Apple has announced a free tool called Apple Business Connect enabling businesses to customize their information across Apple applications like Maps, Messages, Wallet and Siri.
Businesses can use this free tool to manage their information in the interactive Apple Maps place card, such as inviting customers to take actions like ordering food or making a reservation directly from Maps.
“We created Business Connect to provide Apple users with the most accurate information for places to eat, shop, travel, and more,” said Eddy Cue, senior vice president of Services, Apple.
“Apple Business Connect gives every business owner the tools they need to connect with customers more directly, and take more control over the way billions of people see and engage with their products and services every day.”
A new feature named Showcases in the place card will help businesses present customers with offers and incentives.
Moreover, businesses can easily update the Showcase section of their place card with the new tool.
Showcases are now available to businesses in the US and will be available globally in the coming months.
Business owners can use their existing Apple ID — or create a new Apple ID — to register for Business Connect at the self-service website from any desktop or laptop computer. Once a business has logged in and Apple has verified their business, they can claim their location(s) and begin updating and personalising their place card, all for free.
For businesses with many locations, Business Connect includes Business Connect API to easily deliver accurate, up-to-date information to Maps at scale through listing management agencies such as Reputation, Rio SEO, SOCi, Uberall, and Yext, the iPhone maker said.
