Apple Maps & Local SEO: Are Your Business Listings in Sync?
When we think of online listings, most minds probably jump to the big kahuna: Google Maps.
However, there are other (albeit smaller) fish in this vast SEO sea. One of those that’s becoming more of a player in 2024? Apple Maps.
Is Your Business Info the Same for Google Maps and Apple Maps?
Users are obviously searching online — especially on their mobile device — for businesses in their local areas. In 2016, according to Google, nearly one-third of all mobile searches were location-based. I have to imagine that it’s more than that now.
With that in mind, though, I don’t generally jump to my search engine to look up a local business’s hours or address. I go to one of the map apps on my phone.
I’m not alone — 30-40% of people in 2020 were jumping directly to map apps for information about local businesses. And if that was the case in 2020, think what it probably is now.
Here’s a question, then: does your business information show up the same on Apple Maps as it does on Google Maps?
My local dentist was on top of it when they moved in late 2023. When I had my bi-annual check up in early 2024, I got this text reminder the day before my appointment.
The text message, in part, reads: We are at our new location: [address]. Google maps is not updated yet but Apple Maps is.
My guess is that Google Maps just hadn’t processed their address change yet (which can take weeks sometimes), but as a local business, my dentist realized the importance of them having updated — and matching — information on these apps.
Why You Should Pay Attention to Apple Maps
Yes, Apple Maps may have started out a bit rough when it was originally released, but it’s made a lot of improvements in the last decade. Now, they’re challenging Google — and in some ways, outperforming it.
Apple also released a beta version of its Maps tool on the web in July 2024. Before, Apple Maps had only been available on iOS and MacOS systems.
As Apple makes waves with new releases and continues improving its user experience, here’s why you should add your business on Apple Maps:
- Three out of every five smartphone users in the U.S. own iPhones.
- Apple Maps is the go-to for directions for up to 3 out of 4 iPhone users.
- Everything within the Apple ecosystem defaults to Apple Maps — whether you type a search into an iPhone or iPad, ask Siri to help you, or use Apple CarPlay in your vehicle.
- Nearly 50% of smartphone users use voice search daily — and if you’re registered with Apple Maps, Siri can pull your business information easily when a user looks for local products or services.
With this many potential customers searching for local businesses, why wouldn’t you want to show up for them — and put your best foot forward (with accurate information), at that?
Claim Your Apple Maps Business Listing
For managing your business listing, Google has Google Business Profile. Apple has Apple Business Connect.
Apple Business Connect has some nice customization options for your business listing within it. After a simple verification process, you can update your hours, address, and “about” information, as well as add a business logo and photos.
Beyond that basic information, Apple has business categories and subcategories, a “Good to Know” section so you can include helpful information (like that you offer free delivery or are good for kids). You can also add custom action buttons to help your potential customers interact with your business.
Apple has handy online instructions to guide you through claiming or setting up your business on Apple Maps.
Keep Your Listings Updated
Once you’ve claimed your listing, it’s important to optimize and maintain it — just like it’s important on your Google Business Profile (which is what shows on Google Maps).
Fill out all the information you can about your business. Include special hours and any information users may need to know.
Then, as things change, keep your information up to date. No one likes it when they find out a business’s address wasn’t right, or they show up at a restaurant to find it closed when its online listing says it should be open.
Consistency helps search engines verify that your business is legitimate — and boosts your local search rankings on all fronts.
Pro Tip: Instead of updating each online listing manually, find an online reputation management tool, like Birdeye, to push updates to all your local listings in one go.
Manage All Your Local Listings (No Matter Where They Are)
Managing your online listings doesn’t have to be one more thing on your list. With the affordable local SEO tools available to you — like our local SEO package — don’t put off getting those higher local rankings any longer.
See how your business shows up online right now across the web — and then see how we can connect you with your local customers and keep your business front and top of search results in your community.
Rank Higher Locally »
Brittany Reith
As marketing manager and a digital strategist at 9 Clouds, Brittany focuses on search engine optimization and search engine marketing — helping clients craft the right content to generate leads and sales. In her free time, she can be found reading (for fun!) and spending time with her family. Learn more about Brittany.
