Apple Maps has long been a vital tool for navigating and finding businesses on Apple devices, but now it’s expanding its reach in a major way. With the launch of its public beta on the web, Apple Maps is no longer just an app—users can now access it through any web browser.
This development presents an exciting opportunity for small businesses to increase visibility and reach more customers. With more than 18.4% of global users on Safari (a whopping 32.9% in the U.S. alone), it’s clear that having your business properly listed and optimised on Apple Maps is more important than ever.
This article will walk you through what this Apple Maps change means for small businesses, especially those in the web design and development industries, and give you actionable steps to make the most of Apple Maps’ web-based version.
The Impact of Apple Maps' Web Launch on Small Businesses
The expansion of Apple Maps to the web marks a pivotal shift in how consumers interact with local businesses. Traditionally, Apple Maps has been used primarily by iPhone, iPad, and Mac users.
But now, anyone using a browser, regardless of whether they have an Apple device, can access Apple Maps and find businesses.
This broadens the potential customer base significantly, making it easier for small businesses to be discovered by people across multiple platforms.
For small businesses that rely heavily on local customers such as restaurants, retail stores, and service-based businesses, this could be a game changer. Apple Maps becoming more accessible means more customers using it to find local services.
And with its web version in public beta, now is the time to ensure your business is listed correctly.
Why Apple Maps Should Be Part of Your Marketing Strategy
While Google Maps remains the dominant player in the maps space, with many businesses already optimising their listings there, Apple Maps should not be overlooked. As more users discover and adopt the web version of Apple Maps, it’s crucial that your business is visible on this platform too.
Why is this so important?
Increased Visibility: The more places your business is listed, the more chances customers have to find you. With Apple Maps now available to a larger audience, it’s critical to ensure your business appears in search results, both on mobile and desktop.
Improved User Experience: Apple Maps integrates seamlessly with other Apple services, offering users a smooth and intuitive experience. It includes features such as driving directions, public transit options, place cards, and even curated Guides that recommend businesses in certain categories. This offers a fantastic opportunity to boost your brand’s presence in front of a highly engaged audience.
Potential for New Customers: As Apple Maps becomes more widely adopted, there’s a chance that customers who primarily use Apple products will start using this service more regularly. This can introduce new customers to your business who might not have found you on other platforms.
How to Optimise Your Business for Apple Maps
Now that you understand the potential benefits, here’s how you can get your business up and running on Apple Maps, or improve your existing listing to maximise visibility.
1. Claim or Create Your Listing with Apple Business Connect
To manage how your business appears on Apple Maps, head over to Apple Business Connect. This is where you can add your business to Apple Maps or claim an existing listing.
Steps:
Go to the Apple Business Connect website.
Sign in with your Apple ID (you may need to create one if you don’t already have an account).
Search for your business name. If your business is already listed, you’ll be able to claim it. If not, you can add a new listing.
Provide all necessary details, including your business name, physical address, phone number, and website.
2. Ensure Your Information is Accurate and Complete
Your business listing needs to provide all the essential information that customers are looking for. Make sure to:
Verify your business name and address: Ensure these details are correct to avoid confusion and make it easy for customers to find you.
Add your hours of operation: Keep this information up-to-date, especially if you change hours seasonally.
Provide contact details: Make sure customers can easily contact you with a valid phone number and email address.
3. Enhance Your Profile with Visuals and Offers
Once your listing is set up, it’s time to enhance it with additional elements:
Upload High-Quality Photos: Include your logo, storefront, and high-quality images of your products or services. Photos help create a strong first impression and can drive engagement.
Add Special Offers: You can also highlight promotions, seasonal offers, or discounts on your listing. This is a great way to stand out from competitors and give potential customers a reason to visit your business.
4. Stay Updated on New Features
Apple Maps continues to evolve, and its web-based platform is still in public beta. As Apple rolls out new features, staying informed will allow you to take full advantage of these updates. For instance, Apple Maps often introduces new place categories or ways to interact with customers (such as through reviews or messaging features).
By staying on top of these updates, you can further improve your presence on the platform and engage with customers in new ways.
Conclusion
The arrival of Apple Maps on the web is a massive opportunity for small businesses. It’s more important than ever to ensure your business is listed and optimised not just on Google Maps but also on Apple Maps to expand your reach and grow your customer base.
Make sure to visit Apple Business Connect to get started on claiming or creating your business listing today. From there, keep your information accurate, enhance your profile with visuals and offers, and stay informed on future developments. By doing so, you can harness the power of Apple Maps and put your business on the map—literally.
Ready to level up your design? Flow Cre8tive is here to help you build a stunning, impactful website that builds trust and grows your business.
Comments