Local pages on Apple Maps: A powerful SEO strategy

4 reasons why you should use Apple Maps to reference your points of sale

1. Explore the reach of Apple Maps: One of the largest mapping applications
2. Boost your business presence in the Apple ecosystem.
3. Customization and flexibility on Apple Maps: Connect with your customers
4. Apple Maps vs Google Maps

4 reasons why you should use Apple Maps to reference your points of sale

1. Explore the scope of Apple Maps: One of the largest mapping applications

With over 1.8 billion active devices among iPhones, iPads, computers, and other devices, Apple products can be considered one of the most popular electronic brands in the world. With nearly half of American smartphones being iPhones, it's no surprise that Apple Maps is the go-to for directions, with nearly three-quarters of users relying on it…

But did you know that by creating a local business listing on Apple Maps, you are recording your business information (name, address, phone number, etc.) in one ofthe largest mapping tools available? Not only do you strengthen your online presence, but you also show search engines like Google and Bing that you are a reputable business. Your business will thus have a greater chance of appearing in local search engine results.

In addition, Apple Maps is one of the best local directories for connecting consumers with businesses in their region.

Apple Maps is also a leading local directory that connects consumers with businesses in their area. However, it is important to note that since Apple Maps retrieves data (images, reviews, ...) from other sources (TripAdvisor, Yelp, user suggestions, ...), the information related to your point of sale may be updated by these sources. That's why it's essential to regularly update your listings to provide customers with the most accurate information and make it easier for them to access your point of sale.

2. Boost your business presence in the Apple ecosystem

Many Apple device owners still prefer Google Maps to Apple Maps. 

Apple therefore announced the launch of Apple Business Connect. Apple Business Connect includes features similar to Google Business Profile (photos, services,...). This new feature also allows you to promote your establishment across the entire Apple ecosystem: Plan (Apple Maps), Safari, Siri Spotlight, Apple Wallet, etc.

More and more users are now using Siri on their iPhone to perform searches, which leads to Apple Maps search results (according to the default settings). This means that if someone searches for your type of business in your city using Siri, it is imperative that your business is listed on Apple Maps.

According to Apple, Apple Maps on iPhone and iPad is now three times more used than Google Maps. Searches performed on iPhones and tablets also lead to Apple Maps results, and even Apple CarPlay works with Apple Maps. In the default settings of Apple devices, all apps requiring navigation or geolocation use Apple Maps by default.

In addition, business listings on Apple Maps give business owners the opportunity to connect with a new demographic group of users. This can be particularly beneficial for retail or franchise networks that are expanding into new regions or seeking to increase their visibility in existing markets.

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

One of the main benefits of using Apple Maps is the high level of customization offered by the platform. After following a simple verification process, business owners can update their local business page with essential information such as opening hours, phone number, address and even an "about" page. They can also include their company logo and photos to make their listing more attractive to potential customers.

If a business owner needs to update their location on the list, 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 category and add subcategories to help Maps users find their business when searching. They can even customize the "Know Before You Go" section of their listing to include helpful information, such as whether the business offers "free delivery", is "good for kids", is "wheelchair accessible", or offers "free shipping".

In addition, business owners can add custom actions such as booking a hotel room or ordering food using the "Action" button, an excellent way to help customers interact more easily with the business.

In addition, retail owners can use Apple Maps to showcase special offers or limited-time actions, such as promotions, to attract more customers. These "storefronts" are free and can include explanatory text, a photo, and even a custom action for customers.

By using Apple Business Connect to make these updates, business owners can see a live preview of their listing on 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 sites, Apple Maps offers a high level of customization and flexibility for businesses.

4. Apple Maps vs Google Maps

When Apple Maps was launched in 2013, the user experience was not up to par: often the maps were inadequate, the directions were incorrect, and the images were of poor quality. However, Apple persevered and has since created a worthy competitor to Google Maps, even surpassing it in some cases.

Apple Maps may not have as much data as Google Maps, but it still has a remarkable amount. In addition, unlike Google, Apple Maps does not collect 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, studies have 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 potentially reach 23.3 million new customers.

In conclusion, Apple Maps has come a long way since its initial release and is now a leading competitor to Google Maps. For businesses looking to optimize their local online visibility, creating a local business page on Apple Maps can enhance their online presence and show search engines that they are reputable businesses. With nearly half of American 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 more easily connect with their customers and highlight their unique offerings. Overall, investing in Apple Maps can be a wise decision for businesses looking to take their local SEO strategy to the next level.

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