Small businesses often shy away from using Google Maps API because they assume it’ll be expensive. But did you know that you can actually use Google Maps API for free up to a certain limit? It’s true!
Google Maps offers a free tier that allows small businesses to leverage its powerful mapping tools, with generous usage limits before you even start paying. This guide will walk you through how to use the Google Maps API for free with Storemapper, making it easy for your customers to find your locations, while keeping your budget in check.
Step 1: Sign Up for a Google Cloud Account
To get started, you’ll need a Google Cloud account, as the Google Maps API is part of the Google Cloud Platform. If you don’t have one yet, head over to Google Cloud Console and create an account. New users receive a $300 credit for the first 90 days, which can be used to access the free Google Maps API.
Step 2: Create a New Project in Google Cloud Console
Once you’ve set up your account, you’ll need to create a new project. This is where your Google Maps API will live. Here’s how:
1. Log in to the Google Cloud Console.
2. In the upper-left corner, click on the drop-down menu and select “New Project”.
3. Give your project a name, and click Create.
Step 3: Enable the Google Maps API
Now that you’ve created your project, it’s time to enable the Google Maps API:
1. In your Google Cloud Console, navigate to APIs & Services > Library.
2. Search for “Maps JavaScript API” and click on it.
3. Click Enable.
You can also enable additional APIs like the Geocoding API and Places API, which will allow your store locator to offer more advanced features, such as search filters by name or proximity, and precise location pins.
Step 4: Set Up Billing for Google Maps API (Free Tier)
Although Google requires you to set up billing to use the Maps API, the free tier is usually more than enough for small businesses. Google provides $200 of free usage each month. For most small businesses, this free usage tier covers a significant number of API requests, meaning you might never even see a charge unless you hit the limit.
For reference, this free tier covers:
• Up to 28,000 map views per month
• 40,000 geolocation requests
• 200 store locator searches per day, more than enough for most small businesses.
To set up billing, head to the Billing section of the Google Cloud Console, and follow the prompts. Don’t worry—you’ll be notified before any charges apply if you exceed the free usage limits.
Step 5: Generate Your Google Maps API Key
Once billing is set up and your API is enabled, the next step is generating your API key:
1. In Google Cloud Console, go to APIs & Services > Credentials.
2. Click Create Credentials, and select API Key.
3. Copy the generated key—you’ll need it to connect Google Maps to your store locator.
Step 6: Integrating Google Maps API with Storemapper
Now that you have your API key, it’s time to connect it with Storemapper. Here’s how to do it:
1. Log into your Storemapper dashboard.
2. Navigate to the Settings > Map Provider.
3. In the Google API Key field, paste the key you copied from the Google Cloud Console.
4. Save the changes, and you’re done!
Storemapper takes care of the heavy lifting. Once your API key is linked, the store locator will be fully functional on your website. Customers can now search for your locations, view store details, and get directions using the integrated Google Maps.
Step 7: Keep Track of Your Usage
Even though you’re using the free Google Maps API, it’s important to keep track of your usage to avoid unexpected charges. Google Cloud provides a usage dashboard where you can monitor how many requests your store locator is making. You can set up usage alerts, so you’ll know when you’re approaching the free tier limit.
Storemapper also offers geolocation tools that optimize API calls, ensuring you use your API efficiently without racking up unnecessary usage. This helps you make the most of your free monthly quota.
Bonus: Leverage Storemapper’s Built-In Features
Storemapper isn’t just about embedding Google Maps into your website. It also comes with a host of features that enhance your store locator and user experience, including:
- Real-time updates with Google Business Profile integration—automatically sync your business hours and locations.
- Smart Search Filters—help customers find exactly what they need quickly, whether by product availability, service offered, or location.
- Customizable branding—seamlessly match the look and feel of your website with easy-to-use customization tools.
- Analytics Integration—connect with Google Analytics to track store locator usage and optimize customer interactions.
By combining the free Google Maps API with Storemapper’s powerful features, you’ll create a superior customer experience that helps grow your business without ballooning costs.
Conclusion: Take Control of Your Store Locator with the Free Google Maps API
Using the free Google Maps API is a smart way for small businesses to provide accurate and engaging location-based information to their customers. With Google’s $200 monthly free tier, most businesses can easily power a store locator without spending a dime. And by pairing it with a powerful tool like Storemapper, you can create a feature-rich, user-friendly store locator that boosts foot traffic and improves customer satisfaction.
Ready to take your store locator to the next level? Sign up for Storemapper today for free and integrate Google Maps for free in just a few clicks!
Need a different choice? If you’re considering alternatives, we’ve got you covered! Check out our blog post on how to use the Mapbox API for free and see which solution best fits your business needs. Read more here.
