Local Listings on Apple Maps: A powerful SEO strategy

Despite once being considered a second-rate option compared to Google Maps, with recent updates and the addition of exciting features, Apple Maps is quickly becoming a top contender against Google Maps. And for businesses looking to optimize their local online visibility, Apple Maps may hold the key. Looking to take your local SEO strategy to the next level? Discover 4 reasons why investing in Apple Maps is a smart move for your business!
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Apple Maps for your SEO strategy

4 reasons why you should use Apple Maps for your local listings

  1. Explore the Reach of Apple Maps: One of the largest mapping apps
  2. Boost your business presence across the Apple Ecosystem
  3. Customization and flexibility on Apple Maps: Connect with your customers
  4. Apple Maps vs. Google Maps: Mapping out the battle

4 reasons why you should use Apple Maps for your business listings

1. Explore the Reach of Apple Maps: One of the largest mapping apps

Apple products can be considered as one of the most popular electronic brands in the world, with over 1.8 billion active devices across iPhones, iPads, computers, and other devices. With nearly half of US smartphones being iPhones, it’s no wonder that Apple Maps is the go-to for directions with close to three-thirds of users relying on it.

But did you know that by creating a local business listing on Apple Maps, you’re registering your business information (name, address, phone number, etc.) with one of the largest mapping tools available? This not only boosts your online presence but also shows search engines like Google and Bing that you’re a reputable business. This will make your business more likely to show up in local search engine results.

Furthermore, Apple Maps is one of the best local directories for connecting consumers to businesses in their area.

Apple Maps is also a top-tier local directory that connects consumers to businesses in their area. But, it’s important to note that since Apple Maps pulls in data (pictures, reviews, …) from other sources, your shop information may get updated by these sources. That’s why it’s crucial to regularly update your locations to provide customers with the most accurate information and an easy journey to your point of sales.

2. Boost your business presence across the Apple Ecosystem

Despite many Apple device owners still preferring Google Maps over Apple Maps, Apple has highlighted that the updated local listings will spread across Apple’s ecosystem, boosting business listings in other places like Siri Spotlight, Apple Wallet, Safari, and more.

More and more customers are now using Siri on their iPhones to conduct searches, which leads to Apple Maps search results. This means that if someone searches for your type of business in your city using Siri, it is imperative that your business gets found in Apple Maps.

According to Apple, Apple Maps on iPhone and iPad is now used more than three times as often as Google Maps. Typed searches on iPhones and tablets also lead to Apple Maps results, and even Apple CarPlay runs on Apple Maps. Essentially, everything within the Apple ecosystem defaults to Apple Maps.

Furthermore, Apple Maps Listings provide a chance for business owners to connect with a new demographic of users. This can be particularly beneficial for multi-location or franchise networks expanding to new regions or seeking to increase visibility in existing markets.

3. Customization and flexibility on Apple Maps: Connect with your customers

One of the major benefits of using Apple Maps for business owners is the high level of customization that the platform offers. After going through a simple verification process, business owners can update their business local listing with essential information such as their business hours, phone number, address, and even an “about” page. They can also include their business logo and photos to make their listing more appealing to potential customers.

If a business owner needs to update their location on the listing, they can simply move the pin on the map to a more precise location.

But the customization options don’t stop there. For the first time, business owners can update their business’s category and add subcategories to help Maps users find their business when searching. They can even customize the “Good to Know” section of their listing to include helpful information like whether the business offers “free delivery,” or is “good for kids”, is “wheelchair accessible” or offers “free delivery”.

And business owners can add custom actions like booking a hotel room or ordering groceries with the “Action” button, a great way to help customers interact with the business more easily.

Moreover, business owners can use Apple Maps to showcase time-limited special offers or incentives, like food deals or tickets to a show, to attract more customers. These “showcases,” are free to use, and they can include explanatory text, a photo, and even a custom action for customers to take.

By using Apple Business Connect to make these updates, business owners can see a live preview of their listing on the screen before it’s published, ensuring that the information is accurate and up-to-date. With the ability to designate team members to update their information and configure their account to update multiple locations, Apple Maps offers a high level of customization and flexibility for businesses.

4. Apple Maps vs. Google Maps: Mapping out the battle

When Apple Maps first replaced Google Maps in 2013, it was met with chaos. The maps were inadequate, directions were wrong, and the images were low quality. However, Apple persevered and has since created a worthy competitor to Google Maps, outperforming it in some cases.

Apple Maps may not have as much data as Google Maps, but it still has a remarkable amount. And, unlike Google, Apple Maps doesn’t gather information from as many sources, but that doesn’t mean it’s not useful. Sometimes less is more, and Apple Maps provides the right amount of data for many users.

In fact, research has shown that Apple users are three times more likely to use Apple Maps than Google Maps. This means that by optimizing your business listing on Apple Maps, you can reach a potential 23.3 million new customers.

In conclusion, Apple Maps has come a long way since its initial release and is now a top contender against Google Maps. For businesses looking to optimize their local online visibility, creating a local business listing on Apple Maps can boost their online presence and show search engines that they are a reputable business. With nearly half of US smartphones being iPhones and Apple Maps being used more than three times as often as Google Maps, optimizing your business listing on Apple Maps can potentially reach millions of new customers. Additionally, the high level of customization and flexibility offered by Apple Maps can help businesses connect with customers more easily and showcase their unique offerings. Overall, investing in Apple Maps can be a smart move for businesses looking to take their local SEO strategy to the next level.

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