List Your Business on Apple Maps

Apple announced a new service for U.S. based businesses with physical locations called Maps Connect on October 22, 2014. With this new free service, businesses can add and edit their Apple Maps location information. 

Why you should claim or register your business

In the United States, Apple has about 40% of the smartphone market, and the Apple Maps is the default map function used in all Apple apps on iPhones and iPads. Apple also introduced Apple Maps in the last update for Mac OS so not it's included on Macs. 

Google said that over 60% of people who search for a business using their smartphones end up contacting that business. Local search can have a very big impact on  your business and can drive traffic because smartphones make directions and calling information available with just a tap. When people are in an area they aren't familiar with; they usually turn to their smartphone maps app to help them. 

How to use Maps Connect

To use Maps Connect, you'll need to got to the Maps Connect website. https://mapsconnect.apple.com Next, you'll need to login with an Apple ID. If you have one, just use that one, if not, you can create one for free.

Once on the site, you'll be asked to check to see if your business is listed. Apple uses Yelp! listings and a service called Localeze for data on existing businesses, so  you might already appear when you search for your business. If you business is on Yelp! or has been listed in localeze localeze.com, it might already be in the Apple Maps database.

If it appears, you can select the Claim This Listing button. If you are the business owner or authorized representative, you can claim the listing. To claim the listing, you need to be able to receive a phone call on the number listed for the business. Then you'll receive a call from Apple with a code to enter to verify the listing.

You'll then be asked to complete information about your hours and to verify your correct map pin location. Just drag the pin to move it if it the right place. Another form allows you to link your website, Yelp!, Facebook Page, and Twitter account so they will appear in your listing. Then you're done. 

Here's a couple of helpful tips

• Home based businesses or businesses without a physical address may not be approved. Apple only accepts businesses where they can confirm a physical location. 
• If different businesses operate at the same address, such as real estate agents at a brokerage, as long as each has different contact information they can create a listing. 
• Your business name must be your real business name.
• You cannot use a PO Box for your address.
• Apple will accept multiple locations for a business. For businesses with more than 100 locations, you can send a file to [email protected].
• Apple will notify you if your submission is not approved.
• You can also create a business listing in Localize to help you show up on multiple business listing services. 
• If your business has moved or closed, find it in Apple Maps on an iOS device, then select the information button and report a problem. 

Why is Apple doing this?

Apple (as well as other map services) wants the user of their devices and Maps app to have the complete and accurate information.  Providing a way for the business owner or representative to manage the listing makes the map more useful. 

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