Bing announced on Wednesday that it has added social, email and text message sharing buttons to Maps to allow users to send them to friends and contacts easier.

Microsoft search engine Bing reported on Wednesday an upgrade to its Maps function will make for easier sharing of Maps. Users will be able to email a map to a friend, text the URL to their smartphone or post as social media content.

The company has also launched a new URL shortening service exclusive to the search engine. Binged.it will allow people to send shortened web addresses through various media, though, they can still use the full URL.

Continuing its integration with Facebook, Bing will include a button in the upper right corner of the map that will allow users to share on Facebook and Twitter instantly. Social media marketing campaigns could be boosted heavily by the addition of Bing Maps, as prospects can more easily navigate to and from a location. In general, improving accessibility is one of the greatest benefits of social.

Brafton reported recently that Bing added airport maps to its service to provide travelers with guides to some of the nation’s leading travel hubs.

Improving the overall functionality of Maps is another step in Microsoft’s development of its search engine that can compete entirely with Google. Brafton recently reported that, despite Bing’s efforts, Google still maintains a healthy lead in the market with two-thirds of search queries, and it’s unlikely that this will change at any point moving forward.

Joe Meloni is Brafton's former Executive News and Content Writer. He studied journalism at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and has written for a number of print and web-based publications.