Adding Google Maps to a website looks simple at first. Copy an embed link, paste it into a page, and your map is live. For a single location, that can be enough. But as soon as a business grows, adds more locations, or needs flexibility, the choice of embed option starts to matter a lot.
For brands using WordPress or Shopify, the right Google Maps embed approach can directly impact usability, performance, and conversions. This guide breaks down the main options, when they work, and when it is time to move beyond a basic map.
The standard Google Maps iframe embed
The most common option is the default iframe embed provided by Google Maps.
This option works best for:
- Single location businesses
- Temporary landing pages
- Very small teams with no need for updates
However, it comes with clear limitations:
- No location search or filters
- No bulk management
- Limited styling
- Poor experience with multiple locations
For WordPress or Shopify sites with more than a handful of locations, this approach quickly becomes hard to maintain.
Using Google Maps API directly
Some teams choose to build a custom map using the Google Maps JavaScript API. This gives full control over design and behavior.
This option can work well if:
- You have developer resources
- You need a fully custom experience
- You are building a bespoke application
The downside is complexity. API usage requires ongoing maintenance, cost monitoring, and development time. For many marketing teams, this becomes a bottleneck rather than a solution.
Google also applies usage limits and pricing rules that can change over time. Source:
https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/javascript/usage-and-billing
Store locators built on Google Maps
A store locator uses Google Maps as the foundation but adds the features businesses actually need.
For WordPress and Shopify brands, this approach offers:
- Location search by city, zip code, or country
- A list view alongside the map
- Filters for store type or services
- Centralized location management
- Easy embeds without custom development
- Fully customizable options
This is why many growing brands move from basic embeds to a dedicated store locator.
WordPress: flexibility and content driven sites
WordPress sites often rely on content and SEO to drive traffic. A store locator should fit naturally into that ecosystem.
With a store locator on WordPress, teams can:
- Embed maps on landing pages or location pages
- Match the site design using CSS
- Update locations without editing pages
- Scale from a few stores to hundreds
We cover WordPress setup and best practices in our Wordpress page.
Shopify: commerce focused requirements
Shopify brands often sell through physical stores, stockists, or retail partners. Customers want to know where to buy locally, especially when products are not available online.
For Shopify users, a store locator works best when it:
- Installs directly from the Shopify App Store
- Does not slow down the storefront
- Supports product or store specific information
- Works across themes
This is why Shopify brands often choose a store locator app rather than a manual embed.
When to move beyond a basic Google Maps embed
A basic embed may be enough if you:
- Have one location
- Rarely update information
- Do not need search or filters
You should consider a store locator if you:
- Manage multiple locations or partners
- Want customers to search by location
- Need consistent branding
- Want to reduce manual updates
Many Storemapper customers start with a simple map and upgrade as their business grows.
Choosing the right option for your site
There is no single answer for every business. The best Google Maps embed option depends on your growth stage, team structure, and customer expectations.
For WordPress and Shopify brands with multiple locations, a store locator built on Google Maps offers the best balance between flexibility, control, and ease of use.
👉 Create your store locator here
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