Tailored Map for Listing

Introduction

The Tailored Map plugin for eDirectory offers a dynamic and visually appealing way to present your directory listings directly on your website through an interactive map. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to set up and effectively utilize the Tailored Map plugin, enhancing the user experience and visual appeal of your online directory.

Introduction to the Tailored Map:

This plugin enables you to display your directory listings as interactive markers on a map, giving your website visitors a clear geographical overview of the businesses and services featured. Each listing on the map can be represented by a customizable icon, making it easy for users to identify and explore listings relevant to their interests and location.

Getting Started with Tailored Placement Settings:

  1. Accessing Tailored Placement Settings:

To begin configuring the Tailored Map plugin, navigate to the "Settings" section within your eDirectory Site Manager. From there, go to "General Settings" and click on the "Plugins" tab.

  1. Configuring Tailored Placement Settings:

Within the "Plugins" tab, locate the "Tailored Placement Settings" field. Here, you can define the initial view of the map by setting the "Map Zoom" level and the "Central Latitude and Longitude." Once you have entered your desired values, click on "Save changes."

Note: This initial configuration sets the default center point and zoom level of the map for all users. If users have granted permission to share their location, the map will automatically center on their current location, providing a more personalized experience.

Adding the Tailored Map to Your Website Page:

After configuring the general settings, follow these steps to embed the interactive map onto a specific page of your website:

  1. Navigate to Design → Page Editor in your eDirectory Site Manager.
  2. Select the specific page where you want to integrate the map widget.

  1. Click on the "Add a widget" button within the Page Editor.

  1. Locate the "Tailored Map" widget from the list of available widgets.

  1. Click on the "Save changes" button located at the top of the Page Editor.

  1. To preview how the map appears on the front end of your site, click on the "View" button, also located at the top of the Page Editor.

  1. Upon clicking "View," you will be able to see the interactive map widget embedded on the selected page.

Note: Before the map can be displayed correctly, ensure that you have properly configured your Google Maps API Key. If you have added the Tailored Map widget to a page, and it is not visible or functioning, please follow the instructions in these articles to integrate Google Maps: How to activate Google Maps and Nearby Results APIs.

Note: Depending on the current zoom level of the map, listings that are geographically close to each other may appear as a cluster. Zooming in on the map will separate these clustered markers, providing a detailed view of each individual listing's precise location.

Note: The Tailored Map widget is specifically designed for general website pages and cannot be placed on detail pages (e.g., individual listing pages), results pages (e.g., search results), or any pages that already incorporate other map functionalities.

Customizing Map Pins for Different Listing Categories:

Enhance the visual identification of listings on your map by customizing the appearance of the map pins based on their respective categories:

  1. Navigate to Content → Listings → Categories in your eDirectory Site Manager.

  1. Hover your mouse cursor over the specific category for which you want to customize the map pin and click on the "Edit" button (often represented by a pencil icon).

  1. Within the category editing interface, click on the "Advanced Options" tab.
  2. Under "Advanced Options," you will find the section dedicated to changing the "Map Pin Image." Upload your desired custom image for the map pin for this category.

  1. After configuring the custom map pin for the desired categories, all listings that belong to these categories will be displayed on the map using the newly configured pin image.

Reminder: Ensuring Full Functionality of the Tailored Map Plugin: As you explore the various features of the Tailored Map Plugin, please remember that its complete functionality relies on the successful integration of both Google Maps and Nearby Results APIs. To guarantee a seamless and fully operational Tailored Map experience for your website visitors, please ensure that both of these crucial components are correctly integrated into your eDirectory site.

We have created a comprehensive instructional article that guides you through the integration process step by step. You can access this helpful resource by clicking on the following links:

How to Activate Google Maps on eDirectory

How to Activate Google Nearby Results API

Conclusion

If you encounter any difficulties during the setup process or have any questions regarding the Tailored Map for Listings, please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated support team at support@edirectory.com. We are here to assist you in maximizing the potential of this engaging plugin on your eDirectory site. Happy mapping!

Note: The Tailored Map plugin is a premium add-on and is sold separately. If you do not see the Tailored Map settings section within your Site Manager, please visit this link for more details: Google Maps - Tailored Placement or contact your dedicated sales representative to inquire about purchasing this valuable plugin.

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