The first rule of business is that if your target clients don’t know where your business is on a map, you probably won’t get the recognition you deserve. A map illustration is becoming a popular way of showing potential clients on where you are located, but do so in a fun method.

The legend is the most important part of your map. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to have a map in the first place! The legend details what the symbols and various shapes you use in the illustration actually mean. That way you don’t have to make your illustration messy with labels and other captioning. A short and to the point legend always makes for a great map.

It is recommended that you pick a specific set of colors to work with before having your illustration designed. If your illustration uses too many colors, or is not color coded at all, viewers will not know how to read it even with a legend. Assign certain colors to different key aspects of your map. Roads, for instance, might be several shades of blue while buildings could contrast with a red color.

Your map illustration should be seen as a method of branding your business- so also investigate options in creating some form of logo or mascot to include on the map. The ideal logo would be set apart from any other logos or mascots you have seen. Including your logo in the legend as a symbol is another great way to show off your branding while also being discrete about it.

Sometimes things change in an environment, and your map can become quickly outdated. Whether you design the illustration or you hire someone else, push to have the map done in vector format. A vector format can easily be changed and re-sized, while a raster format will not be able to in all cases. An easily edited file should always be on backup in case a landmark, building, or road in your area changes enough that it could cause problems.

Also consider obtaining a method of getting your map illustration out in print- but also for any website your business may be running. Integrating the illustration with your website will give you easy exposure to potentially millions of visitors. However, don’t neglect your region, and always keep printed maps and encourage clients to take them. In a sense, they act very much like business cards, only more subtle.

Closing Comments

Map illustrations of a business can be obtained through the appropriate designers if you don’t have the skills to do the task. Designers can be found over the Internet, where you can get connected to a designer for your budget in just a bit of time searching.

Learn more about Pictorial maps and Overview maps.