Copy and paste the Google Maps URL Shotcut:
In today’s hyper-connected digital world, sharing locations is a daily necessity—whether you’re sending a meeting point to a friend, embedding directions on a website, or linking a venue to an event page. Among all mapping tools, Google Maps stands out as the most widely used. But there’s one thing many users still fumble with: the Google Maps URL.
These URLs can be long, messy, and intimidating. But what if you could create a Google Maps URL shortcut that is clean, short, and incredibly easy to use?
This in-depth guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Google Maps URL shortcuts—from generating links to customizing and shortening them for emails, social media, websites, or even QR codes. Ready to become a master navigator? Let’s dive in.
1. What Is a Google Maps URL?
A Google Maps URL is simply the web address used to point to a specific location, direction, or map feature in Google Maps. These URLs can direct users to:
- A specific address or business
- Custom pinned locations
- A route between two or more points
- Street View or satellite view of a place
🧭 Example of a full Google Maps URL:
rubyCopiarEditarhttps://www.google.com/maps/place/Eiffel+Tower/@48.8583701,2.2922926,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x47e66fc6ffdc912f:0x8c0c9e13e7e1fffa!8m2!3d48.8583701!4d2.2944813
This is long, cluttered, and not ideal for sharing.
2. Why You Should Use a URL Shortcut
Shortened or customized URLs are important for:
- Improved readability: Clean URLs look more professional.
- Better UX: Easier for recipients to understand where the link leads.
- Higher click-through rate: Users are more likely to click on clear, branded URLs.
- Space saving: Especially useful on platforms with character limits like Twitter.
- Tracking: Some URL shorteners let you track who clicks your link.
3. How to Get a Shareable Google Maps Link
Let’s start with the basics of getting a link before shortening it.
✅ Steps:
- Go to https://maps.google.com
- Search for your location (e.g., Statue of Liberty).
- Click on the location pin.
- Tap “Share” (desktop) or “Share place” (mobile).
- A popup will show a long URL.
- Click “Copy Link.”
You now have the full Google Maps URL, which is great but not user-friendly yet.
4. Use Google’s Built-In URL Shortener (Deprecated)
Google once had its own shortener—goo.gl—which made this super easy. However, that service was shut down in 2019.
Although you can’t use it anymore, Google Maps still sometimes gives you slightly shorter URLs automatically via the Share button. But for truly short and branded links, you’ll need third-party services.
5. How to Create a Google Maps URL Shortcut (Short Link)
Here are 3 main methods:
🔹 A. Using Bitly
Bitly is one of the most popular URL shorteners.
✏️ Steps:
- Copy your full Google Maps link.
- Go to bitly.com and sign in or sign up.
- Paste your link and click “Shorten.”
- Bitly gives you a short link like: arduinoCopiarEditar
https://bit.ly/3Xy1tGa - Optionally, customize it to something like: arduinoCopiarEditar
https://bit.ly/meet-me-paris
🔹 B. Using TinyURL
https://tinyurl.com is simple, fast, and doesn’t require an account.
✏️ Steps:
- Paste your Google Maps link into the TinyURL form.
- Add a custom alias (optional).
- Click “Make TinyURL.”
- You’ll receive a link like: arduinoCopiarEditar
https://tinyurl.com/paris-meetup
🔹 C. Using Custom Domain Shorteners
If you own a domain like mylinks.com, you can use a tool like:
- Rebrandly
- BL.INK
- Short.io
These allow you to use links like:
arduinoCopiarEditarhttps://mylinks.com/coffeeshop
Perfect for brands and professionals.
6. How to Create a QR Code for a Google Maps Shortcut
Once you’ve shortened your URL, you can easily turn it into a QR Code.
✅ Tools to generate QR codes:
🧾 Use cases:
- Business cards
- Posters and flyers
- Restaurant menus
- Real estate signs
7. Embedding Google Maps Shortcut on a Website
Want to add a clickable map or link on your site?
➕ Option A: Embed map iframe
- Go to the location on Google Maps.
- Click “Share” → “Embed a map”
- Copy the HTML iframe code.
- Paste it into your site’s HTML.
➕ Option B: Use the shortened link
htmlCopiarEditar<a href="https://bit.ly/mycafe123" target="_blank">Find us on Google Maps</a>
8. Using Google Maps Shortcuts for Business
If you run a business, make your location as easy to access as your Instagram handle.
🧠 Smart uses:
- Add a short Google Maps link to your email signature.
- Print it on your product packaging.
- Put it on your Google My Business or social media bios.
- Add it to your Eventbrite or Ticketmaster pages.
9. Best Practices for Google Maps Shortcuts
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| ✅ Use HTTPS | Always share the secure version of the link. |
| ✅ Customize | Make it memorable and relevant to the location or event. |
| ✅ Track | Use Bitly or Rebrandly to monitor clicks. |
| ❌ Avoid over-shortening | Don’t chain one shortener into another. |
| ✅ Test the link | Always try your link before sharing widely. |
10. Advanced Tricks with URL Parameters
You can add parameters to Google Maps URLs to define things like zoom level, view type, or even directions.
🔍 Example: Driving directions to a coffee shop
rubyCopiarEditarhttps://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Blue+Bottle+Coffee,+San+Francisco,+CA
You can shorten this exact URL with Bitly for a simple “Directions to Blue Bottle” link.
11. Common Use Cases
| Use Case | Shortcut Example |
|---|---|
| Meetup | bit.ly/centralpark-meet |
| Restaurant | tinyurl.com/eat-pasta-now |
| Event Location | bit.ly/summerfest-map |
| House for Sale | mylinks.com/house123 |
| Business Location | bit.ly/visit-donuts |
12. Final Thoughts: Why It Matters
The Google Maps URL shortcut may seem like a small detail—but it’s one that can greatly improve user experience, enhance professional appearance, and even drive foot traffic to your business. Whether you’re an event planner, restaurant owner, marketer, or just trying to meet a friend at the park, knowing how to properly shorten and share a Google Maps URL is a skill worth having.
By mastering this simple tool, you bring clarity and ease to your communication. And in today’s digital world, that’s more valuable than ever.
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