If you're a business owner looking to update your online presence, you're probably familiar with Google Business Profile. It's been around since 2005 and has become the go-to for many businesses looking to update their listings on Google Maps. However, Apple Maps is now upping its game with the launch of Apple Business Connect, and it's setting its sights on Google's territory.

What is Apple Business Connect?

Apple Business Connect is a feature-rich portal that allows businesses to update their listings on Apple Maps with key information like business hours, location, photos, logos, special offers, and promotions. With a streamlined approach and a single dashboard to manage all the necessary information, business owners can easily update their listings and make sure customers have the most up-to-date information about their business.

The Battle of the Giants: Apple vs. Google

Google Business Profile has been around for a long time and has a solid reputation. However, Apple's ecosystem approach and feature-rich portal make it a strong competitor. With the listings available across Apple's ecosystem, businesses can expect better visibility and engagement with customers.

What Makes Apple Business Connect Different?

One of the most significant advantages of Apple Business Connect is that the updated listings will be available across Apple's ecosystem, including Siri Spotlight, Apple Wallet, and Safari, among others. The platform also allows businesses to customize the information that appears in the "Good to Know" section of their listing and add custom actions. Plus, business owners can view insights to learn how customers interact with the place card, providing valuable information for future optimization.

The Benefits of Using Apple Business Connect

With the ability to update business listings with essential details, businesses can provide more detailed and up-to-date information to customers, leading to better engagement and ultimately more business. The listings can also be customized to display time-limited special offers and incentives, providing businesses with additional opportunities to reach customers.

Future Monetization Opportunities

While Apple has no immediate plans to monetize the system, the Business Connect platform sets the stage for future monetization opportunities. With Apple's increased interest in the digital advertising market and disrupting the Facebook-Google duopoly, this feature-rich portal is an excellent starting point for a future endeavor in this area.

The Verdict

So, who will come out on top in the battle of the giants? While Google Business Profile has been around for a long time and has a solid reputation, Apple Business Connect offers a more streamlined approach and a feature-rich portal that business owners will appreciate. With the updated business listings available across Apple's ecosystem, businesses can expect better visibility and engagement with customers.

Key takeaways from Apple’s new local SEO product:

1. Apple Business Connect is a new web portal that allows businesses to update and manage their listings on Apple Maps, providing a one-stop shop for business owners to update essential information.

2. With the listings available across Apple's ecosystem, businesses can expect better visibility and engagement with customers.

3. The platform also allows businesses to customize the information that appears in the "Good to Know" section of their listing and add custom actions.

4. Business owners can view insights to learn how customers interact with the place card, providing valuable information for future optimization.

5. With the ability to update business listings with essential details, businesses can provide more detailed and up-to-date information to customers, leading to better engagement and ultimately more business.

6. While Apple has no immediate plans to monetize the system, the Business Connect platform sets the stage for future monetization opportunities.

7. Google Business Profile has been around for a long time and has a solid reputation, but Apple Business Connect offers a more streamlined approach and a feature-rich portal that business owners will appreciate.

8. With its ecosystem approach, feature-rich portal, and cross-platform availability, Apple Business Connect is setting the stage for the future.

9. Business owners looking to manage their online presence should consider using this new web portal to provide up-to-date and detailed information to customers.

10. It remains to be seen who will come out on top in the battle of the giants, but both Google Business Profile and Apple Business Connect offer valuable tools for businesses looking to improve their online presence.

Conclusion

Apple Business Connect is a welcome addition to Apple Maps and a direct competitor to Google Business Profile. With its ecosystem approach, feature-rich portal, and cross-platform availability, Apple Business Connect is setting the stage for the future. Business owners looking to manage their online presence should consider using this new web portal to provide up-to-date and detailed information to customers. So, it's over to you, Google – what's your next move?

At WD Morgan Solutions, we understand the importance of staying ahead of the game when it comes to digital marketing. We can help you take advantage of Apple Business Connect and set up your company's Apple Business Profile, providing you with the necessary tools to stay competitive and attract more customers. Our team of digital marketing experts can assist you in customizing your listing, adding essential details, and optimizing it for maximum visibility. If you're looking to improve your online presence and increase your customer base, contact us today, and let us help you succeed with Apple Business Connect.