Did you know Apple Maps now allows people to rate and leave reviews about businesses within their navigation platform? You might not think this is a big deal, but this change could impact your reputation score if you’re a business.
Apple Maps didn’t start as a widely used navigation system. Created back in 2012, Apple Maps initially had many technical issues that helped push Google Maps to become the favored navigation choice. However, the technology has become more sophisticated and will now compete with other platforms to rate and review businesses located in their database.
Reviews and ratings on Apple Maps are a significant change for businesses because it will directly impact yours, giving customers another outlet to voice their opinions. We have the scoop on what you need to know and what you can do!
How Many People Use An Apple Device?
You may be thinking, Who cares? Not everyone uses an iPhone.
Although not all cell phone users will have Apple Maps, it still accounts for 100 million Apple users. Plus, Apple products go beyond just cell phones; they have iPads and other Apple devices. It’s a huge percentage, and at the rate Apple is growing and continues to stay a large company, you will have to worry about this and its future implications.
Why Did Apple Maps Change?
Apple Maps has slowly developed an improved navigation system. Although Apple Maps has been around since 2012, only until 2016 were businesses able to utilize its features and help manage their business listings.
Initially, Apple Maps only consisted of essential information and mainly relied on third-party apps to add additional features to compete with other comparable platforms. The new Apple maps review software will not be like traditional online review platforms. Apple wanted to change the format to differ from other navigation applications.
Plus, since the accounts stay connected to an individual’s Apple account, there’s less chance of spam or false business information, as seen with Google Maps.
The Review System
Instead, Apple maps will ask you to give it a “thumbs up” or “thumbs down.” The system is a binary way to conduct information. The primary goal is to rid itself of using third-party companies, such as Yelp or Google. It will allow Apple to have its source of data regarding customer experience.
It will list several categories you can rate a business on if you recommend it, products, and service. These reviews will display the same binary option. It’s a slightly different approach compared to other reputable companies. Additionally, a customer will not write a review, use the “thumbs up/down” system, plus add pictures.
What Does This Mean?
It means you will have another review source to manage. Think about whenever people use their Apple Maps to find a location or business; it will implement your reviews into its data and possibly impact whether people choose your business. It will add to data already that attribute to your online presence and reputation.
The good news is this new upgrade will eliminate fewer spam accounts often made to leave negative reviews. Since all Apple Map reviews are attached to an Apple account, it will become easier to track fake reviewers.
What Can I Do?
Apple Maps has already started rolling the reviews platform out. Just like with any review site, it’s crucial to manage it. You must stay up-to-date with changes and make sure you’re checking your Apple Maps reviews.
If your business does not have an online reputation strategy, consider investing in online reputation management software such as ReviewInc. It will help automate campaigns to generate new reviews, send alerts when new reviews come in, display reviews across all review sites in one place and so much more. For more information on ReviewInc, schedule a demo today.
It’s a lot to keep track of all online reviews, but there are ways to simplify the process! You can invest in reputation software to help notify you of any changes to your online platform and assist in rectifying the issue, therefore protecting your online presence.
