# Google Maps API Key Setup Guide

To display Google Maps on your website, Google requires an API key connected to an active billing account.

Important: Google Maps Platform pricing changed March 1, 2025. The old $200/month credit was replaced by free monthly usage caps and a tiered model (Essentials / Pro / Enterprise), plus optional subscription plans.
Review current pricing here: https://developers.google.com/maps/billing-and-pricing/pricing

# Step 1: Visit Google Maps Platform

Go to: https://developers.google.com/maps
Click Get Started and sign in with your Google account.

# Step 2: Create or Select a Project

Create a new project (recommended), or
Select an existing project

Use a clear name such as: Your Company Website Maps

# Step 3: Enable Billing (Required)

Billing is required for Maps to function.

In Google Cloud Console, open Billing
Create/select a billing account and link it to the Maps project
Add a payment method (credit card)

Without billing enabled, map services won’t load and requests will fail.

# Step 4: Enable Required APIs

The “Get Started” flow often enables core APIs automatically, but we still need to confirm these are enabled for your project:

Enable the following APIs in APIs & Services → Library:

Maps JavaScript API (for the interactive map on the website)
Places API (commonly used for place details, autocomplete, etc.)
Geocoding API (required to convert an address into latitude/longitude for map markers)

# Step 5: Create an API Key

Go to APIs & Services → Credentials
Click Create Credentials → API Key
Copy the generated key

# Step 6: Restrict the API Key (Recommended)

For security, restrict how the key can be used.

# Application Restrictions

Choose HTTP referrers (websites)
Add your domain(s), for example:

https://yourwebsite.com/*
https://www.yourwebsite.com/*
https://*.smarttouchreview.com/* (for review sites on our server)
https://{staging-subdomain}.wpengine{powered}.com/* (for review sites on WP Engine)

For WP Engine, use your actual staging url, do not add {staging-subdomain} and {powered}.

# API Restrictions

Restrict the key to ONLY the APIs you enabled:

Maps JavaScript API
Places API
Geocoding API

Save changes.

Send us:

The API key

We do not need access to your Google account. We would be happy to jump on a Zoom meeting to walk you through it if you need assistance.

# Notes on Billing & Cost Control (Optional but Helpful)

Google uses a usage-based model with free monthly usage caps per SKU (and optional subscriptions).
You can set up budgets and alerts in Google Cloud Billing to avoid surprises, but for typical client websites billing will be free or minimal.
Review current pricing anytime here: https://developers.google.com/maps/billing-and-pricing/pricing