Step-by-Step: How to Create a “Local Gems” Guide in Google My Maps

Google Maps tips & tricks
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Step-by-Step: Create a “Local Gems” Guide on Google My Maps (Mobile)

:white_check_mark: Step 1: Open Google My Maps in Browser

:round_pushpin: Link: https://www.google.com/mymaps

  1. Open Chrome or any mobile browser
  2. Log in with your Google account
  3. Tap “+ CREATE A NEW MAP” (you may need to scroll or rotate your phone)

:pencil: Step 2: Name Your Map

  1. Tap “Untitled Map”
  2. Rename it:
    3.Local Gems of [Your City]*
  3. Add a description:
    5.“A curated list of hidden businesses and places worth discovering in [City Name].”*

:round_pushpin: Step 3: Add a Business Location

  1. Use the search bar to type the business name/address
  2. Tap the correct place on the map
  3. Tap “+ Add to Map”

:memo: Step 4: Edit Pin Details

After adding a place:

  • Tap the pin → then tap the pencil icon :pencil:
  • Add a short description or tip
  • Optional: Change the icon or color (e.g., cupcake for a bakery)

:cupcake: Step 5: Add More Gems

Repeat the process for all local places:

  • :books: Bookshops
  • :thread: Boutiques
  • :man_s_shoe: Footwear stalls
  • :cup_with_straw: Soda shops
  • :person_getting_haircut: Salons

You can zoom in and tap empty spots to manually add places too.

:artist_palette: Step 6: Organize and Style Pins

(Optional but helpful)

  • Tap the paint bucket icon
  • Choose different icons and colors per category:
    • :fork_and_knife_with_plate: Restaurants – Red
    • :books: Bookshops – Blue
    • :thread: Tailors – Purple
    • :man_s_shoe: Footwear – Brown
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Hi @Cameraman

Welcome back to Connect.

I guess your tutorial is to be used on Computers and not on mobile devices. This might be worth mentioning as most are using mobile devices today.

What do you mean by “Google posts”?

The fact that My Maps will not be shown on Google Maps directly might also be worth emphasizing.

All the best and thanks for sharing.

PS I use My Maps every year when planing our bicycle vacation. I import a KLM file with the official bike route and then add the hotels etc to inform my travel companions.

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