When it comes to digital marketing, especially for local businesses, visibility is the game. And with Apple's iOS 15 update, Apple Maps just got a significant boost that every marketer needs to pay attention to. Yes, Google Maps has been the reigning champ, but Apple Maps is creeping up fast—think of it as David arming himself for battle.
So, what does this mean for local businesses trying to stand out? Let’s dig into why this iOS 15 update might just shift the game.
Better Filters for Local Business Searches = Better Visibility for You
Apple has introduced some handy new filtering options. Now, users can search for restaurants or local businesses based on what’s open or specific cuisine types. This means local businesses that don’t have up-to-date info are at serious risk of being skipped over. Think about it: no one’s going to pick your business if it doesn’t even show up when it matters most.
“Apple Maps is finally giving Google Maps a run for its money,” tech blogger Jan Rezab tweeted. The updates are making it harder to ignore Apple’s growing market share. If you’re managing a local business and not optimizing for Apple Maps yet, you’re losing potential customers—plain and simple.
Enhanced Navigation and Travel Experiences
The updates go beyond just business searches. Apple’s gotten serious about making navigation more immersive and intuitive. Drivers? They’re now greeted by a slick 3D transition when approaching interchanges, reducing wrong turns and saving time. Pedestrians? They can scan nearby buildings for directions. And public transport users? They can pin their favorite routes and get real-time info on departures.
If you think about how 60% of people use maps to find local businesses, this update isn’t just about getting from Point A to Point B. It’s about making sure your business shows up on that journey.
Curated Guides: Your New Best Friend
One of the coolest features Apple Maps has is Curated Guides, which gets a nice boost with iOS 15. Think of these as insider recommendations, crafted by local experts, brands like Time Out, or even users who just love sharing their finds. If your business gets included in one of these guides, you’re suddenly in front of thousands—maybe even millions—of potential customers.
Want to get featured? First, make sure your Apple Maps info is accurate. Second, build a presence on Yelp, Foursquare, and Tripadvisor. These platforms supply much of Apple Maps’ third-party data.
What Does This Mean for Local Businesses?
With 100 million Apple Maps users in the U.S. alone, this update shouldn’t be ignored. More and more people will choose Apple Maps over Google as the experience improves. If your business isn’t listed—or if it’s listed but inaccurate—you’re essentially invisible to an entire pool of potential customers.
Siri is another factor to consider. A staggering 62% of iPhone users rely on Siri while driving. And guess where Siri pulls its local data from? You guessed it—Apple Maps. If you’re not showing up here, you're missing out on voice search-driven customers too.
How to Get in the Apple Maps Game
Step one: claim your Apple Maps listing. It’s faster than setting up Google My Business, so no excuses here. Once that’s done, optimize your business info. Make sure your address, hours, and services are all correct and easy to find.
Here’s a quick tip: since Apple Maps pulls reviews from sites like Yelp, focus on growing your presence on those platforms. More reviews, more credibility, more visibility.
Wrapping Up
If you're serious about local SEO and haven’t paid attention to Apple Maps before, now’s the time to start. Sure, Google Maps is still king, but Apple Maps is gunning for the crown. And with these updates, they might just snag it sooner than we think.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
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