Google Maps is rapidly evolving into a bigger and (potentially) better platform than it has been previously. And the latest feature Google is adding to the Maps mix is hashtags. Yes, Google Maps will soon be awash with hashtags, for better or worse.
Hashtags Finally Arrive on Google Maps
You can now add hashtags to your reviews of businesses. So, for example, if you’re reviewing a restaurant you can add #datenight or #familyfriendly. You could also add #wheelchairaccessible to help make Google Maps more wheelchair friendly.
Google Maps’ Local Guides are already actively using hashtags in their reviews. Google suggests people use up to five hashtags per review, and place them at the end of the review rather than make a review harder to read by placing them throughout.
Google rolled out hashtags to Maps quietly. According to TechCrunch, the ability to add or view hashtags is only currently available on Android devices. There’s no word yet when it will be added to the iOS version of Google Maps.
Google is going to make so much money on local sponsored hashtag campaigns. Dayyyymn. How much would your restaurant pay to sponsor #datenight? https://t.co/YYJez1QO9w
— Chris Messina (@chrismessina) November 27, 2018
Hashtags provide an at-a-glance shorthand for what to expect from a business. So this should make it easier to search for the perfect restaurant, bar, club, attraction, etc. However, this is reliant on people using hashtags responsibly. Which isn’t guaranteed.
Google Maps Is Becoming a Social Network
In recent months Google has added a slew of new features to Maps. To the point which Google Maps is starting to feel a little bloated. The days when Google Maps was primarily used to help us all get from A-to-B are over, and I’m not sure that’s a good thing.
Many of Google’s recent changes to Maps makes it feel more like a social network. This includes Google Maps helping you plan group events, Google Maps helping you explore your local area, and Google Maps letting you message businesses.
Image Credit: Mosieur J./Flickr
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