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      How to create a new Location on Apple Business Connect

       

      Adding a New Location

      This phase is about providing the core, physical details of your business location. Before you begin, ensure you are signed in to Apple Business Connect with a user account that has the necessary privileges (Administrator or Location Manager) to the Company/Brand.

       

      Before you start, make sure you have:

      • An Apple ID tied to your business email domain (not a personal Apple ID).

      • A verified Company profile in Apple Business Connect.

      • A verified Brand already set up.

      • Access to:

        • Your business license or utility bill with business name and address. 

        • Access to a phone number or email associated with the location.

        • A physical address (no PO Boxes).

        • Optional: a website and storefront photos.

      Step 1: Navigate to the Locations Dashboard

      1. Sign In: Log in to Apple Business Connect.

      2. Select Company: If you manage multiple companies, select the appropriate one from the company list.

      3. Go to Locations: In the sidebar menu, select Locations.

      4. Add a Location: Click the Add button.

      Step 2: Enter Core Location Details

      This is where you provide the essential information that will appear on Apple Maps. You'll be prompted to fill out the following fields:

      • Location Name: This is the name customers will see on Apple Maps. It should be the official name of the business at that specific location. Do not include location-specific details like "Chicago" or "Main Street" unless it is part of the official brand name.

      • Primary Category: Select the category that best describes this location's business. This may be the same as your brand's primary category or a more specific one that has been designated as an additional brand category.

      • Country/Region: The country where the location is physically located.

      • Phone Number: The primary phone number for this specific location.

        ⚠️ Important Note: Apple requires that the phone number listed on your listing matches the phone number displayed on the associated website. Call tracking numbers or alternate phone numbers are not permitted. If the phone number does not match the website, Apple will deny the listing.

      • Website (Optional): While this is an optional field, it is highly recommended. You can add the specific URL for this location's page on your website. This is a direct link for customers to learn more about this particular location.
      • Location ID: This is an internal, client-generated field for your own use. You can assign a unique identifier (e.g., a number or code) to this specific location for easier management, especially if you have many locations. This field is for internal use only and is not visible to the public.

      • Full Address: The complete, accurate street address of the location. This must be a publicly accessible, physical address. Post office boxes are not accepted.

      • Map Pin Placement: This is a critical verification step. A map will appear with a pin dropped at the address you entered. You must drag and drop the pin to the exact entrance of your business to ensure customers are routed to the correct place. This is especially important for businesses in shopping centers, large buildings, or complexes.

      • Business Hours: Set the regular opening and closing hours for each day of the week. You can also designate specific days as "Closed" and set special hours for holidays or events. It's crucial to be precise with these times.
      • Brand: Select the brand you want this location to be associated with. This brand must have already been created and approved in Apple Business Connect.

      After filling out these details, click "Next" or "Save" to proceed.

      Location Verification

      This is the most crucial part of the process. Apple needs to verify that you have an actual presence at the physical location you've claimed. This prevents spam and ensures the accuracy of Maps data. Unlike company verification, which might involve several documents, location verification is typically done by phone or, in some cases, a single document upload.

      Step 3: Choose a Verification Method

      After entering the core location details, you will be prompted to verify the location. For new locations, the most common verification method is by phone.

       

      Option A: Utility Bill / Business License Upload
      Upload a scanned copy of:

      • A recent utility bill, business license, or lease agreement

      • Must show business name and location address

      Option B: Domain-Based Email Verification

      • If your website domain (e.g., yourcompany.com) is associated with the brand, and the email for the location uses the same domain, Apple may accept email verification.

      Option C: Phone Call Verification

      • Apple may offer to call the business phone number you provided. You’ll receive a code to enter immediately.

      • This option is not always available and depends on the type of business.

      Option D: Existing Location Match (Fastest)

      • If the location already appears on Apple Maps but is unclaimed, Apple may auto-match your submission to it.
      • You still must verify your connection to the location via one of the methods above.

      Important Note: Location verification is distinct from company verification. Even if your company is verified, each individual location must go through its own verification process to prove its existence.

      Optimizing the Place Card

      Once your location is verified, the dashboard will unlock new features to enrich your listing. This is where you can add detailed information that makes your location's Place Card more useful and engaging for customers.

      Step 4: Add Rich Location Details

      Navigate back to your newly verified location in the dashboard to fill in the following:

      • Cover Photo: Upload a high-quality, professional photo to serve as the main image on the location's Place Card. This photo should represent the business well (e.g., the exterior storefront, interior dining area).

        • Requirements: The image must meet Apple's size, ratio, and content guidelines.

      • Photo Gallery: Add multiple photos to a gallery that showcases your business. This could include photos of the interior, products, menu items, or your staff in action.

      • Business Hours: Set the regular opening and closing hours for each day of the week. You can also add special hours for holidays or events.

      • Actions: Add interactive links that allow customers to take action directly from the Place Card. This can include links to:

        • Order food (e.g., Grubhub, DoorDash)

        • Make a reservation (e.g., OpenTable)

        • Book an appointment

        • View a menu or services list

      • Good to Know: Use the "Good to Know" attributes to highlight key features of your business. The available attributes will be based on your primary category. Examples include "Wi-Fi," "Accepts Apple Pay," "Outdoor Seating," or "Family-friendly."

      • Showcase: Use this feature to create timely promotional content. This could be a special offer, a seasonal menu item, or an upcoming event. Showcases can include text, a photo, and a call-to-action button.

      • About: Write a brief, descriptive summary of your business. This is your chance to tell customers what makes your location unique.

      Ongoing Verification and Management

      • Data Consistency: A key best practice is to ensure that your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) data is consistent across all online directories, including your website, social media, and other listing services. Inconsistent data can confuse search engines and affect your ranking.

      • Updates: Keep your location information up to date. If hours change, a new product is featured, or a new photo is available, update the listing in Apple Business Connect to provide the most accurate information to your customers.

      • Insights: Use the Insights dashboard to monitor how customers are interacting with your Place Card and make data-driven decisions to optimize your listing. This can include information on search queries and clicks on your "Actions."