Apple is building a “local business platform”. What does that mean for us?
Apple just launched Apple Business (April 14) and I think it’s something we should keep on our radar for Climbo @Giacomo Chinellato. This is not Apple becoming a full reputation management platform (yet). It’s mainly Apple Business Connect + Apple Business Manager + business email/calendar/directory + device management, plus a big focus on local discoverability across Apple Maps, Siri, Spotlight, Wallet, Mail, etc. The part that matters for usis that Apple is making it easier for businesses to manage their Apple Maps presence (place cards, photos, hours, categories, showcases/offers, actions like order/reserve) and they’re introducing Apple Maps ads (starting this summer, US/Canada only). Yes, just like the Google Business Profile we all know. So thinking ahead, knowing how big Apple is worldwide, I see this as an opportunity for Climbo to stand out by supporting Apple (from the beginning) as a channel. Similar to GBP being the #1 channel today. The roadmap ideas I think could be usefull are: 1. Add an “Apple Maps / Apple Business Profile” per location (like the Google Profile feature). Show if the Apple listing is claimed, and manage/track the key place card info (name, address, hours, photos, category, website link, etc.). 2. Add Apple Maps insights to the dashboard (like visibility stats, not just reviews). Show basic Apple Maps performance like searches/views and taps on call/website/directions (even if it starts with manual input/import). 3. Add Apple as a review channel inside Climbo (monitoring + replying workflow). If Apple reviews are available and integration is possible: monitor new Apple reviews and help reply. If not possible yet: at least a link-out button + task/reminder workflow (“new Apple review → go reply”). Even though it’s US/Canada first, I think we should watch far ahead. If Apple pushes this globally, the platforms that move early will stay ahead of the curve, and if we decide it’s needed, we can likely add Apple Maps support faster than most reputation management platforms out there.