We talk quite a bit about the importance of claiming your Google Business Profile and optimizing it when building your online presence, but Apple Maps isn’t something to overlook.
According to Demand Sage, the number of iPhone users in the United States is estimated to be 136.8 million in 2023. But Google Maps is by far the winner when it comes to users of navigation apps, so why does that matter? Well, the number of iPhone users has increased year on year since iPhones were introduced. Not only that, but Apple Maps is the default navigation app on both iPhones and iPads, and on those devices, when you search, the top result is usually from Apple Maps.
While iOS users could use Google Maps, and some of them do, that’s still a huge audience that you are missing out on if you don’t take the simple steps to claim and fill in your business details on Apple Maps.
So, how do you claim your listing on Apple Maps and what should you do with it once you have it? We’re going to give you our top tips on using the Apple Maps listing for small business.
Why should your local small business be on Apple Maps?
Just like Google, Apple Maps is continually being improved and updated and if you claim your listing now, you’ll already be set up and running when new and interesting features come in for marketing your business and expanding your audience. If your business is based in a mall, for example, Apple is offering indoor maps to make it easier for people to find you. You’ve also got Business Chat, allowing you to talk to your customers directly through Apple Maps. That’s an excellent feature that lets you provide quality customer service on the spot.
Given Apple’s reputation for innovation, it’s always good to be ready and waiting to take advantage of any new features they come up with.
1. Expands your online presence beyond Google
Google is the biggest search engine in the world but, with numbers like those above, it’s still worth getting your business in front of Apple users.
Why ignore a whole new audience when you don’t have to?
Another popular topic on our blog is the importance of visibility in building your online reputation, and with Apple Maps, you can expand your reach, gain more visibility online, and get in front of an audience who may not have heard about your business yet.
2. Greater access to Apple users
iPhone users use Apple Maps heavily, perhaps because Apple Maps is their default app. With attention spans shortening and people wanting a smoother and easier experience, iPhone users could still use Google Maps, but there’s no need to when Apple Maps is right in front of them.
What that means for you is that if you don’t claim your profile on Apple Maps, you might not even be on the radar of anyone using an iPhone or other Apple device.
Adding your Apple Maps listing is also a way to ensure the information provided is accurate. You may find that Apple already has a listing for your business, but once you claim your listing, it’s yours to double-check and update.
3. Be proactive
Every business wants to get a jump on the competition, and you might just be able to do that by claiming your Apple Maps listing. You might find that your competitors haven’t taken the extra step of claiming another maps listing, leaving you in a position where you have access to a whole new audience they aren’t reaching.
Obviously, most people tend to use Apple Maps when they’re walking, traveling by car, or traveling by public transport and they’ll be able to find you far more easily when they’re on the move if you’re listed on Apple Maps. Combine that with Business Chat and you could find yourself in a chat with a potential customer. You don’t have to save it just for dealing with standard queries and complaints. You can actively use it to sell to people too.
How to Claim Your Apple Maps Listing
1. Create a free Apple ID
You may already have one of these, but if not, it’s easy to set up an Apple ID, and like Google Business Profile, it doesn’t cost anything.
Go to https://businessconnect.apple.com/ and click Get Started. You’ll be asked to sign into Apple Connect, but if you don’t already have your ID, there’s an option at the bottom of the page to create a new one. Click that link and you’ll then have to fill in your basic information, such as your name and country, your birthday, and your email address. You can then choose a password, add your phone number, which is used to verify your identity, and then select your communication preferences.
2. Go to Apple Business Connect
Once you’ve created your Apple ID, go back to the same Apple Business Connect page and click to sign in at the top left of the page.
You can then follow Apple’s prompts to claim your listing.
3. Choose your language and communication preferences
The first step is to choose your language and then you’ll be asked what notifications you want to receive from Apple. It is worth receiving the notifications as Apple will often provide updates.
4. Search for and claim your business
You may find that Apple already has a listing for your business. If so, it’s better to claim and edit that one rather than create a new one as you may end up with duplicate listings that confuse potential customers.
To search, just type in your zip code and a relevant keyword.
If your business is listed, click on the listing and check the information. If it’s definitely your business, then you can click Claim This Place to make it yours.
If your business isn’t listed, click on Add New Place and you’ll be able to build your listing.
5. Complete your profile
Check and edit any existing information to be sure it’s accurate and then fill in your profile fully. It’s important that customers can find everything they need to know when you’re open, where you are, and how to get in touch with you. Don’t make them work for it.
6. Verify your Apple Maps listing
Once you’ve completed your profile, Apple will call you and give you a verification code to ensure it’s really you updating your profile. Type this into the box and you’re done.
It’s really not a lot of work to set up your Apple Maps listing, but the benefits of doing so are clear.
Update Your Apple Maps Listing
Once you have your listing, just as with Google Business Profile, it’s important to keep it up to date.
Fill in every part of your profile and ensure your opening hours and contact details are listed. Don’t forget to use your keywords and local keywords too. Just because it’s a different platform doesn’t mean you can forget about SEO. The whole point of the exercise is to gain visibility and be found.
Once you’ve set your profile up, it’s really important to maintain it and add new content regularly. Use it to add special offers, talk about your news, advertise new services, and more.
You can also add actions to your profile so customers can quickly book an appointment or visit your website. As usual, it’s about making everything quicker, easier, and smoother for the customer and removing any barriers to buying.
Make it an interesting, vibrant, and ever-updating place to be for Apple fans of your business where they can get the latest information and deals, just like anyone else can on your Google Business Profile.
One thing to note is that currently, there will be reviews on your Apple Maps listing, but they are drawn from sites like TripAdvisor and Yelp right now. You can’t request reviews, follow up, and reply to your reviews like you can on your Google Business Profile. What you need to do instead is to ensure that your listings on TripAdvisor, Yelp, and other review sites are optimized and that you are responding to your reviews on those sites. You’ll then present the best possible listing on Apple Maps.
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