With a significant number of consumers using iOS devices, optimizing your business listings on Apple Maps can make a substantial impact. But how do you put your business listings in front of the eyes of iOS users? The answer is through Apple Maps optimization to improve your local rankings. We've put together an easy guide to help you get started.
Why Apple Business Connect Matters
- While Google Maps is a leading platform for online search, Apple users are 3 times more likely to use Apple Maps providing you access to a new demographic of users.
- On iPhones and iPads, Apple Maps is the default mapping app.
- Now accessible on all desktop and mobile devices, Apple Maps Web's reach is beyond just iOS users.
- Siri voice searches are usually supplied by Apple Maps.
- Disregarding all Apple users and Apple Maps searches means missing out on a potential new consumer base.
What You Should Know About Apple Business Connect:
- Introduced in January 2023, it succeeds the previous Apple Business Register.
- Enables direct control and customization of information across all Apple platforms.
- Allows for the addition of images, business categories, the creation of events, and more.
- Facilitates direct communication with customers through calls, bookings, and offers.
- Features a straightforward verification process that takes up to 5 business days
Leveraging the Key Apple Maps Features
Google Business Profile optimisation best practices and ranking factors are similar to Apple Business listings optimisation. You can learn more about keyword strategy and local ranking factors from our local SEO blog, however, there are some nuances to consider when dealing with Apple Maps.
Reviews on Yelp
It’s important to know that Apple doesn’t independently collect a lot of data if you compare it to Google. This means your business has to set up and be visible across multiple platforms to improve your rankings on Apple Maps.
For example, Yelp reviews get featured on Apple Maps place cards. You may also add reviews from TripAdvisor and similar platforms to encourage searchers to pick your services and products.
Profile actions
The platform also allows businesses to highlight other actions customers can take directly from the Apple Maps Place Card.
It's key to provide clear and concise information about the actions customers can take directly. Regularly update and verify the links and integrations with services like Booking.com and Instacart to ensure they are working correctly.
Showcases
The new Showcases feature in the Apple Maps Place Card (i.e. listings) allows businesses to publish special offers and incentives, such as discounts and seasonal menu items.
Frequently update your special offers and incentives to keep them fresh and relevant. Use high-quality images and compelling descriptions to make your offers stand out.
While initially available only in the United States, the Showcases feature is set to roll out globally in the months to come.
Credit: https://www.apple.com/business/connect/
Complementing the Apple Ecosystem
The Apple Place Card also complements other Apple services that businesses may already be using, including Tap to Pay to accept Apple Pay on iPhones and Business Essentials, a subscription service that enables device management, cloud storage, and 24/7 support.
Make sure to sure the analytics and insights provided by Apple Business Connect to understand how customers are interacting with your Place Card and make data-driven decisions.
Siri Local Voice Search
A big part of Local SEO strategy is optimizing and aligning your keywords for voice search. While many thought keyword optimisation would become less important with the increasing popularity of voice search, we see quite the opposite - keyword optimisation actually became more significant!
For example, Google searchers usually use fewer words in their speech to look for a location, while Apple users pick longer phrases. That is why you should use long-tail keywords while optimizing your Apple Maps listings to match the way Siri users form their voice queries.
Apple News
By introducing Apple Business Connect in January 2023, Apple showed its determination to improve Apple Maps features and the user experience aiming to catch up with Google. Undoubtedly, more enhanced features are coming soon.
That can only mean that more companies will double down on their Local SEO optimisation efforts resulting in harsher competition for higher rankings. By investing in your Apple Maps optimisation strategy today, you can have better chances of appearing in the top results.
Leveraging Local Marketing Automations
PinMeTo partnered with Apple enabling the use of Apple’s Business Connect API. Our integration with Apple can help you update your Apple Maps listings with up-to-date and accurate information at scale.
Learn how PinMeTo can help you leverage Apple Business Connect for your multi-location brand
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Astghik Nikoghosyan, Reviewed on June 12, 2024
