Google Maps is one of the most valuable tools on the Internet, but it’s not always easy to figure out how to use it effectively. When you want to add places to Google Maps, there are dozens of ways you can go about doing this, and most of them aren’t apparent at first glance.
That’s why we put together this list of 10 ways to add places to Google Maps so that you can figure out what method works best for your purposes, whether you want to bookmark someone’s home or upload your photos of local landmarks.
1) Go to Google Maps
The first thing you’ll want to do is head over to Google Maps. On a desktop computer, that can be done by opening your browser and typing Google maps into your search bar.
Once on Google maps, look for an option titled Your Places—this is where all of your saved places are stored, so it should already be populated with a few results from previous searches or from accounts you have set up.
If you’re not seeing anything, click on more and select Your places. Now click on Add a new location as shown below.
2) Turn on your GPS or search for addresses
It’s a good idea to turn on your GPS or search for addresses using Google Maps. For instance, if you type 10 Downing Street If you find yourself in an unexpected location, it can help you find your way around.
If you have a business trip coming up, save potential meeting locations and sites for restaurants and coffee shops before it happens. While there are ways to navigate offline with maps, not all work seamlessly. Make sure your phone is charged so you don’t get lost because of an empty battery!
3) Enter your locations in text boxes
You can copy and paste addresses into a text box or use a keyboard shortcut (Command + Control + V) on Mac or Ctrl + V on Windows. Be sure your address is in quotation marks. It’s also important that your addresses match as closely as possible. as your address instead of 10 Downing Street, London, UK, because you want it to appear more specific—it might not appear on maps. In addition, make sure that after you type an address into a text box, it’s spelled correctly. It’s annoying when errors like these show up on people’s phone screens while they’re searching for local businesses!
4) In the correct box, click Add Place
Finding an address in your location bar is sometimes easy, but it’s not. If you type in 123 Main Street into Google, it won’t bring up a physical location on a map—the search engine will attempt to look for 123 Main Street as text. To help remedy that, type in 11 E Main St, Anytown, USA 99999, and then hit add place.
The city should appear in its box; if it doesn’t, you are prompted to choose from a drop-down menu instead of typing it out manually: select (None). Then retype Anytown and then 99999, both without quotes.
5) Save your map with one click
Click Save Map after you finish adding a place. You can also save your map at any time by clicking on your profile picture, then Maps. You can leave a note for others with your saved map if you like.
Be sure to click Public when sharing so anyone with a web browser can view and interact with it. Once you are done editing or sharing, close out of Maps using one of these methods:
- Click on your profile photo
- Your places on Google Maps
- Save as a new version or Publish changes and close (whichever is available).

6) Click on each location you added and enter more information
Once you’ve added your locations, click on each one. You’ll see a pop-up box with a thumbnail of your area and a search field at the top. Click in that search field, and you can enter additional information about your business—such as hours of operation, payment methods accepted, phone number or website—and even upload photos.
Doing so will help customers find you when they search for businesses like yours on Google. (Note: If it’s easier for you to add more than 10 places at once, follow these steps but keep track of where you are in each process.)
7) Update each place’s business hours and reviews
As we all know, your business won’t last long without a positive rating. If a new update is available for your place (such as new hours or an updated review), you can edit them directly in My places on Maps.
Ensure that it’s accurate by checking information like address, hours of operation, and any notes you previously added. This will help ensure customers have an optimal experience when visiting your place and leave accurate reviews.
8) Use location extensions for directions in search results
If you’re looking for directions from one place to another, use search extensions. They’ll show you two sets of rules:
one on a map and one as a list of steps. When you select an attachment, you can see specific instructions for getting there, like bus stops or walking times. Or use them when scheduling appointments with friends; they’ll tell you how far away they are so that you don’t waste time waiting in line or driving around.
9) Find places near your current location in search results (limited time feature)
One of my favorite tricks is simply searching for a location near where I am and then tapping on that result. This opens up a new screen with more information about that place and gives me directions back to my original location. If you want to find places around you, search for something like coffee or a gym in your neighborhood.
You’ll see some local businesses pop up in the search results with a Directions option below them so that you can plot your course directly from Google Maps. Or enter in an address if you know exactly where you want to go—it works with exact addresses or vague locations (e.g., Central Park).
10) Pin specific locations as boards on Pinterest
Did you know you can pin locations from Google Maps to your Pinterest account? If a specific place is essential to you, pin it. The picture is likely to stay relevant over time, while details like hours and phone numbers may change.
If a place is going out of business or closing soon, consider adding a note with your contact information. Hence, potential customers have an easy way of getting in touch with you before the location closes.
Conclusion
These ten ways to add places to Google maps should give you a good idea of what it’s like using this new tool. Adding locations is a snap, and once they’re added, they automatically update in real-time so that you can always see how your business is doing.
Adding locations directly from a laptop or desktop computer might be ideal for business owners who manage multiple properties. But if you travel frequently or want an instant location fix while on the go, these tips will show you how easy it is to add places from your mobile device.
Your new location listings will look professional and provide helpful information for potential customers no matter which approach you use. Start taking advantage of what Google maps have to offer today!