Step-by-Step Guide to Listing Your Business
- Create or use your Apple ID. Apple Business Connect requires an Apple ID. If you don’t have one, go to appleid.apple.com and register (you’ll need your name, email, a password and some security questions). If you already use an Apple ID for iCloud, the App Store, etc., you can use it here.
- Sign in to Apple Business Connect. On a computer, visit businessconnect.apple.com and click Get Started. Sign in with your Apple ID (or a Managed Apple Account). Read and accept the terms of use. You may be asked to set up your company/organization by entering its legal name, address, phone and website; this creates your “brand” for managing locations.
- Find and claim (or add) your business. In the Business Connect dashboard, use the search box to look for your business name and address. If your business already appears on Apple Maps (perhaps imported from data providers), select it and choose Claim. You will then need to verify ownership (typically via a phone call or uploading official documents) before you can edit it. If your business does not exist yet on Apple Maps, click Add New Place. Fill in all the required fields: business name, primary category, address, phone number, website, etc.
- Set your location pin and enter details. After claiming or adding a listing, you’ll see a map. Drag the red pin onto your exact storefront location (this ensures customers get correct directions). Then enter any remaining details: select the default language, verify the display name, pick the precise category, and provide your contact info (phone, website or social media links). Next, set your regular hours of operation (including any special holiday hours). These details make your place card complete.
- Verify and submit your listing. Once all info is entered, Apple will prompt you to verify that you own the business. Common methods include answering an automated phone call to your business phone or uploading an official business document (e.g. utility bill, license). After submitting, Apple reviews the submission. Verification usually takes a few business days (up to about 5 days). Once approved, your place card goes live on Apple Maps.
- Enhance and optimize your listing. After your business is live on Apple Maps, use Apple Business Connect to keep it engaging. Add a detailed business description and relevant keywords (this helps with local search) and search engine rank. Upload high-quality photos of your storefront, interior and products to attract customers. Make sure your hours, contact info and any special services are always up to date. If applicable, include Apple-specific features: for example, restaurants can add a menu or reservation link, retailers can list products, or service businesses can link appointment booking. These enhancements give customers more reason to choose your business.
Best Practices for Your Apple Maps Listing
- Keep information current. Regularly check your listing and update any changes (new phone, modified hours, moved location). Consistency with your Google Business Profile and other listings avoids confusion.
- Use engaging media. High-resolution photos and even short videos make your place card stand out and help customers know what to expect.
- Leverage special features. If you have a restaurant, adding menus or reservation links can directly drive bookings. Retailers can list products. These “action” links (like Book, Order, Reserve) can be added via Business Connect.
- Monitor reviews and ratings. Apple Maps shows ratings (currently pulled from Yelp/TripAdvisor), and Apple is rolling out its own ratings system. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on Yelp/Apple. Respond professionally to feedback to build trust.
- Use insights. Business Connect provides analytics on how customers find you and interact with your place card. Use those insights to refine your listing and marketing.
Adding your business to Apple Maps broadens your local visibility especially in iPhone-dominant markets like the US, Canada, UK and elsewhere. By following the steps above and optimizing your place card, you help ensure that Apple users nearby can easily discover and choose your business.
Why Apple Maps Matters
- iPhone dominates mobile usage in the USA (58%), Canada (60%), and is popular in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
- Apple Maps integrates with Siri voice search, navigation, and apps like Messages, Safari, and Wallet.
- Unlike some directories, it’s completely free to claim and manage your listing.
Tips to Maximize Your Apple Maps Presence
- Keep NAP (Name, Address, Phone) consistent across Google Maps, Yelp, Bing, Facebook.
- Upload high-quality photos of storefront, staff, and products.
- Use business description keywords (e.g., “organic coffee shop in downtown Chicago”).
- Add action buttons like “Reserve,” “Order,” or “Book Now” to boost conversions.
- Monitor ratings/reviews (Apple pulls many from Yelp/TripAdvisor). Encourage happy customers to leave feedback.
Check Insights in Business Connect to see how customers find you
Apple Maps vs Google Maps vs Bing Places
Feature | Apple Maps | Google Maps | Bing Places |
Users | 1B+ (iOS/macOS users) | 2B+ (Android + iOS) | Small (mostly Windows/Edge users) |
Platform | iOS, macOS, Siri, CarPlay | Android, iOS, Google Search | Bing search, Windows devices |
Setup | Apple Business Connect | Google Business Profile | Bing Places dashboard |
Verification | Phone call, document, email | Postcard, phone, email | Phone/email |
Best For | iPhone/iPad users, Siri search | Largest global reach, SEO impact | Supplementary, boosts Bing/Outlook search |
Extra Features | Wallet integration, Siri, action links | Google Reviews, Maps SEO, ads | Imports from Google, limited |
Key takeaway:
- Google Maps is still the most essential because of its massive reach and SEO benefits.
- Apple Maps is critical for high-income iPhone markets (USA, UK, Canada, NZ).
- Bing Places is worth doing for completeness but has a smaller audience.
My thoughts
I strongly recommend that businesses treat Apple Maps as more than just “another directory.” With Apple’s deep ecosystem (Siri, Wallet, Safari, Messages, and CarPlay), a well-optimized listing can directly influence purchase decisions especially in premium markets where iPhone penetration is highest. While Google Maps may deliver more global reach, Apple Maps provides high-value local visibility, particularly for service providers, restaurants, and retail stores.
My advice:
- Never skip Apple Maps in your local SEO strategy.
- Keep your listing visually appealing with photos and accurate details.
- Monitor insights regularly to understand how Apple users are engaging with your business.
Done right, Apple Maps can give you a competitive edge and bring in customers who rely heavily on Apple’s ecosystem.
Conclusion
Apple Maps is no longer just a navigation tool it’s a powerful local discovery platform. With iPhone usage dominating markets like the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand, having your business visible on Apple Maps ensures you don’t miss out on a large, high-value customer base. By creating or claiming your listing through Apple Business Connect, optimizing it with accurate details, photos, and action links, and keeping it up to date, you can strengthen your local presence and drive real-world traffic.
For any business serious about local SEO, Apple Maps should sit alongside Google Maps and Bing Places as a must-have listing. While Google still leads in global reach, Apple Maps holds unique advantages in affluent markets and across Apple’s integrated ecosystem.
