Why I Use Google Maps

I am a Google Maps fan. It is my favorite map program to use, and I use it constantly. With all the traveling I do, it is a bookmarked page on my laptop, and one of the most visited sites. However, while I do use it for directions occasionally, I use it to find businesses, restaurants, and lodging more than anything else. I am a firm believer in the power of Google maps marketing-I'm an example of someone who has, many times over, found a store or restaurant on Google maps that caught my eye, and ended up getting my business.

For example, we recently made a weekend trip to the Chicago area, and I needed a place to stay. I found a couple hotels at reasonable prices, and couldn't make up my mind. As you know, hotel picture galleries only show the best side of the hotel, and I wanted to be sure of the area we would be staying in, as well as what dining options were nearby. So I turned to my old friend, Google maps! After typing in the address of 2 of the hotels, I was discouraged, but glad that I had checked the Google maps street view! They weren't in the best part of town, and looked pretty lonely-no restaurants nearby. However, the 3rd hotel was exactly what I was looking for! A nice area, with loads of dining options right around it! I chose this hotel based on Google maps, and we had a wonderful stay, and some good eating while we were there!

Street view-that's our hotel in the back

Searching for food-there's a Cracker Barrel right there!

This is a sponsored post for OrangeSoda, however, all the points and views are my own.