Guides
How to make a store locator
Direct answer
How to make a store locator?
A store locator should answer three things quickly: where the stores are, what's closest, and how to get there. Here's a simple way to build one.
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Locations to locator
Store locator workflow
1. Import locations
2. Add groups and filters
3. Publish the locator
Search, a location list, rich records, and directions work together in the published view.
No code
Visual map building
CSV + Sheets
Spreadsheet workflows
Website-ready
Share links and embeds
01
Define the locator job and required data
A useful store locator lets someone find a relevant branch, understand what it offers, and open directions without decoding the map.
Each record needs a title and either an address or latitude and longitude
Plan useful customer fields such as website, phone, tags, amenities, rating, and CTA
Choose a small set of primary store groups and cross-cutting tags such as pickup, repairs, or wheelchair access
Check the current plan's marker cap before a full import; website embedding requires Starter or higher
02
Start with the Store Locator template
The Store Locator template starts with search, list view, directions, clustering, and a Locations group configured. Treat those defaults as a starting point, not as proof that the imported data is ready.
Import CSV, XLSX, or XLS, map the supported columns, and review any row errors after import
The importer does not map groups, images, or opening hours; add those in MapsMaker after the location records exist
Verify pin coordinates and addresses rather than assuming every geocoded result represents the correct entrance
Keep the map unpublished until search, filters, list cards, directions, and CTAs have been checked
03
Example: four retail branches
A small first import might use the columns title, address, phone, website, tags, amenities, cta_label, and cta_url. One row can represent each branch.
Group the records manually as Flagship, Retail, or Service Center after import
Use tags such as pickup and repairs only when those services are actually offered
Add opening hours and images manually because the spreadsheet importer does not map them
Use the stored address for readable Copy Address text and verify the pin coordinate for directions
04
Test and troubleshoot the locator before publishing
Test the customer tasks, not only whether markers appear.
Search for a branch name, a city, and a postcode or local area represented in the data
Apply each group and tag filter and check zero-result states
Open several marker panels and verify hours, phone, website, CTA, and Google and Apple direction destinations
Check the mobile list, map controls, and panel scrolling before copying the website embed
05
Common mistakes, limits, and trade-offs
A locator is a maintained business dataset. A polished layout cannot compensate for vague addresses, inaccurate pins, stale hours, or categories customers do not understand.
Do not create near-duplicate categories such as pickup, pick-up, and collect in store
A CSV import is a one-time data load; use Google Sheets sync on an eligible plan when an approved spreadsheet must remain connected
MapsMaker interaction analytics are best effort and do not prove a sale, appointment, or visit
A simple single-location business may need only a directions link or basic map, not a full searchable locator
How it works
1
Define the customer task
Decide which branches, services, and details a visitor must be able to find and filter.
2
Create from the template
Start with the Store Locator template and review its search, list, directions, clustering, and popup defaults.
3
Import a small sample
Upload CSV, XLSX, or XLS, map only supported columns, and import a few representative rows first.
4
Review and enrich
Inspect errors and pins, then add groups, images, opening hours, and any missing details manually.
5
Configure the experience
Enable only useful filters, set the viewport and list behavior, and verify marker-panel actions.
6
Publish and test
Publish the map and test it signed out on desktop and mobile before sharing it.
7
Embed if needed
On Starter or higher, copy Share → Embed and place it on a dedicated website page with visible explanatory text.
Frequently asked questions
Which spreadsheet fields can I import for a store locator?
The importer supports title, address, coordinates, description, website, video, phone, email, tags, ratings and reviews, price, amenities, and CTA fields. It does not map groups, images, or opening hours.
Should every locator have a list view?
Use it when visitors need to scan and compare several locations, especially on mobile. A small map with one or two destinations may not need a persistent list.
How do directions choose the destination?
Interactive Google and Apple direction links use the marker coordinates. Store a readable address as well so visitors can see and copy it, and verify that the pin marks the useful entrance.
Can I measure store visits or purchases?
Not from map events alone. MapsMaker records best-effort views and interactions, but those events do not establish an in-store visit, appointment, or completed purchase.
When should I use Google Sheets instead of CSV?
Use CSV or Excel for a reviewed one-time import. Use Google Sheets sync on an eligible plan when the map should follow an approved connected spreadsheet workflow.
What should I test before embedding?
Test searches, every filter, several location cards, directions, CTAs, empty states, and the complete mobile flow on the published map.
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