Main streets are the heartbeat of communities, bustling with local businesses, cultural landmarks, and vibrant public spaces. They offer a unique charm that can't be replicated by suburban malls or e-commerce platforms. For Visit Main Street and Destination Marketing Organizations, promoting these areas is crucial. This is where Proxi’s digital maps come into play. In this blog, we'll explore why you should build a digital main street map with Proxi, how to leverage this tool effectively, and provide real-life examples to inspire you.

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What Are Main Streets and Why Are They Important?

Main streets represent the central business districts in towns and cities, often showcasing a mix of retail, dining, and cultural attractions. They are vital for several reasons:

Economic Development: They support local economies by attracting tourists and fostering small businesses.

Community Identity: They reflect the unique character and history of a community.

Social Interaction: They provide a space for social gatherings, events, and public life.

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Why You Need a Main Street Map

Creating a main street map is essential for several reasons:

‍Enhanced Visitor Experience: Interactive maps guide visitors to the best spots, ensuring they don't miss key attractions.

Event Management: Maps can feature events, promotions, and seasonal activities, driving engagement and attendance.

Business Promotion: They highlight local businesses, encouraging visitors to explore and spend money locally.

Community Engagement: They provide a platform for community stories, history, and hidden gems.

Monetization Avenues: Maps open the doors for sponsorships and promotion aiding in supporting your tourism organization. 

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The Proxi Map Solution

Proxi offers a user-friendly, robust digital mapping solution designed to bring your main street to life. Here’s why Proxi stands out:

📍 No Code Maps: Easily build, design, and share maps without any coding required.

📍 Map Styling: Showcase your brand with curated map styles, custom icons, colors, logos, button CTAs, drawn shapes, routes, and more.

📍 Click and Pin: Adding map points is simple. Search by address, bulk upload via spreadsheet or API, or double-click to add points directly.

📍 Multimedia Features: Enhance your map with images, videos, detailed descriptions, and custom map buttons for an engaging experience.

📍 Easy Integration: Seamlessly embed your map on websites, social media, and other digital platforms.

📍 Real-Time Updates: Keep your map up-to-date with the latest information on businesses, events, and attractions.

📍 Analytics: Gain insights into visitor interactions with your map, helping you refine and improve the user experience.

Proxi’s powerful features make it easy to create dynamic, interactive maps that attract and engage visitors while promoting local businesses.

How to Build Your Main Street Guide with Proxi

Building a main street guide with Proxi is straightforward and efficient. Follow these steps to create an engaging and informative map:

1. Define Your Categories

Organize your map into categories such as dining, shopping, entertainment, parks, and historical landmarks. Clear categories make it easier for viewers to find what they're looking for quickly.

2. Add Points of Interest (POIs)

Populate your map with POIs using various methods:

• Search by Address or Coordinates: Pin locations directly by entering an address or latitude/longitude.
• Spreadsheet Import: Use Proxi’s spreadsheet import feature to add multiple locations at once.
• Direct Addition: Double-click anywhere on the map to add a point directly to that spot.
• KML Integration: Leverage Proxi’s KML integration for bulk uploads from KML, GeoJSON Files, and Google My Maps.
• Coming Soon: Image to Map and PDF to Map integration for even more options.

3. Enhance with Media, Shapes, and Stickers

Incorporate images, videos, and detailed descriptions to make your map visually appealing and informative. Highlight special features such as walking trails, historic sites, and scenic spots by:

• Drawing on your map to showcase paths or boundaries.
• Featuring specific map points with unique icons.
• Adding stickers and image overlays for a personalized touch.

4. Personalize and Brand

Customize your map to align with your brand identity. Add your logo, select custom colors, choose map background styles, point icons, fonts, and more to create a cohesive and branded look.

5. Promote Events

Feature local events like festivals, markets, and parades. Use the map to provide event details, locations, and information about participating businesses. This can drive higher engagement and attendance.

6. Embed and Share

Embed your map on your organization’s website and share it across social media platforms. Use QR codes in physical brochures, posters, and flyers to direct people to the digital map. Additionally, you can print your map to include on promotional materials distributed around events.

7. Keep It Updated

Regularly update your map to reflect new businesses, changes in existing ones, and upcoming events. Proxi makes it simple to keep your map current and relevant, ensuring it remains a valuable resource for visitors and locals alike.

By following these steps, you can create a dynamic and engaging main street guide that showcases the best your community has to offer, driving more visitors and supporting local businesses.

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Examples of Main Street Maps

Here are a few inspiring examples of main street maps created with Proxi:

Event Map: Arcata Oyster Festival

Explore the Arcata Oyster Festival with this interactive event map. It highlights all the key spots, from food stalls to entertainment venues, ensuring you don't miss any part of the fun.

Area Guide: Downtown Pullman Guide

Navigate Downtown Pullman with this comprehensive Main Street and surrounding downtown guide. Discover the best dining, shopping, and entertainment options, all neatly categorized for easy browsing.

Walking Tour: Visit Vancouver, Washington’s Mural Map Guide

Discover Vancouver's vibrant murals and public art with this engaging walking tour map. Take a stroll, capture photos, and immerse yourself in Vancouver's artistic spirit.

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More Than Just Maps with Proxi

Gamify Your Main Street

Boost foot traffic and engagement with digital passport challenges and ‘Best of Voting’. Transform the traditional stamped passport booklet into a dynamic digital experience. Engage your community with 'best of' contests where visitors can vote for their favorite businesses in various categories and see real-time results.

Lead Generation Made Easy

Capture high-intent leads with customized pop-up and inquiry forms, designed to grow your subscriber list and enhance your targeted marketing strategies. This feature is ideal for re-engaging last year's attendees or promoting upcoming events, ensuring you reach your audience with the right message at the right time.

By leveraging these features and examples, you can create an engaging and interactive main street map that not only guides visitors but also promotes local businesses and events effectively. Proxi offers the tools you need to make your main street the go-to destination for both locals and tourists.

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Get Started!

Building a digital main street map with Proxi is a powerful way to showcase your community, support local businesses, and enhance visitor experiences. With customizable templates, interactive features, and easy integration, Proxi provides all the tools you need to create a compelling and engaging Main Street guide.

By following these steps and utilizing Proxi’s powerful features, you can create a dynamic, engaging digital map that highlights the best your main street has to offer. Whether you're a destination marketing organization, a chamber of commerce, or a community organizer, Proxi can help you put your Main Street on the map!

Start building a digital main street map with our template today and transform how visitors experience your vibrant downtown area. Click the button below to get started! 👇