An interactive map can do much more than show a pin on a page. You can use it to display business locations, office branches, service areas, stores, landmarks, or other places your visitors need to find.
The good news is that you don’t need to write JavaScript or build a map from scratch to add one to WordPress.
With the Easy Map plugin, you can create interactive maps, add multiple locations, customize markers and popups, and even draw lines or areas directly on the map.
This guide shows you how to create an interactive map in WordPress without coding, from the initial setup to publishing the finished map on your website.
What You Can Create With an Interactive WordPress Map
Before getting started, it helps to understand what an interactive map can include.
Depending on what your website needs, you can create a map with:
- One or multiple location markers
- Custom marker icons
- Location images
- Address and contact information
- Opening hours
- Phone numbers and email addresses
- Social media links
- Custom popup content
- Zoom controls
- Location search
- Drawings and highlighted areas
- Get Directions buttons
For example, a business with offices in New York, California, and Washington can place all three locations on one map. A real estate website could use markers for properties. A travel website could highlight attractions across a city.
If you want to explore the plugin before starting, you can also check Easy Map for WordPress.
What You Need to Create an Interactive Map in WordPress
You only need a few things:
- A WordPress website
- The Easy Map plugin
- The locations you want to display
- Basic information about each location
You don’t need to manually write JavaScript or create a Leaflet map from scratch.
Easy Map provides the WordPress interface for creating the map and managing its locations.
How to Create an Interactive Map in WordPress
The basic process looks like this:
Install Easy Map → Create locations → Create a map → Customize the map → Copy the shortcode → Add it to a WordPress page
Let’s go through each step.
Step 1: Install Easy Map
Start by installing and activating Easy Map on your WordPress website.
After activation, you’ll see Easy Map in the WordPress admin sidebar.
Open it to access the available map management options.
From there, you can manage:
- Maps
- Locations/Stores
- Store categories
- Drawings
- Other map settings
The important part is that maps and locations are managed separately. This makes it easier to reuse locations across different maps.
Step 2: Create a Location
If your interactive map needs markers, create your locations first.
Go to:
Easy Map → Manage Location/Store
You’ll see the All Locations page.
If you’ve never created a location before, the list may be empty. Click Add New Location at the top.
Enter the Location Details
The Add Easy Map Location page contains the main information for your location.
Start with the:
Location Title
Enter a name that clearly identifies the location.
For example:
New York Office
Latitude and Longitude
Enter the latitude and longitude for the location.
These coordinates determine exactly where the marker will appear on the map.
You can also use the location information fields provided by Easy Map to build a more complete location entry.
These can include:
- Address
- City
- State
- Country
- Closing Day
- Opening Hours
- Phone/Mobile
- Facebook URL
- Instagram URL
- Website/Custom URL
You can also add an image to the location.
This is useful when the marker popup needs to show more information than just a location name.
Step 3: Customize the Marker
Easy Map lets you change the marker icon for a location.
Instead of using the same marker for every place, you can choose an icon that fits the location.
For example, you could use different icons for:
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Offices
- Stores
- Schools
- Tourist attractions
You can also customize how the marker popup behaves.
The Marker Popup Type option allows you to choose the popup style available in your setup. You can use the custom WordPress editor when you want more control over the content shown when visitors click the marker.
After entering the location information, click Save.
Your location is now available to use on a map.
Step 4: Create Multiple Locations
An interactive map becomes much more useful when it displays several locations.
You don’t need to create all the markers at the same time.
Simply repeat the location creation process:
Easy Map → Manage Location/Store → Add New Location
Create each location separately and save it.
For example, you might create:
- New York Office
- California Office
- Washington DC Office
- Las Vegas Store
- Denver Store
All of these locations can then be selected when you create your map.
This approach also makes location management easier because you can edit an individual location later without rebuilding the entire map.
Create a Store Category
If your website has many locations, categories can make them easier to organize.
Go to:
Easy Map → Manage Store Category
You’ll arrive at the All Store Category page.
On a new installation, this page may be empty.
Click Add Store Category.
Add the Category
Enter a category title.
For example:
Las Vegas
You can also add an image and choose a marker icon for the category.
These options are useful when you want locations within a category to share a visual style.
After entering the information, click Save.
You’ll return to the All Store Category page, where the new category will appear.
You can then assign that category to your locations when creating or editing them.
Create the Interactive Map
Once your locations are ready, it’s time to create the actual map.
Go to:
Easy Map → Manage Map
Click Add New Map.
This opens the Add Easy Map page.
You’ll see several map settings along with a map preview.
Add a Map Title
Start by entering a title for your map.
For example:
Las Vegas Locations
The title helps you identify the map inside the WordPress dashboard.
If you create several maps, use descriptive names so you can quickly tell them apart.
Set the Map Position
Next, enter the map’s:
- Latitude
- Longitude
- Zoom level
The latitude and longitude determine the starting position of the map.
The zoom level controls how close or far out the map appears when a visitor first opens it.
For a city-level map, you might use a closer zoom.
For a map covering several states, you’ll generally want a wider view.
The right setting depends on how many locations you want visitors to see at once.
Select Your Locations
This is one of the most important parts of creating the interactive map.
The Locations field allows you to select the locations you created earlier.
Click the field and choose the locations you want to display.
You can select several locations for the same map.
For example:
- Mon Ami Gabi
- 313–315 Anacostia Rd SE
- Connecticut Park Apartments
- Oakcrest Towers
- 7661 Dogbane Ave
- 9920 Karen Ave
- 20500 Cooper D
Once selected, those locations become part of the map.
This means you don’t have to manually recreate the marker information inside the map itself. The map can use the location records you’ve already created.
Adjust Interactive Map Controls
Easy Map also provides controls that affect how visitors interact with the map.
Depending on your requirements, you can configure options such as:
Zoom Control
Allow visitors to zoom in and out using map controls.
Zoom Control Position
Choose where the zoom controls appear.
Scroll Wheel Zoom
Allow visitors to zoom using their mouse wheel.
Full Screen
Provide a full-screen map option when available.
Geo Search
Enable location search so visitors can search for a place on the map.
These controls can make a map easier to explore, especially when it contains many locations.
Don’t enable every option simply because it’s available. Choose the controls that make sense for your particular map.
Customize the Map Marker and Popup
You can also choose a default marker icon for the map.
The popup editor gives you another opportunity to control what visitors see when they interact with the map.
A useful popup might contain:
Business Name
Address
Opening hours
Phone number
Email address
Website
Get Directions
For a store locator, you might want to show an image along with the store’s contact information.
For a simple location map, you may only need the location name and address.
Keep popup content focused. Visitors should be able to find the important information quickly.
Save the Interactive Map
Once your settings are ready, click Save.
Easy Map will return you to the All Map page.
Your newly created map will appear in the list.
You’ll also see a shortcode similar to:
The exact ID will be different for every map.
This shortcode is what you’ll use to display the interactive map on your website.
Add the Interactive Map to a WordPress Page
Now you need to place the map on your website.
Copy the shortcode from the All Map page.
Then open the WordPress page where you want the map to appear.
Paste the shortcode into the page content.
For example:
Publish or update the page.
When you visit the page, the interactive map will appear in place of the shortcode.
Visitors can then interact with the map, zoom in and out, select markers, and view the information you’ve added.
How to Add Drawings to an Interactive Map
Markers aren’t the only way to highlight information.
Easy Map also includes a Map Drawing feature.
This is useful when you want to highlight an area, route, boundary, or other section of a map.
For example, you might want to mark an area around Denver rather than placing a single marker on it.
Step 1: Open Manage Drawing
Go to:
Easy Map → Manage Drawing
This opens the All Drawings page.
On a fresh installation, the list can be empty.
Click Add New Drawing.
Step 2: Name the Drawing
You’ll now see the Add Easy Map Drawing page.
Enter a title for your drawing.
For example:
Denver
The title makes the drawing easy to identify later.
Step 3: Find the Area on the Map
Use the map to find the area you want to highlight.
You can zoom in or out using the map controls or your mouse scroll.
Position the map around the area you want to mark.
Step 4: Choose the Drawing Tool
The drawing tools appear on the right side of the map.
Select Draw a polyline.
Then click points on the map to create your line.
You can use multiple points to follow the shape or route you want to highlight.
When you’re finished, click Finish in the drawing toolbar.
Step 5: Save the Drawing
After completing the drawing, click Save.
Easy Map will return you to the All Drawings page.
Your drawing will now appear in the list with its shortcode.
For example:
Copy the shortcode.
Step 6: Display the Drawing on Your Website
Open the WordPress page where you want the drawing to appear.
Paste the drawing shortcode into the page:
Save or publish the page.
The map drawing will then appear on the front end.
This is particularly useful for maps that need to show more than individual points.
Interactive Map vs. Simple Map
A basic map may only show a location.
An interactive map can give visitors much more control.
| Feature | Basic Map | Interactive Map |
| Location marker | ✓ | ✓ |
| Zooming | Sometimes | ✓ |
| Multiple locations | Limited | ✓ |
| Custom markers | Limited | ✓ |
| Clickable popups | Limited | ✓ |
| Location information | Basic | ✓ |
| Search | Usually limited | Available with supported settings |
| Drawings | Usually no | ✓ |
| Get Directions | Usually no | Available |
| Custom popup content | Limited | ✓ |
If visitors need to explore several locations or get information from individual markers, an interactive map is usually the better choice.
Tips for Creating a Better Interactive WordPress Map
Creating the map is only the first step. A few small decisions can make it much easier to use.
Keep Marker Information Useful
Don’t fill a popup with unnecessary information.
Include the details visitors are most likely to need:
- Location name
- Address
- Hours
- Phone
- Website
- Directions
Use Custom Marker Icons Carefully
Custom icons can make different types of locations easier to recognize.
However, using too many unrelated icons can make the map confusing.
Keep your marker system consistent.
Choose the Right Zoom Level
A map that starts too far out makes locations difficult to see.
A map that starts too close may hide other locations.
Choose a starting zoom that gives visitors useful context immediately.
Test the Map on Mobile
Many people will view your website from a phone.
Check whether:
- Markers are easy to tap
- Popups fit the screen
- Map controls are accessible
- The map doesn’t interfere with page scrolling
- Important information remains readable
Don’t Overload One Map
If you have dozens or hundreds of locations, putting everything on one map can make it difficult to navigate.
Consider separating locations by:
- City
- State
- Store type
- Service
- Region
- Category
This can make the map much easier to understand.
Common Uses for Interactive Maps in WordPress
An interactive map can work for many types of websites.
Business Locations
Show offices, branches, or company locations.
Store Locator
Help customers find nearby stores or service centers.
Real Estate
Display properties, developments, or available locations.
Travel Websites
Highlight hotels, attractions, restaurants, and destinations.
Event Websites
Show venues and important places around an event.
Service Area Maps
Highlight cities, regions, or areas where your business operates.
Educational Websites
Mark schools, campuses, historical locations, or points of interest.
The same basic Easy Map workflow can be adapted to each use case.
Why Use Easy Map for an Interactive WordPress Map?
Creating an interactive map manually can involve JavaScript, map libraries, coordinates, markers, popups, and other technical details.
Easy Map brings those tasks into the WordPress dashboard.
You can manage your maps and locations from WordPress, select the locations you want to display, customize markers and popup information, and publish the result using a shortcode.
It also gives you features beyond a single location marker, including multiple locations and map drawings.
If you want to see the plugin and its available features, visit Easy Map for WordPress.
For step-by-step plugin instructions, you can also use Easy Map documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I create an interactive map in WordPress without coding?
Yes. Easy Map provides a WordPress dashboard interface for creating maps, adding locations, configuring markers, and publishing maps with shortcodes. You don’t need to write JavaScript to follow the workflow described in this guide.
Can I add multiple locations to one WordPress map?
Yes. Create your locations under Easy Map → Manage Location/Store, then select the locations you want when creating your map.
Can I customize map markers?
Yes. Easy Map provides marker icon options for locations and maps. You can use different icons to help distinguish different types of locations.
Can I add business information to map markers?
Yes. Location entries can include information such as an address, city, state, country, opening hours, phone number, email address, social media links, and a website.
Can I add a search box to an interactive WordPress map?
Easy Map includes a Geo Search option in its map settings. When enabled, visitors can use the available search interface to find a location on the map.
Can I draw an area on the map?
Yes. Easy Map has a Manage Drawing section where you can create drawings using map drawing tools such as Draw a polyline. The finished drawing can be displayed using its own shortcode.
How do I display an Easy Map on a WordPress page?
After creating your map, copy its shortcode from Easy Map → Manage Map and paste it into the WordPress page where you want the map to appear.
Can I use Easy Map with Elementor?
Yes. You can place the Easy Map shortcode in an Elementor Shortcode widget.
Final Thoughts
An interactive map can make location-based information much easier for visitors to understand.
Instead of giving people a long list of addresses, you can put those locations directly on a map and let visitors explore them visually.
With Easy Map, the process is straightforward:
Create locations → customize markers → create your map → select locations → configure map controls → save → copy the shortcode → publish.
You can also go beyond simple markers by adding detailed popups, multiple locations, custom icons, search controls, and map drawings.
For WordPress site owners who want an interactive map without building one from scratch, Easy Map provides a practical way to create and publish one directly from the WordPress dashboard.
