Hello everyone! We are excited to share some fantastic news about Apple for business owners and Apple Maps users like us. Apple has recently rolled out a new feature called ‘Apple Business Connect’. It is a game-changer in how businesses interact with Apple Maps and looks a lot more like Google maps for businesses. Let’s dive into what this means for businesses and customers.

What is Apple Business Connect?

Apple Business Connect is a new opportunity designed to empower business owners. With these newly updated Apple Maps, businesses can now directly manage their presence across Apple’s extensive ecosystem, which spans 1.5 billion devices. This means updating business details like hours, location, photos, and promotions becomes a breeze and business owners are empowered.

The Evolution of Apple Maps:

Launched in 2012, Apple Maps has come a long way. Initially, it relied on third-party data and a simplified system, Apple Business Register, for updates. With the new Apple Business Connect for Apple Maps, we business owners have more control and flexibility over listings. This is bringing Apple Maps closer in competition with Google Maps, thank goodness!

Features and Benefits:

1. Personalized Business Information: Business owners can update their business information with essential details like business hours, contact information, and an ‘about’ page.
2. Enhanced Customization: You can now add your business logo, photos, and even specify business categories and subcategories. This helps customers find your business more easily.
3. Interactive “Good to Know” Section: Customize your listing with useful information like “free Wi-Fi,” “wheelchair accessible,” and more.
4. Precise Location Pinning: Incorrect location? No worries! Owners can adjust their map pin for accuracy.
5. Custom Actions and Special Offers: Businesses can add custom actions like booking a room or ordering groceries, and promote time-limited offers or events.

Apple isn’t stopping there. They’re partnering with companies like Walmart to introduce unique features. Imagine using a “text to shop” feature right from Walmart’s place card in Apple Maps!

Apple Business Connect also includes an insight dashboard. Business owners can track how customers interact with their listings, offering valuable data to tailor their services better.

The updated place cards on Apple Maps will seamlessly integrate across Apple’s ecosystem, including Siri, Apple Wallet, and Safari. This broadens the visibility of business listings, offering a significant advantage to businesses.

While Apple has no immediate plans for monetization, such as introducing ads, it’s clear that Apple Business Connect could pave the way for future advertising ventures, especially given Apple’s growing interest in the digital ad market.

Excitingly, Apple Business Connect is launching globally, supporting multiple languages and ensuring a wide reach for businesses worldwide.

Apple Business Connect marks a significant step forward for both Apple Maps and businesses worldwide. We have a win-win where businesses get more control and visibility, and their customers enjoy more accurate information. It’s an exciting time for businesses to leverage this new tool to enhance their presence and connect with customers like never before. Would you like help getting set up on Apple Business Connect? We are happy to help.

Stay tuned for more updates on this revolutionary feature!