Understanding Apple Maps for Australian Businesses: A Comprehensive Guide
Navigating the world of digital mapping and its potential to positively impact business can be confusing for business owners, particularly when it comes to choosing between Apple Maps and Google Maps. What is the difference, and do you really need to worry about maps? We highly recommend it! With digital mapping’s increasing relevance in Australia, understanding how to optimise your business presence on Apple Maps is crucial. In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of Apple Maps, compare it with Google Maps, and provide practical steps to ensure your business is accurately represented on both platforms.
Apple Maps vs Google Maps: Which is better for Australian businesses?
Apple Maps has evolved significantly since its launch, becoming a robust competitor to Google Maps, particularly in Australia. But which platform is better for your business? Let’s break down the features of each.
Apple Maps offers a cleaner, more streamlined user experience with features like Flyover, Look Around, and improved privacy controls. It’s particularly beneficial for businesses targeting iPhone users, who are the primary users of Apple Maps.
Google Maps, on the other hand, is the market leader with a larger user base and more comprehensive data, making it essential for businesses that want maximum visibility.
For Australian businesses, we recommend using both platforms where possible. However, if you have to choose, Google is our go-to. Apple Maps caters to a niche but growing audience, but Google Maps provides broader coverage.
Why CLP recommends Google Maps over Apple Maps
While Apple Maps has made strides in accuracy and functionality, Google Maps remains the preferred choice for most Australian businesses. This is largely due to its superior mapping data, more frequent updates, and advanced features like Google My Business, which allows for greater control over your business listing.
However, neglecting Apple Maps could mean missing out on potential customers. As mentioned above, if you have the capacity, CLP recommends maintaining updated listings on both platforms to maximise your business’s online presence.
Real-world example: Vogue Office Furniture’s experience
A recent experience with Vogue Office Furniture in Bunbury highlights the importance of keeping both Apple Maps and Google Maps updated. Vogue Office Furniture recently moved locations we diligently updated all their online marketing channels to reflect the new address. However, they soon began receiving calls from customers who couldn’t find the new store.
After investigating, it was discovered that many of these customers were using Apple Maps, which hadn’t been updated with the new location. To resolve this, we invested in an Apple device so we could update the listing on Apple Maps. Once the update was complete, the calls stopped, demonstrating the critical importance of ensuring your business information is accurate across all mapping platforms.
How to update your business on Apple Maps and Google Maps
Keeping your business information up to date on Apple Maps and Google Maps is crucial for attracting customers. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help:
1. Updating on Apple Maps:
- Claim your business: Use the Apple Maps Connect website to claim your business.
- Update details: Ensure your address, phone number, and hours are correct.
- Add photos: Include high-quality images to enhance your listing.
- Monitor reviews: Regularly check and respond to customer reviews.
2. Updating on Google Maps:
- Claim or create your listing: Use Google Business Profile to claim or create your listing.
- Optimise your profile: Fill out all sections, including services, hours, and attributes.
- Post updates: Use the Posts feature to share news, offers, and events.
- Engage with customers: Respond to reviews and messages promptly.
Practical advice for Australian businesses
For businesses in South West WA and across Australia, being visible on both Apple Maps and Google Maps is essential for growth. As well as ensuring customers can find you, regular updates through these platforms provide additional accurate information, which helps enhance trust and engagement.
Tools to help:
- Google Business Profile: A free tool to manage your Google Maps listing.
- Apple Maps Connect: Apple’s tool for managing your business on Apple Maps.
- CLP services: CLP offers packages to help keep both Google and Apple listings updated, ensuring your business is always represented accurately.
Keep your business listings updated with CLP
Staying visible on both Apple Maps and Google Maps is vital for attracting customers in Australia. As the experience of Vogue Office Furniture shows, even small oversights can lead to confusion and lost business. CLP offers services to manage and update your listings, making it easier for potential customers to find you. Book a free 30-minute digital meeting with CLP to learn how we can help your business grow.