Apple Maps and Bing Places for Local Businesses
Most local SEO advice focuses on Google, and for good reason. But many people use Apple Maps on iPhones and Macs, and Bing powers search in several products and voice assistants. Claiming your listings on these platforms takes a short time and widens your reach for free.
Apple Maps: Apple Business Connect
Apple provides a free service called Apple Business Connect to manage how your business appears in Apple Maps and other Apple apps.
What you can do
- Claim your business and verify that you own it
- Correct your name, address, phone number, website, and hours
- Add photos and your logo
- Set up special hours and holiday closures
- Add links for actions such as ordering or booking, where supported
- View insights about how people find your listing
How to start
- Search for your business in Apple Business Connect
- If it exists, claim it. If not, add it
- Verify ownership, typically by phone or documentation
- Complete every available field accurately
Bing Places for Business
Bing Places is Microsoft's free tool for managing business listings across Bing and other Microsoft products.
What you can do
- Claim or create your listing
- Update hours, services, photos, and contact information
- Respond to some customer interactions
- In some cases, import your details from your Google Business Profile to save time
How to start
- Sign in to Bing Places with a Microsoft account
- Search for your business and claim it, or add it as new
- Verify ownership using the method offered
- Check that imported details are correct
Features can change over time, so check each platform's current instructions.
Why bother?
- More coverage. Some customers never open Google Maps.
- Consistency. Accurate details everywhere reduce confusion. See NAP consistency.
- Control. If you do not claim your listing, it may display outdated or wrong information.
- Voice assistants and in-car systems often draw on these data sources, so accurate details help people find you hands-free.
Tips
- Use exactly the same business name, address, and phone number as on your website and Google profile
- Choose categories carefully
- Upload your real photos. See Google Business Profile posts and photos
- Keep hours current and add special hours before holidays
- Add a link to your website and make sure it works. A fast, mobile-friendly site helps. See mobile-friendly checklist
Other places worth checking
Some industries have important platforms of their own, such as restaurant, travel, or trade directories. See which online directories matter.
Maintain them
Set a reminder to review your listings every few months and whenever something changes. Outdated listings cost goodwill.
The bottom line
Claim and complete your Apple and Bing listings, keep them consistent with Google, and you will be easier to find on whichever map your customers use.