How To Add Your Business To Apple Maps

In the modern world, local SEO has become fundamental to driving leads and foot traffic. While people still rely on directions from friends, running into a store in a high traffic area or being directed there via physical advertising, more and more people are turning to search to solve their needs.

I think we're all guilty of using the term "Business Near me" and see what pops up on our Google search or Google Map search, and while it's essential to have a Google my business listing to take advantage of these queries, it's not the only one.

Several other apps also offer map listings such as Bing, Petal Search and even Apple Maps. Apple has 814 million users worldwide, and a large number of those users do not use Google maps, so not listing with Apple means you're missing out on possible leads.

Studies have shown that 77% of smartphone users utilise navigation apps frequently, and tapping into this medium can put your business in front of customers at critical purchasing decision points.

While Google Maps reigns supreme Apple still has a sizable audience to tap into while developers improve upon Apple Maps. Today, the company is focused on building next-gen maps with better accuracy, faster load times, and more detail.

Apple is also introducing more indoor maps of airports and malls all the time, proving it can offer innovative tools to help users find their way.

Should I List My Local Business on Apple?

Apple Maps offers businesses a free service, similar to Google and Bing because it's a win-win for all involved. Apple sharpens its database to become more helpful to users, and you get to advertise your business for free within it. Apple Maps Connect users can also add their company's website URL, Facebook, Twitter and Yelp pages to their profiles.

So it can not only refer you foot traffic but website traffic and social media followers.

Other benefits of listing on Apple maps include:

Gain greater access to Apple users

Most Apple users are using other navigation apps due to Apple Maps poor reputation, but some already use Apple Maps. Apple also wants to encourage users to remain in their ecosystem, so listing your business there can help you connect with these potential customers.

Connect with customers looking for nearby businesses

Potential customers often use Apple Maps when they are out-and-about. Listing your business can help customers find your business when they're nearby, as the phone locations will be biased to the data Apple has on hand.

Ensure the accuracy of existing listings

Since a listing for your business may already appear on Apple Maps, going through the process of claiming your business listing will verify the correctness of all information as well as adding any missing information or links.

Apple Maps is adding new features

Apple products never stop evolving, and Apple Maps is no different. The app is experimenting with Business Chat (currently in beta) that will allow businesses to communicate with their customers directly through Apple Maps.

How to add your business to Apple Maps

1. Visit Apple Maps Connect.
2. Login or create a new Apple ID and click the blue arrow to proceed.
3. You will be sent to a menu called "Small Business." Click "Add My Business"
4. Read and agree to the Terms of Use.
5. Enter your business name and location to find your listing in the Apple Maps directory. If not found, click "Add a new place."

Enter the following business information:

• Place name (business name)
• Place status (either "This place is open" or "This place has moved or closed")
• Country
• Categories
• Phone number
• Apple Pay ("Accepted" or "Not Accepted") - Not always applicable

Note: There are over 1,340 business categories to choose from, but yours may not be there, so select the closest category you can.

6. After submitting your information, click "Call me now" to trigger a phone call to your business.
7. Over the phone, you will receive a 4-digit code that you must enter on the screen.
8. Once verified, you need to update your business information and social links, then click "Claim this place" or "Submit for review."

Improving your local SEO

Claiming your Apple Maps listing and other popular map apps is a great way to start your local SEO journey, but it doesn't stop there. Contact us for a local SEO audit, and we can help your business improve its chances of appearing for local search queries.

Contact us

If you would like us to set up your local SEO or want to know more about digital marketing for your business, then don’t be shy we’re happy to assist. Simply contact us

Are you looking to promote your business?

South African Business owners can create your free business listing on nichemarket. The more information you provide about your business, the easier it will be for your customers to find you online. Registering with nichemarket is easy; all you will need to do is head over to our sign up form and follow the instructions.

If you require a more detailed guide on how to create your profile or your listing, then we highly recommend you check out the following articles. 

• How to create a nichemarketer profile 
• How to create a nichemarket business listing 

Recommended reading

If you enjoyed this post and have a little extra time to dive deeper down the rabbit hole, why not check out the following posts on Local SEO.

• How to manage User Roles in Google My Business Listings
• Google My Business Could Become A Paid Service
• Add A Booking Service To Your Google Knowledge Graph
• How To Create A Google My Business Listing Without A Physical Location

Tags: SEO, Search Engine Optimisation