Google Map icons
If yes, it’s a good indicator that Google’s ranking algorithms consider you a “prominent business.” You are on the map. This is no different from being on a printed map that lists distinctive natural features and landmarks people find and visit. Begin on Google Maps, which can bring traffic your way.
Google has developed tiny icons to precisely symbolize various types of businesses.
For example,
1. Coffee cups for coffee shops
2. Knife-and-fork for restaurants
3. Car for automotive shops
4. Use a purse, shopping bags, or shopping carts for retail outlets
5. Dollar sign for banks
6. Graduation cap for colleges
7. Bed for accommodations
8. Martini glass for bars
9. Envelopes for postal stores
10. Kids for schools, and many more.
These icons are linked, and when clicked, a traditional information bubble appears over a map containing a business’s street address, website, and phone number. Clicking on the “more info” link takes you to your free listing on Google My Business.
Factors Influencing Landmark Status
Business categories, Such as Entertainment venues, hotels, and restaurants, are more likely to be displayed, although many other business categories are also listed.
Zoom level/business density
Sometimes, Google Maps cannot always display all businesses at a particular location, or the map can be hard to read. Your business is more likely to appear if you’re located in a less dense area. Malls and multi-story office buildings will have many companies competing for space on the Google Map display, so some businesses may not receive the preferred icon status.
Years in business
It’s unclear, but an older business might be preferred over a newer one.
Popularity and Links
Other miscellaneous factors that can influence Google Maps rankings include page rank, backlinks, third-party reviews, ratings, and website traffic.
Google Maps Landmark Icon Status FAQ
Q. What are Google Maps landmark icons?
A. Google Maps uses small icons on the map to represent different types of businesses and landmarks, helping users identify locations quickly. Examples include coffee cups for coffee shops, knives and forks for restaurants, cars for automotive shops, and beds for accommodations.
Q. Why is having a landmark icon important?
A. Having a landmark icon means Google’s ranking algorithms consider your business prominent. It increases your visibility on Google Maps, likened to being listed on a printed map featuring distinctive landmarks that people seek.
Q. How do these icons interact on Google Maps?
A. Clicking an icon opens an information bubble showing the business’s address, website, and phone number. A “more info” link directs users to the business’s free Google My Business listing for additional details.
Q. Which business categories are more likely to receive landmark icons?
A. Entertainment venues, hotels, restaurants, and various other categories are often displayed with landmark icons.
Q. What factors influence whether a business gets a landmark icon?
A. Details include the following
- Business Category: Certain categories, like entertainment, hotels, and restaurants, are favored.
- Zoom Level and Business Density: In crowded areas or malls, fewer businesses get icon status due to map space limitations.
- Years in Business: Older businesses may have an advantage, though this is not confirmed.
- Popularity and Links: Page rank, backlinks, third-party reviews, ratings, and website traffic impact icon status.
Q. What can I do to increase my chances of getting a landmark icon?
A. Ensure your Google Maps listing is complete, accurate, and optimized. Work with your webmaster to improve your profile and leverage reviews and relevant links. If you don’t have a listing yet, signing up is easy and highly recommended.
Q. Are there other types of icons besides business icons?
A. Yes, Google Maps has icons for natural features, landmarks, transit points, and other points of interest.
Q. Where can I get more help with Google Maps listings?
A. Consult with professional services like VISIONEFX, or use online resources about Google Maps API, custom map pins, and customer service map designs.
Summary
Google Maps uses specialized small icons to represent different types of businesses and landmarks on the map, improving visual identification for users.
Examples of icons include:
- Coffee cup for coffee shops
- Knife and fork for restaurants
- Car for automotive services
- Purses, shopping bags, or carts for retail stores
- Dollar sign for banks
- Graduation cap for colleges
- Bed for accommodations
- Martini glass for bars
- Envelope for postal stores
- Kids icon for schools
Clicking an icon opens an information bubble that displays the business’s address, website, and phone number, along with a link to the Google My Business listing. Factors influencing the awarding of a landmark icon include:
- Business category (entertainment, hotels, restaurants, more likely)
- Zoom level and business density (less dense areas have higher chances)
- Possibly years in business (older businesses might be preferred)
- Popularity signals like page rank, backlinks, third-party reviews, ratings, and website traffic
- In dense commercial areas such as malls or multi-story buildings, businesses may compete for icon space, limiting some from appearing with icons.
- Having a landmark icon indicates that Google regards the business as prominent, which helps drive more traffic.
Businesses without a Google Maps listing are encouraged to sign up to improve visibility. Google’s landmark and business icons are similar to printed map landmarks, helping users find notable locations.
Businesses are advised to work with web admins to optimize their Google Maps listings for better landmark icon status. VISIONEFX offers support services for small businesses to enhance their Google Maps presence and competitive advantage.
There is no doubt that Google wants to find you and your business. Consult with your webmaster and refine your existing Google Maps listing to gain a competitive advantage. If you are far behind in this area and don’t have a Google Maps listing account, sign up now! It’s easy and powerful.
Also, see
Customer Service Map Design Google API
Custom Map Pins for Google Maps
ABOUT VISIONEFX
VISIONEFX provides services to small business owners throughout the United States. Please read what our customers have to say about VISIONEFX on Google Reviews. For more information, call (757) 619-6456 or use our contact form.
