You can now ‘follow’ your favourite places on Google Maps

Forget following people and hashtags, Google Maps will let you follow your favourite locations.

When you select a place or business, a follow button will be available below its star rating, journey time, and business type. Simply tap the button to follow the place of interest.

When following businesses, the app will keep you updated on the latest news at your regular hang out spots and frequented shops..

“Once you’ve followed places, news from them — like events, offers and other updates — will appear in the For You tab,” said Google in the announcement.

Google Maps will also list businesses for up to three months before they open. This could be quite a boon for startups and budding restaurants.

To use this feature, businesses can make a Business Profile on Google free of charge.

“The feature is rolling out over the next few weeks and places interested in making sure their coming soon locations are shown on Maps and Search can get started with Google My Business here,” the company explained.

These new Google Maps features will initially be available on Android devices only.

Feature image: Google