Alright, folks, Apple’s playing a new game in the local SEO world, and it’s got a lot of businesses buzzing. Apple Maps is no longer just a map app — it’s coming after the review space too. Yeah, I said it. Apple’s stepping up to give Yelp, Google, and others a run for their money. But what does this mean for local businesses like yours? And more importantly, how can you take advantage of these changes?
What’s Really Happening?
Let’s break it down. Apple Maps used to rely on third-party review sites like Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Foursquare to provide user-generated content (like reviews and photos) for local businesses. Not anymore. Apple’s rolling out its own ratings system—meaning users will be able to give businesses a thumbs up or thumbs down directly within the app.
Now, before you start thinking this is just another rating system, think again. Apple’s approach is a little different. They’re giving users the ability to rate individual services, not just the business as a whole. Plus, users can upload their own photos. A picture’s worth a thousand words, right?
Why Should You Care?
Here’s the deal: Apple Maps has over 23 million unique users per month. That's a huge audience, and if your business isn’t showing up with solid ratings on Apple Maps, you’re leaving money on the table.
And the kicker? Unlike Yelp, Apple is limiting the ability to leave ratings to actual customers. Apple’s verifying that users visited your business before they leave a rating, so no more spammy, fake reviews dragging down your score. That’s a big win.
So, What’s Next?
The biggest question on everyone’s mind: Will Apple replace Yelp altogether? Right now, Yelp’s still integrated into Apple Maps, but that might not last forever. “Finally no need to download Yelp to look at photos or reviews,” one user tweeted, and I couldn’t agree more. We’re likely to see a gradual shift away from Yelp as Apple Maps ratings get up and running.
But you’re probably wondering, “How do I get ahead of this?”
How You Can Win With Apple Maps
Here’s your action plan:
Start Testing the Platform: If you’ve got an iPhone, get familiar with Apple Maps. Look at how your business shows up. Are there any reviews or photos from Yelp that are outdated or inaccurate? You need to know what’s out there before the switch happens.
Encourage Customer Engagement: Sure, Apple Maps doesn’t support written reviews just yet, but you can still push customers to leave a thumbs up or upload a photo. Simple signage at your location or a digital call-to-action in emails will work wonders. “Leave us a thumbs up on Apple Maps!” is a good start.
Prepare for Photos: Photos will be king. With Yelp potentially on the way out, make sure your location and products are photo-ready. What’s the lighting like? Are there Instagrammable spots in your business? You know people love to take pics, so make sure they look good doing it.
Watch the Trend: Keep an eye on when Apple fully rolls this out in your area. Right now, it’s in the U.S., but it’s expanding. The early bird gets the worm—especially in SEO.
Explore Potential Changes: Apple’s playing coy, but there’s talk that this thumbs up/thumbs down system could evolve into full-fledged reviews. Stay flexible. Adapt your strategy as things change.
Final Thoughts
Apple Maps may not be as big as Google Maps—yet. But with the new ratings system, it’s clear they’re gunning for a larger slice of the pie. And for local businesses, that’s huge. Whether you love it or hate it, you can’t ignore it.
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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