Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has expanded its Maps Connect tool for small businesses beyond the United States to other key markets of the U.K, Ireland, Australia and Singapore. Small businesses can now use the web-based tool to add or edit their listings on the maps database as well as set up indoor positioning in select areas.
Partnerships
The Cupertino-based company has been revamping its mapping service in the recent past as it looks to compete hand in hand against Google maps on the same front. The company has already partnered with a string of partners as it looks to provide better offerings for its iOS users. Some of the companies that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has struck partnerships with include Tom-Tom.
Under the new expansion plan, businesses in the new locations can provide additional information such as email address and phone numbers that potential clients can use for contacting them. If you are new to Apple Maps, you will need to visit the platforms connect website and sign up. Selecting ‘Add My Business’ should be the next step for businesses where one will be prompted to share more details about the location of the business.
IBeacon Tool
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) recommends businesses wishing to submit bulk locations for listing on Apple maps to use any of the verified partners for the same, such as Yext, Yodle and DAC group. Business owners can use iBeacon-powered indoor mapping tool for setting up the interior views of their businesses on the maps platform for guiding users through the venue. The tool is however limited to specific businesses with Wi-Fi in all the building and accommodate at least 1 million visitors annually.
Any updates initiated by the iBeacon-powered tool should take up to a week to appear on the map. Listing on Apple Maps comes with its own benefits such as Siri being able to locate the business when a search is initiated.
