Innovative Apple has finally launched Apple Maps Connect their new self-service portal for local business listings. Now small business owners or their approved representatives (that’s us!) can add content into Apple Maps in a snap.
Benefits of Apple Maps Connect
Free local business listing
This free service is similar to Google Maps but in Apple’s style.
All you need is an Apple ID and password, which is free too if you don’t have one.
Apple is pulling the business data from Yelp, so if you do not have a Yelp listing you will need to add your full business information through the Apple Maps Connect dashboard.
Otherwise, you will be able to review and edit your business information, business categories, social profile links, and location marker. Apple generates the business photo from your Yelp listing, so the only way to update the business photo is to update it on your Yelp listing.
Apple will generate an automated call with a code to verify the listing. Once your business information is verified the listings will appear on PC and mobile versions of Apple Maps within a week.
It’s Bluetooth capable
Perhaps the most exciting and lucrative differentiator of Apple Maps is its offer to install the indoor proximity system iBeacon. iBeacon’s capability can work wonders for next level customer engagement and location-based marketing.
Any customer with a Bluetooth capable device can be notified of nearby items on sale and even make a sale without taking out a single wallet or card! Universally Unique Identifiers will even allow customers to check into a place on social media without lifting a finger!
All businesses can sign up to be listed in Apple’s local search portals but it will be a while before iBeacon will be available for all business. Due to the overwhelming demand for iBeacon installation from businesses, only businesses with certain qualities will get the first installation of this groundbreaking technology.
Give us a call to see if your business qualifies for iBeacon and to get set up with Apple Maps Connect today!
