Apple Business Connect Insights: Top Metrics for Your Apple Maps Success

In a world dominated by Google Maps, Apple Maps might sometimes fly under the radar. But did you know that Apple Maps is the default navigation tool on over 1.5 billion Apple devices worldwide? With such reach, businesses can't afford to ignore it.

But how can businesses really leverage their presence on Apple Maps? It all comes down to tracking and optimizing the right KPIs (Key Performance Indicators).

Why Apple Maps Matters

Apple Maps serves as the default navigation app for millions of iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch users—essentially, any iOS device, making it essential for businesses looking to reach this vast audience. Its deep integration with the Apple ecosystem, including Siri, Spotlight, and Apple CarPlay, means that businesses listed on Apple Maps are more likely to be recommended when users search for locations or ask for suggestions.

Additionally, Apple Maps has enhanced its accuracy and features over the years, offering detailed city guides and indoor maps, making it a vital tool for businesses aiming to increase their visibility and engage with Apple users. This is where Apple Business Connect comes in—a free tool that allows businesses to manage how their information appears.

What is Apple Business Connect?

Apple Business Connect, launched in January 2023, allows businesses to manage their listings across Apple’s platforms, replacing the earlier Apple Business Register. Through this platform, businesses can manage and update their location information directly in Apple Maps, ensuring that customers see the most up-to-date details, like:

• Contact details

• Opening hours

• Services offered

• Photos and videos

• Special promotions

With Apple's commitment to privacy and quality, businesses listed through Apple Business Connect benefit from more control over their digital presence, and that translates to better visibility, customer engagement, and ultimately, more foot traffic.

But the power of Apple Business Connect doesn’t stop there. Insights from the platform provide businesses with key data to measure their performance and adjust their strategy accordingly.

Key KPIs to Track in Apple Business Connect

To maximize success on Apple Maps, there are several KPIs businesses need to track. Let’s dive into these and why they matter.

#1 Views on Apple Maps

Views on Apple Maps measure the number of times your business location was viewed on Apple Maps. So this KPI is the first indication of visibility: how often people are coming across your listing while searching for businesses or places.

To increase views, ensure your profile is completewith all business details (address, hours, services). Also, make use of Showcases (Apple’s version of promoted events) to stay relevant to users in your vicinity.

#2 Direction Requests

Direction requests measure the number of times users request directions to your business. Hence, it is a direct indicator of intent and an excellent predictor of foot traffic—because someone looking up directions is very likely to visit your physical location.

To increase direction requests, focus on local SEO strategies, ensuring that your business ranks for nearby searches. Regularly update your Apple Maps profile with promotions or special offers to catch the attention of potential customers.

#3 Website Clicks

Website clicks track the number of users clicking through to your website directly from Apple Maps, reflecting digital engagement and indicating how effective your Apple Maps listing is at driving customers to learn more. Whether for booking appointments, browsing products, or making reservations: website clicks show deeper interest.

To increase website clicks, provide compelling reasons for users to visit your website. Include relevant links, such as a reservation page or featured product. Make sure the description is inviting, and use images that encourage curiosity.

#4 Call Clicks

Call clicks track the number of times users click on the ‘Call’ button from your Apple Maps listing. Much like direction requests, a call click shows clear intent to engage with your business. These users are typically further along the conversion funnel, actively looking to communicate or ask about products and services.

To increase call clicks, ensure your contact details are up-to-date and easily accessible on your profile. Encourage calls by promoting special offers or time-sensitive discounts, making it likely for users to reach out.

#5 Customer Reviews and Ratings

Customer reviews and ratings are typically measured in volume and sentiment, showing how customers really feel about your product, service, or brand. They not only influence user trust but are a key factor in Apple's ranking algorithms: higher-rated businesses are more likely to appear at the top of search results.

To increase and improve customer reviews and ratings, encourage happy customers to leave positive reviews by asking them directly in-store or through follow-up emails. Moreover, monitor and respond to reviews promptly to show that you value customer feedback.

#6 Photo and Video Engagement

Photo and video engagement measures how often users interact with the photos or videos on your Apple Maps listing. photos and videos can offer a dynamic glimpse of your business, from showcasing the interior to promoting seasonal items or events; and high engagement on visuals suggests strong interest in your location or services.

To increase photo and video engagement, regularly update photos to reflect new products, seasonal changes, or events. Experiment with different media types like videos, and make sure your visuals are high-quality and aligned with your brand image.

#7 Showcase Performance

Showcase performance refers to the engagement and clicks generated by your Apple Business Connect showcases which are time-sensitive promotions displayed in your listing. Tracking how many users click or engage with these can indicate the effectiveness of your campaigns.

To increase showcase performance, use eye-catching images and a clear call-to-action (CTA) in your showcases. Track which types of promotions perform best and adjust future campaigns accordingly.

How Apple Business Connect Insights Drive Business Growth

By actively monitoring Apple Business Connect KPIs, businesses can optimize their Apple Maps presence, improving both online conversions and foot traffic. Here’s how each KPI aligns with specific growth strategies:

• Increased views makes your profile appear in more relevant searches.

• More direction requests strengthen your local SEO to boost foot traffic.

• More clicks drive more digital interactions that can convert into bookings or sales.

• More and better reviews build social proof leading to better rankings and trust.

• Higher engagement captures attention and maximizes promotional opportunities.

Integrating Apple Maps with Broader Digital Marketing Strategies

Apple Business Connect and Apple Maps are key elements of a business’s local digital marketing strategy. However, to get the full benefit, these insights should be integrated with other platforms. For example:

• Cross-platform strategies: Aligning your presence on Apple Maps with other relevant directories like Google or Yelp helps create a consistent brand image and maximizes visibility; utilizing a listings management software.

• Review management tools: By integrating review management software like Uberall, businesses can automate responses, track sentiment across multiple platforms, and ensure no negative review goes unaddressed.

Conclusion

Apple Business Connect offers a powerful suite of tools to control and optimize your presence, and by monitoring the right KPIs, you can turn Apple Maps into a key driver for your business’s success. And as Apple Maps continues to gain traction, it’s essential for businesses to capitalize on the platform.

By staying on top of views, direction requests, reviews, and customer engagement, businesses can ensure they’re attracting the right customers at the right time. Leverage Apple Business Connect effectively, and you’ll stay ahead in the competitive local marketing landscape.