Difference Between Google Maps & Apple Maps

The digital mapping industry is highly competitive, with Google Maps and Apple Maps being two of the most popular platforms. While both platforms offer similar services, there are several differences in their effectiveness, reach, and support for local businesses. In this blog, we will explore a debate between a Google Maps executive and an Apple Maps executive on each platform's effectiveness, reach, support for local businesses, citation, and tools and strategies used to help local businesses.

Effectiveness and Reach

Google Maps is widely regarded as the most effective and comprehensive mapping platform, with an extensive database of information on businesses, landmarks, and other points of interest. It offers users detailed driving, walking, and public transportation directions, as well as real-time traffic updates.

Apple Maps, on the other hand, has had a tumultuous history, with a rocky start and several issues with accuracy and reliability. However, in recent years, Apple has invested heavily in improving the platform, with more accurate maps, real-time traffic updates, and improved navigation features.

In terms of reach, both Google Maps and Apple Maps have a global reach, with coverage in most major cities and regions. However, Google Maps has a more extensive database of information, making it a more comprehensive and reliable platform overall.

Support for Local Businesses

Both Google Maps and Apple Maps offer support for local businesses, with the ability to create business listings, add photos and descriptions, and receive reviews from customers. However, Google Maps is the more popular platform for local businesses, with a more extensive database of business listings and a more robust suite of tools for managing and promoting their listings.

Google My Business is a free tool that allows businesses to manage their Google Maps listings, update their business information, and respond to customer reviews. It also offers analytics tools, allowing businesses to track their visibility and engagement on the platform.

Apple Maps offers a similar suite of tools, with the ability to create business listings and manage business information. However, the platform is less popular among local businesses, with fewer tools and resources available to help businesses promote their listings and engage with customers.

Citation

Citation is an important factor in local search engine optimization (SEO), with businesses needing to ensure that their business information is consistent and accurate across all platforms. Google Maps is the more important platform for citation, with a more extensive database of business listings and a higher level of accuracy and consistency in its information.

Google uses a variety of signals to determine the relevance and authority of a business listing, including the accuracy and consistency of its information across the web. This means that businesses need to ensure that their information is consistent across all platforms, including Google Maps, Yelp, and other directory sites.

Apple Maps also plays a role in citation, with businesses needing to ensure that their information is accurate and consistent on the platform. However, Google Maps is the more important platform for citation overall, with a greater impact on local search rankings and visibility.

Tools and Strategies for Helping Local Businesses

Both Google Maps and Apple Maps offer a range of tools and strategies to help local businesses improve their visibility and engagement on the platform.

Google Maps offers several tools for promoting business listings, including Google Ads and Google Local Services Ads. These advertising options allow businesses to reach a targeted audience and promote their listings to users searching for relevant products or services.

Google Maps also offers several features designed to help businesses engage with customers, including the ability to respond to reviews, post updates and photos, and offer special promotions or discounts.

Apple Maps offers similar tools, including the ability to create business listings, add photos and descriptions, and receive reviews from customers. The platform also offers advertising options, allowing businesses to promote their listings to a targeted audience.

In addition, Apple Maps offers a feature called "Look Around," which allows users to view high-resolution 3D imagery of select cities and landmarks.