If you want to add a store locator map to your website using MapCosmos, integrating it with Google Maps is one of the most reliable and effective ways to display store locations for your customers. In this step-by-step guide, you'll learn how to connect your Google Maps API key to your MapCosmos store locator widgets and enable powerful mapping features like geolocation, place autocomplete, and address lookup.

Whether you run a retail business, a franchise, or a multi-location brand, a Google-powered store locator helps improve local SEO, increases store visits, and boosts user experience.

✅ Why Use Google Maps with MapCosmos?

Integrating Google Maps with your MapCosmos widget enables:

• Real-time interactive maps with smooth zoom and pan
• Accurate geolocation for precise user positioning
• Searchable locations using Google Places API
• Seamless integration into any website with simple embed code
• Better visibility in local search results, enhancing your local SEO efforts

🧭 Step-by-Step: How to Add Google Maps to MapCosmos Store Locator

1. ✅ Create or Select a Google Cloud Project

To begin, you'll need access to the Google Cloud Console:

• Go to https://console.cloud.google.com
• Sign in with your Google account
• In the top navigation bar, click the project dropdown
• Choose an existing project or click “New Project” to create a new one

💡 Make sure Billing is enabled for the project. Google Maps APIs require billing, but usage is often free within monthly limits.

2. 🧩 Enable Required Google Maps APIs

To power your store locator widget, you need to enable specific APIs:

1. Go to APIs & Services > Library
2. Search for and enable the following:
   • Maps JavaScript API
   • Geocoding API
   • Places API

These services allow MapCosmos to render maps, translate addresses, and suggest places to users in real-time.

3. 🔑 Create a Google Maps API Key

1. Navigate to APIs & Services > Credentials
2. Click Create Credentials > API Key
3. Copy the key shown — this is your Google Maps API key

4. 🔒 Secure Your API Key (Very Important)

To avoid unauthorized use or abuse of your API key, apply these restrictions:

a) Application Restrictions

• Choose “Websites”
• Add your domain (e.g., yourstore.com) and MapCosmos domains (e.g., *.mapcosmos.com)

b) API Restrictions

• Select Restrict key
• Check only the APIs you enabled in Step 2:
  • Maps JavaScript API
  • Geocoding API
  • Places API

Click Save when you're done.

5. 🌐 Add Your API Key to MapCosmos

Now, link your key to your MapCosmos widget:

• Log in to your MapCosmos account
• Go to General Settings
• In the Map Provider section, select Google Maps
• Paste your API key into the Google Maps API Key field
• Click Save

✅ You're Done!

Your store locator widget is now integrated with Google Maps. Your customers can:

• Quickly find nearby store locations with live map data
• Use autocomplete search for faster and easier location lookup
• Get directions and navigate seamlessly on desktop and mobile devices

📊 Google Maps vs. Mapbox — Which One to Use?

Still deciding between Google Maps and Mapbox? Both offer powerful mapping features tailored to different needs. Check out our detailed Google Maps vs. Mapbox guide to find out which mapping service fits your store locator best.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What Google Maps APIs are required for MapCosmos store locator?
You need to enable Maps JavaScript API, Geocoding API, and Places API for full store locator functionality.

Q2: How do I restrict my Google Maps API key to prevent misuse?
In Google Cloud Console, apply Application Restrictions by whitelisting your domains and enable API Restrictions by limiting the key to the necessary Google Maps APIs.

Q3: Can I use Google Maps API with MapCosmos on any website platform?
Yes, MapCosmos supports any website platform that allows HTML embedding, including Wix, WordPress, Shopify, and more.

Q4: Does integrating Google Maps improve my website’s SEO?
Yes, Google Maps integration adds geo-tagged, location-specific content, which enhances your local SEO rankings and increases visibility in location-based searches.