When you are building an interactive map, the goal is not just to display information. You want viewers to act. You want them to book tickets, submit forms, sign up, learn more, download resources, or move deeper into your content. Clear actions increase engagement, reduce confusion, and make your map significantly more valuable.

This is why Proxi launched Customizable URL Buttons, a feature that transforms any URL field into a clean, eye catching, action oriented button displayed directly on a point card. Instead of burying important links inside long descriptions, creators can now highlight key actions in a way that feels immediate and intuitive.

In this guide, you will learn how to set up buttons, the best ways to use them, common mistakes to avoid, and creative examples across tourism, Main Street, events, education, and nonprofit use cases. You will also learn how this feature supports SEO and improves the overall user experience on your map.

What Are Custom Buttons on Proxi?

Custom buttons allow you to display any URL as a clear, branded button on your point card. You choose the label, color, icon, and link behavior. When a viewer opens a point, the button sits in a natural location on the card so they know exactly what to do next.

This turns your map into a more interactive and efficient experience. Viewers do not have to search for links or scroll through text to find what they need. The most important action is always front and center.

Common ways creators use buttons include:

• Showing booking links for tours and attractions
• Linking to menus, schedules, and event maps
• Collecting sign ups or applications
• Providing directions, registration pages, or resource documents
• Surfacing support documents or help links
• Sharing ticketing or reservation links
• Directing viewers to challenges, programs, or prize rules

Buttons turn maps into action hubs instead of static directories.

Why Custom Buttons Matter for Interactive Maps

Buttons improve multiple aspects of the map experience, both for creators and the people using the map.

1. They increase the visibility of important actions

Instead of hiding links inside text fields, buttons present them clearly and predictably. This increases the likelihood that viewers will complete important steps.

2. They reduce friction for viewers

A straightforward “Book Now” or “Get Details” button eliminates guesswork. This leads to better map engagement and higher completion rates.

3. They create consistent formatting across your map

When every point uses the same structure for actions, viewers know what to expect. It makes your map feel professional, polished, and easy to navigate.

4. They support multiple calls to action

Many creators need more than one type of link per point. A restaurant may need “Order Online,” “See Menu,” and “Make Reservation.” Buttons make this simple.

5. They elevate your map’s branding

You can use your preferred colors and icons to match your event, organization, or tourism brand.

How Custom Buttons Work

Custom buttons are built through the Custom Forms and Fields Add On. This tool lets you design the layout and fields that appear on your point cards. Any URL field you create can become a button with a single toggle.

The process is:

1. Create a custom URL field
2. Enable the Show as Button option
3. Customize the text, color, and icon
4. Add URL data at the point level
5. Watch the button instantly appear on your point card

The feature is flexible, so you can add one button or multiple buttons depending on your use case. Each appears only when the field contains a URL, which keeps your map clean and focused.

Step by Step Guide: How to Add Custom Buttons to Your Proxi Map

Here is a simple walkthrough for setting up custom buttons on any Proxi map.

Step 1: Open Your Map

Log into Proxi, open the map you want to edit, and click into your map editor. Make sure your map has the Custom Forms and Fields Add On enabled. If not, you can enable it in the Add Ons menu.

Step 2: Open Custom Forms and Fields

Inside the Add Ons panel, select Custom Forms and Fields. This tool controls the fields that appear when you create or edit points.

You will see the default fields along with the option to add new ones.

Step 3: Create a New URL Field

Click Add Field, then choose URL as the field type. Give your field a name based on the type of action you want viewers to take. Some strong examples include:

• Reservation Link
• Vendor Application
• Event Schedule
• Shop Online
• Donation Page
• Registration Form
• Download Guide
• Learn More

This field name helps you stay organized on the backend. The button label appears later.

Step 4: Enable “Show as Button”

Every URL field includes a toggle called Show as Button. When enabled, this transforms the field into a visible button on the point card.

You can now set:

• Button Text: Example: “Book Now,” “View Menu,” “Register,” “Learn More”
• Button Color: Match your brand, event theme, or map aesthetic
• Button Icon: Choose from a library of simple icons
• Open in New Tab: Recommended for external sites

These customization options give you full control over the look and behavior of your button.

Step 5: Add URLs to Your Points

Navigate to any point on your map and open the point editor. In your new custom field, paste the URL you want to attach to that point.

Once saved, the button will appear automatically on the point card.

Step 6: Preview Your Map

Switch to viewer mode to confirm your button appears as expected. Adjust colors, text, or icon choices for clarity and usability.

Step 7: Publish and Share

After you add buttons across your points, your map is ready to share. You can embed it, send it to your audience, or include it in a Guide.

SEO Benefits: How Custom Buttons Improve Engagement and Visibility

While buttons are a visual feature, they also strengthen your map’s SEO performance and user experience.

Buttons Increase Engagement

Search engines reward content that encourages interaction. Buttons invite clicks, creating deeper engagement signals.

Buttons Reduce Bounce Rate

When viewers have a clear action to take, they stay longer and navigate further, which helps overall map retention.

Buttons Help Structure Your Map as a Resource Hub

The more organized and actionable your map is, the more valuable it appears to both visitors and search engines.

Buttons Make Your Map More Shareable

Creators who embed Proxi maps on websites or share them on social platforms often see increased interaction when buttons guide the experience.

Use Cases: Creative Ways to Add Custom Buttons to Your Map

Custom buttons enhance almost every type of map. Here are popular use cases and examples of smart button design.

Tourism and Destination Marketing

Tourism organizations often rely on Proxi to highlight attractions, seasonal guides, restaurant weeks, and visitor itineraries. Buttons help visitors take immediate action, such as:

• Book Tour
• View Hours
• Get Directions
• Download Brochure
• See Itinerary

These clear actions make your map feel like a visitor concierge.

Main Street, Chambers, and Economic Development Organizations

For community focused maps, buttons keep local businesses and residents informed. Common examples include:

• Apply to Participate for event vendors
• Order Online for restaurants
• Business Website for directories
• Sign Up for Newsletter
• Access Resources

Buttons also make seasonal programs like Shop Small, holiday markets, and best of contests more engaging.

Event Maps

Event organizers often need to give participants the ability to register, explore schedules, or download agendas. Buttons can include:

• Register Here
• See Schedule
• View Exhibitors
• Get Venue Map

If your event has sponsors or partners, buttons can also link to sponsor websites or activation pages.

Passport Challenges and Check In Events

For passports and scavenger hunts, buttons streamline instructions and participation. Examples include:

• Check In Instructions
• View Prize Info
• Challenge Rules
• Share with Friends

Buttons work well with the new Proxi Guides experience, helping participants track progress and receive updates.

Education and Nonprofit Maps

For organizations with informational or fundraising goals, buttons help guide the community:

• Donate Now
• Volunteer Sign Up
• Watch Video
• Submit Application

These maps often serve broad audiences, so clean, consistent actions matter.

Best Practices for Designing High Performing Buttons

To get the most from custom buttons, follow these proven guidelines.

Use Short, Action Oriented Text

Good buttons tell the viewer exactly what to do:

• Book Now
• Learn More
• Register
• Apply
• Download
• Shop Online

Avoid vague text like “Click Here.”

Choose High Contrast Colors

Buttons should stand out from your card background. Use brand colors, but ensure legibility.

Use Icons Thoughtfully

Icons help guide the eye but should not distract. Keep them simple and relevant.

Limit the Number of Buttons Per Point

One to three buttons is ideal. Too many options overwhelm users.

Always Test on Mobile

Most Proxi viewers use mobile devices. Ensure your button text fits neatly and looks clear on smaller screens.

Keep URLs Clean

Direct links feel more professional. Avoid long tracking URLs when possible.

How Buttons Support the Proxi Guides Experience

If you are using Proxi’s new Guides feature, custom buttons become even more valuable. Guides allow creators to publish app like experiences that audiences register for, save to their own list, and follow over time.

Buttons help with:

• Surfacing exclusive offers
• Directing people to itineraries
• Highlighting important updates
• Linking to booking pages or unique experiences
• Guiding users from point to point with clear next steps

They make your guide feel like a polished mobile experience without the cost of building an app.

Custom Buttons Turn Your Map Into a Powerful, Action Driven Experience

Proxi’s new Customizable URL Buttons give creators a simple but powerful tool for increasing engagement, reducing friction, and elevating the entire map experience. Whether you are organizing an event, promoting local businesses, creating a tourism trail, running a challenge, or building a personalized Guide, buttons help your audience take the actions that matter most.

If you are ready to try them, open your map, create a custom URL field in the Custom Forms and Fields Add On, toggle on Show as Button, choose your colors and text, and start transforming your point cards into actionable, user friendly experiences.

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