Many agents use maps of their local area to enhance their blog posts and websites.  I’ve been creating graphic based maps using Adobe Illustrator for a couple of years and have gone the extra step with some of them to apply for and receive protection from the US Copyright Office.

About a year ago I added a new tool to my maps to make them interactive.  This tool can be used with any graphic map you create, a Google map (as long as you don’t violate Google rules of service) and floorplans of your listings as well.

The tool I use is called MapsAlive, membership is free for the first year and includes up to 10 slides.  A quick definition of a slide is a combination of a title, photo and description that you connect to a location on your map or floor plan.  If you think you are going to need more slides you can buy a membership package.   For $39.00 per year you can increase the number of slides available, 25 slides are in the basic membership and you can purchase additional slides if you need them.  Once you are finished with a particular map or floor plan you can delete it and reuse your slide credits.  

When you create a MapsAlive tour you can embed it directly on a webpage or blog post.  When you are creating a tour you have a variety of formats that you can use to make your tour unique.  Each tour is made up of pages, slides and markers.   Creating a tour is a simple as uploading your map or floorplans from your computer and following the tutorial to uploaded additional photos and put markers on the map.

Once you have completed your map or floor plan you can publish the tour in a variety of ways.  If you post to Craig’s list then you may want to create a link with the unique URL provided for each tour.  

Here is an example of a link to a floor plan for HarborSide Condominiums

You can also embed your tour directly on a web page:







If you are looking for another way to make your blog posts standout or a tool to enhance your website then take a look at the MapsAlive tools.