmented reality, enhanced Google Maps accuracy, marker clustering, map filtering, GPX tracks, elevation tracks, and more, are unlocked when you upgrade.
The plugin has hundreds of settings to help you customize charts, and the free version includes the majority of the key features.
5. Google Maps Widget (FREE/$18.99-plus)
Google Maps Widget is a quick-loading Google Maps solution for integrating maps into widget areas like your website header, footer, or sidebar. WordPress.org has over 100,000 active installs. Inside the map widget, you can customize the map style, zoom level, and appearance of the pin — as well as connect the map to a specific URL (e.g. your website contact page).
In the free version of Google Maps Widget, all you can do on the plugin settings page is add your Google Maps API key. If you don’t upgrade to the pro version, you won’t be able to use the advanced settings and import pins and widgets.
Google Maps Widget Pro retails from only $18.99 a year.
Google Maps Widget is the plugin for you if you want a quick Google Maps solution that blends in with your website design.
Read More: Best WordPress Header Plugins for Custom Headers in 2022
6. Hero Maps Premium ($20)
Hero Maps Premium is a stunning Google Maps solution that lets you display sensitive maps in full screen or with a fixed width. You can use one of three icon packs to add professional-looking markers to your charts, and you can also upload your icons. To place a marker on the globe, simply drag and drop an icon onto it.
Markers can also be categorized to allow visitors to filter results. You may have categories for hotels, restaurants, cafes, and parking.
There are a variety of color schemes available, as well as the ability to draw shapes on maps. All of the maps you make can be exported as well. CodeCanyon is selling Hero Maps Premium for just $20
