Google Maps Severe Price Jump: What It Means for Your Business

On June 11 2018, Google launched the biggest upgrade that the Google Maps API has seen in years. Not only did the Internet giant change the name of the products to Google Maps Platform, it also reconfigured how users will be billed. This sneaky pre-GDPR move has left many people fuming.

Google Maps API or “Google Maps Platform” is an application programming interface that returns helpful data about places and locations. This technology allows maps to be embedded on websites so visitors can easily locate your business.

New Changes

Among the fundamental changes, the 18 APIs that formerly existed are now combined into Maps, Routes and Places. Maps offers static and dynamic views of locations. Routes offers transit, biking and walking directions. Places provides addresses, reviews, contact information and even atmospheric insights about the researched business.

Cost?

The new Maps Platform offers a seemingly innocuous pricing structure. The first $200 of monthly usage is completely free. This credit is generally enough to cover the cost of having a static map embedded in a website.

So what’s the issue? Well, if you venture into using a Dynamic Map with custom content and imagery, suddenly that $200 will only cover about 28,000 monthly page loads. Users under the old pricing structure received 25,000 free page loads per day!

Credit Card Information

Another kicker for users is the fact that they won’t even be able to take part in this 1400% price surge unless they hand their credit card information over to Google. Maps Platform stipulates that users must have a billing account. This applies to all users – even a small business using a basic map locator.

Google is clearly attempting to capitalize on the popular functionality of Maps, while leaving small enterprises at its mercy. Employing Managed Services from a trusted I.T. provider is the best way for businesses to assuage outrageous costs. A provider will ensure that your website adapts to all changes and remains a valuable tool for visitors.

Changes are unavoidable, but a trusted I.T. provider like Response I.T. can effectively manage the hassles they bring. If you have questions or concerns about the recent changes to Google Maps Platform, and how they could effect your website experience please contact our experts at 613 549-5568.