We’ve updated category icons, map markers, and default listing images to make discovering local businesses and services easier and more intuitive.

At MyPlaces.us, we’re continuously working to improve how people discover businesses, explore local services, and connect with providers.

Our latest update brings a refreshed visual experience to all 536 business and service categories across the platform.

From recognizable category icons to more informative map markers, these improvements make navigating MyPlaces.us clearer, more consistent, and more enjoyable.

What’s New?

1. Unique Icons for Every Category

Every business and service category now features an icon that represents its purpose.

Whether you’re browsing hotels, restaurants, automotive services, home improvement, beauty, or professional services, visual symbols help you identify the categories you’re looking for.

This makes category browsing more intuitive and helps users navigate the platform with less effort.

2. Improved Map Markers

Maps are an important part of discovering local businesses.

We’ve introduced updated, category-specific map markers that make it easier to distinguish different types of businesses and services directly on the map.

The markers follow a consistent design based on the MyPlaces brand while incorporating recognizable symbols for individual categories.

This creates a cleaner, more informative map experience.

3. Better Default Images for Listings

Not every business owner uploads photos when creating a listing.

Previously, listings without their own images could display generic placeholder graphics.

Now, these listings can display a dedicated default image based on their category.

For example, a hotel listing can show a hotel-related symbol, while an automotive service listing displays an appropriate automotive icon.

This improves the appearance of search results and helps visitors understand what a business or service offers before opening its listing.

Of course, we still encourage business owners to upload real photos. Authentic images help customers better understand a business and the services it provides.

4. A More Consistent Visual Experience

All updated icons and default images follow a unified visual style using the signature green of MyPlaces.us.

This consistency makes the platform feel more organized while helping users recognize categories across different pages and search results.

536 Categories Updated

The improvements cover both main sections of the platform:

• 203 Business Categories — representing different types of businesses and organizations.
• 333 Service Categories — helping users find specific services offered by local providers.

Together, these updates create a more consistent browsing experience across Business Cards and Service Cards.

Why This Matters for Business Owners

A business listing is often a customer’s first introduction to a company.

Clear category information and professional presentation can help make that first impression more effective.

With the updated category visuals, even newly created listings without uploaded photos can appear more complete and recognizable in search results.

For business owners, this means a cleaner presentation from the start.

For visitors, it means a more intuitive way to explore the platform and discover relevant businesses and services.

Explore the Updated MyPlaces.us

These visual improvements are part of our ongoing effort to make MyPlaces.us a more useful platform for local business discovery.

We’re continuing to develop new features, improve navigation, and create better ways for businesses to showcase their services.

Ready to explore?

Find Businesses and discover local providers, or create your own Business Card to become part of the growing MyPlaces community.

Discover more. Connect locally. Grow your business with MyPlaces.us.