This page can't load Google Maps correctly.

The website looks great, but the Google Map can't load correctly.  What in the world is going on with the Google Maps API Console?

This page can't load Google Maps correctly (L: before and R: after)

If you get this message: This page can't load Google Maps correctly.  Don't worry, there's only a little fine-tuning necessary to get your website map to work.  Here are a few things you can do to fix your Google Maps API before you lose your mind.  

Note: You'll need to log in to your Google Account and access your API console (APIs & Services or Billing) to get started.

1.  Has your domain been verified with Domain verification?

Make sure you've used added and verified the domain.  This might be adding a TXT record to the domain DNS or possibly adding a CNAME to verify the domain.

Google Search Console Domain Verification

2.  Check your Credentials

If you've not added your domain, your Google Maps API key will display your map with a gray overlay that says "This page can't load Google Maps correctly."  Also, make sure you press "Save" after adding your domain.

3. Is the Google Maps API Key included in your website's code?

This essentially links everything together so the map will display on your website. "The API key is a unique identifier that authenticates requests associated with your project for usage and billing purposes. You must have at least one API key associated with your project." And, "You must include an API key with every Maps JavaScript API request."

4. Did you add a billing method?

Although your credit card won't be billed (price starting at 0.017 USD per session) Basic Data (billed at 0.00 USD) unless you exceed 1,000 requests/uses of the API on your website.  Be sure to check the Google Maps Platform Pricing for the latest costs – otherwise, if you currently don't anticipate a heavy amount of traffic or even if you do, you can Create a Budget that enables you to track your actual spend against your planned spend.  Payment Overview is where you can add and manage your Google Maps API payment methods.

If you've done all that, your Google map should look like the right side of this image without the gray overlay and "Do you own this website?" statement.  If not, you'll want to get in touch with a website developer experienced in navigating the Google Cloud Console and Google Maps Platform.

Google Maps helps you give users the context they need with static or interactive maps embedded into your site.  At Oevae Marketing Consultants, we make it easier to find your business.  Our Google Local Guides can add or edit missing places on Google Maps, where millions of people rely on to decide where to go and what to do – Accurate information builds customer trust and reliability toward a business.

If you need help, contact us at 972.850.8823

Make a brand difference.™

How To Be A Marketing Maven On A Minimal Budget

 

Image via Pexels

Marketing your business may sound like an expensive endeavor. And, it can be. If you have grand ideas that involve television, billboards, or huge events, you can expect to spend thousands upon thousands of dollars. But, not all of us have a corporate-level budget. Oevae Marketing wants to help you succeed, so here are some great ways to jumpstart your efforts.

Keep Email Marketing In Mind

Email marketing remains one of the most effective ways to reach your customers. Contrary to popular belief, email is not dead, and more than eight out of 10 adults report logging into their inbox regularly. 

Oevae Marketing’s affordable email marketing starts at just $9.99 per month for up to 5,000 emails. Something to keep in mind here, however, is that you have to mind your manners. Ask permission before adding anything to your customers’ inboxes. When they give you the okay, as Forbes recommends, make sure to provide exceptional content. Coupons, special offers, and interesting information are usually welcome; generic sales pitches are not.

Make Your Presence Known On Social Media

Before there was email and before there was television, most municipalities had a town crier. This is a person who would stand in the square and shout the news. Social media is the town crier of today. But, instead of a single promoter, you have billions of people sharing information, reviews, and events. Learn how to utilize social media to capture your customers' attention. Targeted ads are often inexpensive and, although you may not reach a huge number of people, those that you do reach matter. 

A word of advice, whether you are working with emails or social media, is to invest in and understand cybersecurity. Both of these platforms frequently ask your customers to input information, and you want to be able to protect them and yourself from identity theft and digital data breaches.

Design and Distribute Infographics

If you’re handy with design, you can quickly, easily, and cheaply create infographics. These are essentially pictures that clearly outline an idea and relay information. Visually appealing infographics are shareable and will draw attention to your brand.

Claim Your Listings

Yelp, Google, HomeAdvisor, and other platforms offer free or low-cost listings. Claim them, and use them to your advantage. Google My Business, for example, allows you to post content, such as daily menus, a quick link to Google Maps, one-click calling, and special events that customers can see directly from their Google search.

Create a Podcast

Podcasts are an easy and effective way to keep your name in front of your customers. Basically, this is a digital download or live stream that people can subscribe or listen to at their convenience. A podcast requires a computer, microphone, and something to talk about. Find out what your customers want to know, and record valuable information on these topics. For example, if you are a dog groomer, consider a weekly podcast on how to keep your pet clean and healthy. Launching a new show is not that difficult, but Big Podcast recommends doing some research on which platforms you’d like to publish your podcast.

It’s a common misconception that you have to bottom out your bottom line just to get your name out into the public’s eye. While there’s nothing wrong with large-scale marketing, starting small can have big effects. It takes work, and to save the most, you’ll need to DIY. But, it’s an effort worth the time and energy. The above ideas can get you started but don’t be afraid to get creative. Remember, anything that puts your name in front of your customers is a smart part of your marketing plan.

How to Protect Your Small Business During COVID-19

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Small businesses across the country are feeling the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Many have been forced to lay off employees. Others have had to close their doors temporarily. Some businesses, unfortunately, have gone under permanently. If you’re a small business owner right now, it’s completely normal to be worried. But you don’t have to feel hopeless! There are several resources out there to help your business survive and thrive during the pandemic. 

Find Resources for Texas Entrepreneurs

The response to COVID-19 has varied from state to state. As Texas begins to reopen, keep yourself up-to-date with the latest coronavirus information and know where to go for other local business resources.

• Find out how Texas is responding to and handling the coronavirus. Keep yourself informed about the governor’s plan to reopen certain businesses and what kinds of precautions you need to take. 
• Texas-based small businesses affected by the coronavirus have access to financial relief and funding help through several different programs.
• Consider forming an LLC to protect yourself from debts or liabilities related to your business.

Make Improvements to Your Business

The coronavirus lockdown has prompted many businesses to innovate and focus on their virtual presence. This is a great time to make upgrades to your business and streamline your operations with automation tools.

• Invest in affordable technology to bring your business into the 21st century. This is the time to upgrade your website, automate your marketing, and improve data security.
• If you don’t have a business website, now is the time to make one. Ensure that it’s attractive, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate.
• Take this time to research your competitors and discover ideas that you can incorporate into your own business. Focus on companies that are thriving during the pandemic.
• Explore ways to increase employee morale to improve productivity and reduce turnover. Ask your staff for feedback and consider implementing their suggestions.

Keep Your Customers Informed

During times like these, it’s more important than ever to stay connected to your customers. How you handle this crisis will give your customers valuable insight into the honesty and reliability of your business.

• Continue posting on social media, even if your business is temporarily closed. Keeping in touch with your customers now will help solidify your relationship in the long run.
• Notify your customers of updates to your opening hours, online order process, curbside pickup, or in-store coronavirus safety plan.
• Show your customers that you care about your community by making donations to local charities or offering special discounts to healthcare workers.
• Use your business downtime to ask your customers what they like and dislike about your products, services, and customer service approach.

As a nonessential business owner, you may be worried about what the coronavirus pandemic means for the future of your company. Try not to panic! Take advantage of the resources available to you and use the lockdown to make improvements to your business operations. When it’s time to reopen, your business will be better than ever!

Make a brand difference.™