Business Not Showing Up on Apple Maps? Here’s How to Fix It

Reason #1: Apple Maps Used to Prioritize Brick-and-Mortar Locations

Until very recently, Apple Maps favored brick-and-mortar businesses. So if your business had a shop or office where customers could walk in, appearing on Maps wasn’t too difficult! But if you’re like most service-based businesses—roofers, landscapers, plumbers, etc.—this hasn’t always been the case…

On Google Maps, you can hide your address and still show up in searches. Apple’s guidelines regarding Maps, however, have traditionally required a publicly accessible address that anyone can visit during business hours.

This changed in October 2024. As a result, today, your subcontractor might be showing up because:

1. They’d registered a physical location with Apple Maps before the update—even if this didn’t follow Apple’s rules—and weren’t taken down.
2. They’ve done their homework and taken the necessary steps to become visible on Apple Maps as a service-based business.

Reason #2: Google Maps Used to Work Better for Service-Based Businesses

That’s not the case anymore, though!

Apple recently announced updates to its Apple Business Connect platform, making it possible for businesses without a physical storefront to appear on Apple Maps and other Apple apps like Wallet and Mail.

Now, even if you don’t have a brick-and-mortar location, you can create a visual brand presence on Apple Maps and other Apple apps. This is a game-changer for service-based businesses and online-only operations.

Using Apple Business Connect, you can now:

• Claim and customize your Apple Maps listing.
• Add key business details like photos, logos, and promotions.
• Use tools like Branded Mail to display your business name and logo in customer emails.
• Register for Business Caller ID to ensure your business looks professional when calling customers.

This update means Apple Maps is no longer just for businesses with storefronts—it’s for everyone.

That said, this is still fairly new and most service businesses haven’t caught up yet.

Reason #3: Google Maps Still Offers the Best Value

While Apple Maps is slowly catching up, Google Maps remains the go-to for service-based businesses. Here’s why:

• No storefront? No problem: Google Maps allows you to list your business even if you operate from home or provide on-site services.
• Bigger audience: With over 158 million monthly users in the US, Google Maps still beats Apple Maps (70-110 million users).
• Local search leader: Google’s search tools make it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

So, in our opinion, if you want the best bang for your buck, optimizing your Google Business Profile (think GBP description, services or photos) should remain your top priority in 2024. Sure, Apple Maps is growing, but Google is still where most of your customers are currently searching.

That said, don’t ignore Apple Maps. With 61% of US smartphone users on iPhones, being on Apple Maps allows you to show up when people use Siri or search for services nearby.

How to Appear on Apple Maps

Follow these steps to get your business showing up on Apple Maps:

1. Claim Your Listing via Apple Business Connect

• Visit the Apple Business Connect portal.
• Sign in with your Apple ID. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to create it.
• Search for your business. If it appears, you can claim it; if not, you’ll have the option to add it.
• Verify your business by providing necessary documentation and completing the verification process.

Apple Business Connect is a free platform that allows businesses to manage their information across Apple services, including Maps, Wallet and Siri.

2. Complete All Profile Fields

• Business details: Make sure your business name, address, phone number, website and hours of operation are accurate.
• Visual content: Upload high-quality photos and your business logo to enhance your listing.
• Categories: Select the most appropriate category that describes your business.
• Promotions: Add any current promotions or special offers to attract customers.

Completing all profile fields helps customers find accurate and engaging information about your business.

3. Use “Report Something Missing”

If your business doesn’t appear on Apple Maps:

• Open the Apple Maps app on your iPhone or iPad.
• Touch and hold the map at your business location until a pin appears.
• Tap the “More” button (represented by three dots) on the place card.
• Select “Report Something Missing.”
• Provide the necessary details about your business, including name, address, and category.

This feature exists to allow users to suggest additions to Apple Maps, which are then reviewed by Apple.

4. Fix Existing Listings with “Report an Issue”

Found inaccuracies in your business listing? To correct them:

• Open the Apple Maps app on your iPhone or iPad.
• Find your business on the map.
• Tap the place card for your business.
• Scroll down and select “Report an Issue.“
• Choose the appropriate issue (e.g., incorrect address, wrong hours).
• Submit the corrected information for review.

Reporting issues helps maintain accurate and reliable information on Apple Maps.

Optimizing Your Profile for Service-Based Businesses

(Re)Claimed your listing? Now, it’s time to make sure it stands out. To do so:

• Use keywords naturally: Include “roofing,” “landscaping,” or your specific service in your business description.
• Solicit reviews on Apple Maps: Encourage satisfied customers to leave 5‑star ratings. Apple emphasizes review count!
• Keep details up-to-date: Seasonal hours, new services and holiday closures should all be reflected in your profile.
• Monitor your results: Apple Business Connect provides insights on how often your listing appears in searches—refine your profile based on this data.

Get Your Business Found on Apple Maps

Olly Olly helps you create, optimize, and update your Apple Business Connect listing so customers can find you when it matters most.

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