Mapping apps are becoming increasingly popular among consumers for various purposes, ranging from initial research to finding directions to a business’s location. As a prominent provider of GPS Business Listings Management, we have observed a significant increase in proximity-based searches over the years. While big brands tend to dominate general searches, local map searches present a significant opportunity for agencies to add substantial value to their clients. Therefore, if you do not already have a GPS data distribution system, it is crucial to understand its importance and consider implementing one.

Why Map Apps Matter for Local Businesses?

Although map apps were initially developed to display the locations of points of interest globally, products such as Google Maps and Apple Maps have evolved significantly over time, offering users a multitude of search features.

In addition to providing basic information such as a business’s name, address, and phone number (NAP), business listings on these apps may also feature customer reviews, a detailed description, FAQs, photos, and attributes. Considering that approximately 46% of Google searches have local intent, having a comprehensive and accurate business listing on these platforms can prove to be a valuable sales tool for local businesses.

What Map Apps & In-Dash Navigation Solutions Matter?

In the past, we recommended five mapping apps and navigation solutions that businesses should consider, including popular choices such as Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Waze. However, we also emphasized the importance of a broader syndication approach that targets a variety of GPS devices and in-dash navigation systems, as well as emerging technologies like self-driving cars.

Having a comprehensive presence across multiple platforms and devices can increase the chances of being found by potential customers, thereby allowing businesses to reach their target audience more effectively. Google reports that within one week of performing a local search on their smartphones, 88% of people visit the store. This number could be even higher for those using in-dash navigation systems from brands like Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, and Mazda.

Since consumers using mapping apps are typically closer to making a purchase decision, having a well-crafted GPS directory listing can be a crucial factor in securing new customers. By implementing a comprehensive mapping app strategy, businesses can easily achieve real-world results with minimal effort, and local business clients can benefit from reaching their target audience more effectively.

How to Get Listed on Mapping Apps?

At Localise, our commitment to providing accurate Business Listings Management across various platforms while eliminating bad data is well-known. But why is this important? For local businesses to succeed in the long run, they must be easily discoverable on all platforms, including emerging smaller services, in addition to popular ones like Google Maps. Ignoring these platforms can be detrimental to a business’s growth, and providing accurate and consistent data is essential to meeting the needs of consumers.

Our Data Amplifier Network addresses both requirements by disseminating consistent business data to a wide array of platforms, including mapping apps, GPS POI databases, Garmin and TomTom devices, wearables, in-dash navigation systems, and more. This ensures that businesses can reach their target audience across various devices and platforms, leading to greater visibility and growth.

Getting Found on Map Apps – Business Listings Management

Lastly, it’s essential to note that the quality of data you provide to each platform can significantly impact your business’s visibility. Therefore, businesses should take advantage of opportunities to provide keyword-rich descriptions, opening hours, high-quality images, and any other features that the mapping app offers. Our listing management services offer opportunities for optimization, which can make a significant difference in a business’s visibility. When combined with customer reviews and search proximity, optimized listings have the best chance of being discovered by targeted consumers in the area.

Here are some tips on how local businesses can use map apps to get found:

Claim your business listing: The first step is to claim your business listing on map apps. Ensuring that your business listing is claimed will guarantee that the information about your business is precise and current. You can also add photos, descriptions, and other details to make your listing more appealing.

Optimize your listing: Map apps use algorithms to determine which businesses to show to users. To increase your chances of being seen, optimize your listing with relevant keywords and categories. This will help your business appear in search results when people are looking for businesses like yours.

Encourage reviews: Reviews are a critical component of map apps. Encourage your customers to leave reviews on your listing, as this will help your business rank higher in search results. Make sure to respond to reviews, both positive and negative, to show that you value customer feedback.

Offer promotions: Map apps offer businesses the opportunity to create promotions and deals that appear on their listings. Take advantage of this feature to attract new customers and incentivize repeat business.

Use location-based advertising: Map apps also offer location-based advertising options. This means you can create targeted ads that are only shown to people in your local area. This is a great way to reach potential customers who are already in the vicinity of your business.

Conclusion

Map apps are a powerful tool for local businesses looking to increase their visibility and attract more customers and manage their Business Listings Management. By claiming your business listing, optimizing your listing with relevant keywords and categories, encouraging reviews, offering promotions, and using location-based advertising, you can leverage map apps to get found by potential customers in your area. So, if you’re a local business owner, make sure to take advantage of this valuable resource!