I recently had an idea to create a subject specific map using Google Maps (maps.google.com) and make it open to the public as sort of lame duck attempt at social interaction and slow growth link bait. Of course I also wanted to build a useful resource for site visitors. I started the map on February 27th and today, less than two weeks later, my page hosting the map ranks #2 on Google for the subject of the map. That was a little unexpected.

I was shooting for longer term results as others started adding to and referencing my map, not such a quick hit, so I’m curious - is this normal? Can mapping a subject and then hosting the code to display that map be a quick path to authority on a subject?

I don’t get too wrapped up in SEO these days, but any time I see an interesting result like this I dust off my thinking cap…

Anybody else mess around with maps as a marketing tool?