To put multiple locations on Google Maps, use Google My Maps: create a map, add a pin for each address, then share it or embed it with an iframe. It is free and fine for a short list. If visitors need to search for their nearest location, use a store locator instead, because My Maps is built for sharing a map rather than running a locator on a commercial site.
Google My Maps lets viewers search the map's contents and show or hide layers, but it has no nearest-location search from an address. This guide covers every method, from free DIY options to professional store locators, with pros, cons and pricing. We make StoreRocket, so weigh our view with that in mind.
Related: Google Maps API alternatives | Mapbox alternatives | Store locator examples | How to create a map with multiple locations | Retail map guide | Locator map guide
The short answer
- A short list, free: Google My Maps, embedded with an iframe (Method 1).
- A custom map your developers will own: the Google Maps JavaScript API or Mapbox (Methods 2 and 3).
- A map visitors search by address, with filters and a dashboard: a dedicated store locator (Method 4).
Use Google My Maps when
- You have a short list that rarely changes.
- Visitors only need to see where you are.
- It is a personal, event or small blog map.
- You do not need analytics or a lead form.
Use StoreRocket when
- Visitors search by address or postcode and need the nearest location.
- You want filters, opening hours and a design that matches your brand.
- The people who update locations are not developers.
- You want to see what visitors search for.
Only a few locations and no budget? You may not need a store locator at all. A free embedded map with a pin for each location is fine when the list is short, rarely changes and visitors only need to see where you are. Our guide to free store locator options compares them, and the free Google Maps embed generator makes the code for a map with several pins.
Method 1: Google My Maps (Free, No Code)
Google My Maps is one starting point. It's free, requires no coding, and lets you create a custom map with pins that you can embed on any website.
How to Create a Multi-Location Map
Step 1: Open Google My Maps
Go to google.com/maps/d and sign in with your Google account. Click "Create a new map."
Step 2: Name your map
Click "Untitled map" at the top left and give it a descriptive name (e.g., "Our Store Locations").
Step 3: Add locations
You have three options:
- Search bar. Type an address or business name in the search bar. When it appears on the map, click "Add to map" to pin it.
- Manual pin. Click the marker icon below the search bar, then click anywhere on the map to drop a pin. Add a name and description.
- Import a spreadsheet. Click "Import" in the layer panel and upload a CSV, XLSX, or Google Sheet with your addresses. Google will geocode them and drop pins automatically.
Step 4: Customize your pins
Click any pin to change its color, icon, or add photos and descriptions. You can group pins by category using the "Uniform style" dropdown, useful if you want to differentiate store types (flagship vs. outlet, for example).
Step 5: Make it public and get the embed code
Click the "Share" button, then change access to "Anyone with this link can view." Next, click the three-dot menu next to your map title and select "Embed on my site." Copy the iframe code and paste it into your website's HTML.
Google My Maps Limitations
| Feature | Google My Maps |
|---|---|
| Search bar for visitors | Map-content search |
| Filters | Show or hide layers |
| Analytics | — |
| Location limit | 2,000 features per layer, 10 layers, 10,000 total lines, shapes, or places |
| Lead capture | — |
A dash means the capability is not part of that vendor's published plan list or product page. It is not a statement that the product cannot do it, and their sales or support team is the right place to confirm.
Best for: Personal projects, event maps, small blogs, or any situation where viewers do not need nearest-location search, data filters, or usage analytics.
Where StoreRocket differs: My Maps is free and carries Google's interface. StoreRocket carries yours, and depending on the plan it also tells you what visitors searched for and where they found nothing.
Not ideal for: Businesses with 10+ locations, anyone who needs visitors to find their nearest location, or any scenario where you want analytics on how the map is used.
Cost
Free. No API key required.
Method 2: Google Maps JavaScript API (Developer Required)
If Google My Maps is too limited, the next step up is the Google Maps JavaScript API. This gives you full control, custom markers, search functionality, info windows, clustering, and anything else you can code.
How It Works
You'll need a Google Cloud Platform account and a Maps JavaScript API key. The basic implementation involves:
- Create a Google Cloud project and enable the Maps JavaScript API
- Get an API key from the Credentials page
- Write the code: load the map, add markers from your data source, handle click events
A map with pins is the easy part. For a real store locator you also need:
- Geocoding (converting addresses to coordinates), separate API, separate cost
- Places Autocomplete (search-as-you-type), separate API, separate cost
- Distance Matrix (calculating nearest locations), separate API, separate cost
- Directions: separate API, separate cost
- Marker clustering (handling hundreds of pins), additional library
- Info windows with store details: custom code
- Mobile-responsive layout: custom CSS
- Filter functionality: custom JavaScript
- Location management: you need a backend/database
AI tools can write much of this now. Who keeps it working afterwards is the bigger decision, and build a store locator with AI, or use StoreRocket? covers it.
Google Maps API Pricing (2026)
Google changed their billing model significantly. Here's what you're looking at:
| API | Cost | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic Maps | $7 per 1,000 loads | Renders the map itself |
| Geocoding | $5 per 1,000 requests | Converts addresses to lat/lng |
| Autocomplete Requests | $2.83 per 1,000 requests; terminating Place Details calls billed separately | Search-as-you-type |
| Distance Matrix | SKU-specific pricing | Find nearest locations |
| Directions | SKU-specific pricing | Driving/walking directions |
Costs depend on the exact SKUs used. Dynamic Maps, Geocoding, Autocomplete Requests, and terminating Place Details calls are metered separately.
Google removed the universal $200 monthly credit in March 2025, so usage must now be budgeted against each SKU's allowance and rates.
Google Maps API Limitations
| Feature | Google Maps API |
|---|---|
| Search bar | Yes but you build it yourself |
| Filters | Yes but you build them yourself |
| Analytics | Basic (you track your own events) |
| Mobile experience | As good as your developer makes it |
| Custom branding | Full control |
| Location management | You build your own admin panel |
| Ongoing cost | API fees + hosting + maintenance |
| SEO value | Possible if you build location pages |
| Updates when locations change | Manual, update your database |
Best for: Companies with development teams who need a fully custom mapping experience and are willing to invest in building and maintaining it.
Not ideal for: Non-technical teams, businesses that need something working this week, or anyone who doesn't want to manage API billing and infrastructure.
Method 3: Mapbox (Developer Alternative)
Mapbox is an alternative to Google Maps for developers who want control over map design or independence from Google's ecosystem.
How It Works
Similar to the Google Maps API, you get a JavaScript library (Mapbox GL JS) and an access token, and you build your map with code. Mapbox publishes styling tools for its vector maps.
Mapbox Pricing
Mapbox publishes product-specific pricing:
| Feature | Free Tier | Paid |
|---|---|---|
| Map loads | 50,000/month | $5.00 per 1,000 after |
| Temporary geocoding | 100,000/month | Varies |
| Directions | 100,000/month | Varies |
Published Mapbox and Google rates differ by product and volume, so compare the exact services your implementation calls. For a detailed breakdown, see Is Mapbox Free? Complete Pricing Guide.
Mapbox Limitations
As with the Google Maps API, you build and maintain the surrounding store locator interface: the search bar, filter panel, location list, and mobile layout.
Best for: Developers who want maps with custom styling and can compare the exact products their implementation uses.
For a deeper comparison, see our Mapbox alternatives guide and Google Maps API alternatives guide.
Method 4: Dedicated Store Locator (No Code, Built for Business)
A dedicated store locator is purpose-built software that handles everything: the map, the search, the filters, the analytics, the location management, and the embed code. You paste one embed code on your website and get a working store locator.
What You Get vs. DIY
| Feature | Dedicated Store Locator | Google My Maps | Maps API (DIY) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Search by zip/city | Built-in | — | Build it yourself |
| Filter by category | Built-in | Show or hide layers | Build it yourself |
| Analytics/heatmaps | Built-in (plan-dependent) | — | Build it yourself |
| Location management | Dashboard with import | Manual map editing | Build admin panel |
| Lead capture | Lead form (plan-dependent) | — | Build it yourself |
| Works on any website | Yes (embed code) | Yes (iframe) | Yes (JavaScript) |
| Ongoing maintenance | Managed for you | Manual updates | Code + API billing |
| Monthly cost | Plan-based | Free | Usage-based API + hosting |
How It Works
Using StoreRocket as an example:
- Import your locations. Upload a CSV or Excel file, or add locations manually. Each location gets an address, phone, hours, categories, and custom fields. For ongoing Google Sheets sync, create a linked spreadsheet in StoreRocket and edit that sheet. Follow the Google Sheets setup guide for automatic daily sync or the manual Sync from Sheets action.
- Customize the look. Choose the locator style, set your brand colors, pick marker styles, and configure which filters appear.
- Embed on your website. Copy the embed code from the Install page and paste it into a page. It works with Shopify, WordPress, Squarespace, Wix, Webflow, and any site that accepts an HTML or embed block.
- Monitor performance. On the plans that include analytics, see where people searched, which searches found nothing nearby and which locations get clicked.
After the free trial you connect your own map key, and you manage locations through the dashboard.
When a Dedicated Store Locator Makes Sense
- You have 10+ locations and customers need to find the nearest one
- You want search and filters so visitors can narrow by services, products, or hours
- You need analytics to understand where demand exists
- You don't have a developer or don't want to spend dev time on maps
- Your locations change and you need easy updates without editing code
- You care about the mobile experience: the locator adapts from a desktop map to a phone layout
- You plan to pair the locator with location pages for local search
Cost Comparison (Realistic Monthly)
| Method | 50 Locations | 200 Locations | 500-1,000 Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| StoreRocket | Current plans, sized by location count | Plan sized by location count | Plan sized by location count |
| Google My Maps | Free | Free | Free |
| Google Maps API | Usage-based; depends on traffic and SKUs | Usage-based; depends on traffic and SKUs | Usage-based; depends on traffic and SKUs |
| Mapbox | Usage-based; depends on traffic and products | Usage-based; depends on traffic and products | Usage-based; depends on traffic and products |
Google and Mapbox costs depend on traffic and selected SKUs, not the number of locations. StoreRocket's plan covers the locator itself; after the trial, map usage runs on your own Google Maps or Mapbox key and that provider bills it.
The Decision Framework
Use Google My Maps If:
- You have fewer than 10 locations
- Visitors do not need nearest-location search from an address or zip code
- You have zero budget
- It's a personal project, blog, or event map
- You don't need analytics or lead capture
Use the Google Maps API or Mapbox If:
- You have a development team with JavaScript expertise
- You need a completely custom experience that no off-the-shelf tool provides
- Your map has unique functionality (real-time data, custom interactions, gaming)
- You're building a platform where the map is the core product
Use a Dedicated Store Locator If:
- You're a business with physical locations customers need to find
- You want search, filters, directions, and analytics
- You don't have a developer (or don't want to waste developer time on maps)
- You prefer a managed setup to custom development
- You want to update locations without touching code
- You care about the mobile experience
Many businesses with multiple locations land in the third category. A dedicated store locator packages the map, search, filters, analytics, and location management into one service.
Getting Started
If you're reading this, you probably have multiple locations that customers need to find. Here is a practical path:
- Try Google My Maps first if you just need a visual and map-content search.
- Use a store locator if you need nearest-location search, data filters, or analytics.
- Only build on the API if you have truly unique requirements that no existing tool handles.
StoreRocket gives businesses with several locations a store locator for their own website: import your locations from a spreadsheet, match it to your brand and paste one embed code. Create your locator with a free trial, no credit card needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the location limit on Google Maps?
Google My Maps supports up to 2,000 features per layer, 10 layers, and 10,000 total lines, shapes, or places. Google Maps directions supports up to nine stops, including the final destination. The Maps JavaScript API has no published hard pin limit; performance depends on the implementation and clustering strategy.
Is Google My Maps free to use?
Yes, Google My Maps is completely free and does not require an API key. Viewers can search map contents and show or hide layers; it carries Google's interface rather than yours. The Google Maps JavaScript API offers more functionality but requires a Google Cloud account and charges per API request after the free tier.
Is the Google Maps API free?
Each SKU has its own free monthly allowance. Dynamic Maps and Geocoding, for example, each include 10,000 monthly billable events before tiered charges apply. Your paid cost depends on the exact SKUs and usage. Google replaced the universal $200 monthly credit in March 2025.
Do I need a Google Maps API key to show multiple locations?
Google My Maps does not require an API key. A custom map built with the Google Maps JavaScript API does. On a paid StoreRocket project, you connect your own Google Maps or Mapbox key and that provider bills its usage directly; imports place each address on the map for you.
Can I embed a map with multiple locations on my website?
Yes. Google My Maps generates an iframe embed code that works on any platform that allows custom HTML. Viewers can search map contents and show or hide layers; it carries Google's interface rather than yours. For a more professional solution, dedicated store locators provide a JavaScript embed that includes search, filters, directions, and analytics in addition to the map pins. For Shopify specifically, see our Shopify store locator guide. For WordPress, see our WordPress store locator guide.
What is the best way to manage 100+ locations on a map?
Google My Maps is free and supports map-content search, but it is built for sharing a map rather than running a commercial locator. For 100 or more locations, a dedicated store locator gives you a management dashboard, spreadsheet import, automatic geocoding, and a search interface so visitors can find the nearest location, without the development and maintenance cost of building those features on the Maps API.
How do I let visitors search by zip code on my map?
Google My Maps lets viewers search the map's contents, but it is built for sharing a map rather than running a locator on a commercial site. For that workflow, use either the Google Maps JavaScript API with Places Autocomplete or a dedicated store locator.
What about Mapbox, is it better than Google Maps?
Mapbox publishes extensive styling tools, but neither provider is universally cheaper across every product and volume. Both require developer effort, so compare the exact maps, search, geocoding, and routing services your implementation uses. See our full Mapbox alternatives comparison.
Can I track how many people use my store locator?
Google My Maps is a sharing tool rather than a reporting one. The Google Maps API gives you event tracking if you build it. A dedicated store locator like StoreRocket includes built-in analytics, depending on the plan: a map of where people searched, the searches that found nothing nearby, and clicks per location.