Normally we’re talking about Google and how we rank higher in Google. However, Apple Maps has made some significant updates towards the end of 2021 here, and we want to make sure that you know how to claim your business on Apple Maps, because this is going become a very important factor in your local SEO game as we move into 2022.
Why is Apple Maps important for Local SEO?
A couple facts about Apple, right as we get started here, just so you understand the importance and that this isn’t just a click bait type video.
As you can see on the screen here, there is over 113 million users. I’m sure that number has gone up.
That number was from 2020, and you can see here, they look for another four, four and a half million users just in the US alone. This is about 47, 48% of all smartphone users. So why are we talking about Apple? What has happened? What has changed?
Because everything in the local search game has been Google, Google, Google. Before this update, before the iOS 15 update, there was a iOS 14 and 14.5 update, which had some changes in Apple Maps, but this was a very significant change, and it shows that Apple is putting a lot of resources into their Apple Maps program.
What’s new with Apple Maps?
In short, a lot has been updated. They’ve really focused on a 3D effort. This is very, very cool looking or very sleek looking maps program.
And what they’re doing is trying to bring the 3D experience into the Apple Maps program so you can actually see where you are because a lot of times the maps per programs that are there now just kind of tell you the directions and it’s a two dimensional version on the screen.
This allows you to see off ramps, on ramps, what’s around the surrounding area, they’re even showing trees and stuff like that in this, which is very cool. And as you can see, when you’re on the street and trying to find your directions, there’s just a very cool 3D atmosphere with the how to get there.
That being said, you can see, there is a lot of information here on Apple Maps. They are putting a lot of time, energy and resources, and anytime a big company does that, you kind of have to know where they’re going.
Step 1 to add your Business to Apple Maps
First thing that we want to do is actually, I’ll give you a nice, easy URL to remember, it’s businessconnect.apple.com. That will redirect you.
Now, if you do not have an Apple ID, you will need to get one. So you can either sign in with your current existing Apple ID, or once you try to find your business, you will need to create one.
Claim your business listing
Once you’re logged in, you want to start by trying to add your business name. I have a fictitious HVAC company that I have used for Google maps and some videos.
So you can see here, it’s either going to try to find your business if you already have an account or you can add a missing place.
If you cannot find your business listing, choose + Add a missing place, which will allow you to enter your business information on the next screen.
Add your Business information
Next Step – You’re going to go ahead and you’re going to put your business information in here. Now, again, this is a fictitious business. I don’t have a lot of this information, I’m going to make it up.
Once you’re finished, hit Next.
Last Step to claiming your new Apple Business Listing
You’re going to want to go ahead and verify ownership. With this, you can see that there’s just a little bit of information you need to put.
You need to put your legal business name, phone number, I would put your website. I have no idea what DUNS number is.
You’re going to want to put your office address in. A quick side note, if you put your website in, you’re going to want to put HTTPS:// because if you just put www. it’s going to give you an error message. Go ahead and hit next.
So you have the option here to place a call. This is why it’s important to make sure that your business phone number or a phone number that makes sense and you can actually answer, don’t put a phone number that someone doesn’t have access to.
Otherwise, if you don’t want a phone call, you can request manual verification and they’re going to want some business documentation here, as you can see, like a utility bill insurance policy or lease agreement.
For some of you, this may actually easier because you may have the documentation handy and you don’t want to, especially if you have multiple CSRs and you’re trying to figure out who’s answering the phone at that time, this may be the easiest path for you.
So that is how you claim your business on Apple Maps. Stay tuned, we are going to talk much deeper about what Apple Maps looks like from a user perspective, how you can generate reviews and Apple Maps ratings on your business profile.
And what’s coming next in early 2022 according to Apple.
If this video is helpful, please like the video, subscribe down below and leave a comment or a question. I’d be happy to answer those for you as quickly as they come in.
Until next time, stay relentless.
