Why Local Businesses Need Both
• If someone searches for a
restaurant, store, or service on an iPhone, Apple Maps is what comes up first.
• Siri and Spotlight Search
pull data from Apple Business Connect, not Google.
•
Many car navigation systems (like in Teslas and BMWs) use Apple Maps instead of Google Maps.
• Apple’s
Showcases Feature (exclusive to Apple Business Connect) lets you highlight promotions
directly on Apple Maps, something Google doesn’t offer in the same way.
If you’re only using
Google Business Profile, you’re missing out on
millions of potential customers who rely on Apple’s ecosystem to find businesses.
The Importance of Apple Business Connect for Local Businesses
1. Apple Maps is the Default for Millions of Users
Apple Maps is the built-in navigation and search tool for all iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks.
Most iPhone users don’t open Google Maps unless they download it manually. That means your business might not even exist to half of smartphone users if it’s not on Apple Business Connect.
2. Siri and Apple Spotlight Pull Data from Apple Business Connect
Voice searches like
“Hey Siri, find a coffee shop near me” don’t pull from Google Business Profile.
Siri uses Apple Business Connect data to provide results, meaning
if your business isn’t listed, you won’t show up in voice searches.
3. Higher Visibility for Local Searches
For small businesses that rely on local customers—like restaurants, service providers, and retail stores—being visible on Apple Maps is just as important as being on Google Maps.
Studies show that
88% of consumers who do a local search on their mobile device visit a business within 24 hours. If you’re not on Apple Maps,
you’re missing a huge chunk of potential walk-in customers who are looking for businesses like yours.
4. The Showcases Feature Helps You Stand Out
One of the biggest advantages of
Apple Business Connect is the
Showcases Feature, which allows businesses to highlight special promotions, discounts, or new products directly in Apple Maps.
This feature is
exclusive to Apple—Google Business Profile does not offer this type of in-map promotional space.
Example:
If you own a restaurant, you can use Showcases to feature
“Weekend Brunch Special – 20% Off Mimosas”, which iPhone users will see when they search for places to eat.
5. Apple Users Tend to Spend More Money
According to market research,
iPhone users tend to have higher incomes and spend more per transaction than Android users. By optimizing your presence on Apple Business Connect, you’re positioning yourself in front of
higher-value customers who are more likely to make purchases.
6. It’s Completely Free to Use
Just like Google Business Profile,
Apple Business Connect is 100% free. If you’re not using it, you’re leaving free exposure and potential customers on the table.
How to Set Up Your Apple Business Connect Profile
Step 1: Go to Apple Business Connect
Visit
businessconnect.apple.com and sign in with an Apple ID.
Step 2: Claim Your Business
Search for your business name and claim your profile, or create a new listing if it doesn’t exist.
Step 3: Verify Your Business
Apple will require
verification via phone, email, or business documents to confirm that you own or manage the location.
Step 4: Optimize Your Profile
• Add your
business name, address, and contact details.
• Upload
high-quality photos of your business.
• Update
business hours and services.
• Use
Showcases to highlight promotions or events.
• Add
links for online ordering, reservations, or directions.
Step 5: Monitor & Update Regularly
Keep your Apple Business Connect profile up to date, just like you would with Google Business Profile.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore Half of Your Potential Customers
If your business isn’t on
Apple Business Connect, you’re invisible to
millions of iPhone users who rely on Apple Maps, Siri, and Spotlight Search to find local businesses.
✅
More visibility
✅
More local customers
✅
Higher-spending audience
✅
It’s completely FREE!
Don’t let your competition get ahead—set up
Apple Business Connect today and make sure your business gets found where it matters most!
📍
Need help optimizing your digital presence?
Contact us at
VS Marketing, and we’ll make sure your business is fully optimized for both
Google AND Apple—so you never miss a customer again! 🚀
