For businesses, getting listed online is an important way they can drive people to find their business. With the number of directory websites available, it is almost impossible for the business to be found online. But because there are small and start-up businesses, having their customers find them online can be a big help to the success of their business. One way they can do this is to have their business listed on websites such as these.
Apple has just recently launched a web service they have called as Maps Connect. Through this service, business owners are able to manage their listings available on Apple Maps. So whenever they need to update a certain data on their listing, they can easily do that with just a phone call or email. Additionally, the web service enables business owners to use a tool to set up indoor positioning on selected areas. Powered by iBeacon indoor mapping tool, the service enables business owners to setup an interior look of their establishment. This way, they can provide a more detailed guide of their venue on Apple Maps.
As of this writing, the tool is only limited to locations that have met the specific criteria set up by the website. So if you would like to set up your establishment’s indoor map, you would need to have WiFi access throughout the building. And did we mention your establishment needs to have at least 1 million visits every year? It may seem a lot but for now, these two are the only criteria imposed by Apple for business owners that would like to take advantage of the service.
If you meet the criteria, you can add your business to the listing. According to Search Engine Land, the update will take around a week before it shows up on Maps. But once your listing appears on Apple Maps, Siri will be able to help its users locate your business. A week’s wait is worth it, especially since the tool will be a very useful and powerful way for your customers to find your business.
The indoor mapping service’s full terms are:
Read Me Before Signing Up
Thank you for your interest in Apple’s new indoor positioning technology. We
have received an overwhelming response on this service and we are prioritizing
our efforts to focus on venues with the following attributes:
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Accessible to the general public
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Annual visitors in excess of 1 million per year
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Availability of complete, accurate, and scaled reference maps
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Enabled with Wi-Fi throughout
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Associated app is authorized by venue owner
Hopefully, the tool will be available to more businesses soon. Are you excited to try using this? Let us know in the comments below!
Source: 9to5 Mac
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