Mapping Matters
Your business's online visibility matters. Mapping Matters helps rural businesses claim and update their presence on the digital mapping platforms customers use every day, including Apple Maps and Google Maps.
Visibility Matters
Being on online mapping platforms is essential in today's technology-driven world. Customers increasingly rely on digital maps to discover businesses, services, and destinations around them.
Without a presence on these platforms, your business can be difficult for customers to find. Mapping Matters helps close the rural information gap and connects your business to more opportunities.
Imagine the benefits this could have on your revenue, foot traffic, and your brand — simply by making your business easier to find.
Why Being Visible Online Matters
- Be Discoverable
Customers use Apple Maps and Google Maps to find nearby businesses and services. - Reach More Customers
A complete and accurate listing makes it easier for customers to find your business when searching locally. - Connect Beyond Your Community
Digital mapping helps visitors and non-local customers discover rural businesses.
Fun Facts
Wisconsin is THE destination.
In 2025, Wisconsin tourism achieved its fourth consecutive year of record-breaking economic impact, generating $27.0 billion in total economic impact from 117.9 million visits. This represents a 3.1% increase in visits and a 4.4% increase in total economic impact compared to 2024.
Source: Wisconsin tourism economic impact data, 2025.
How to Add Your Business to Apple Maps
Apple Business Connect allows you to manage how your business appears across Apple Maps and other Apple services. It is free to use and gives you greater control over your business information, location, hours, website, photos, and more.
Go to Apple Business Connect →Go to Apple Business Connect
Visit Apple Business Connect and select the option to get started with managing your business on Apple Maps.
Sign In With Your Apple Account
Sign in using the Apple Account associated with your business. If you do not have one, you can create an Apple Account and continue the registration process.
Register Your Business
Follow the prompts to register your organization or business. Enter the requested business information and review Apple's terms and conditions.
Add or Claim Your Location
Search for your business to see whether Apple already has a listing. If it does, you can claim it. If it does not, add a new business location.
Complete Your Business Information
Add important information such as your business name, address, phone number, hours, website, logo, and photos. Keeping this information accurate helps customers find and contact you.
Verify Your Business
Apple may require you to verify your connection to the business before your information can be fully managed or published. Follow the verification instructions provided by Apple.
Keep Your Information Updated
Once your business is established, periodically review your listing. Keep your hours, contact information, website, photos, and other details accurate and current.
You're on the Map!
Your business is now better positioned to be discovered by customers searching through Apple Maps and other Apple services.
How to Add Your Business to Google Maps
Google Business Profile allows you to manage how your business appears across Google Search and Google Maps. It is free to use and gives you greater control over your business information, location, hours, website, photos, and more.
Go to Google Business Profile →Go to Google Business Profile
Visit Google Business Profile and select the option to add your business to Google. You will use this page to create or manage your business profile.
Sign In With Your Google Account
Sign in using the Google Account you want to use to manage your business. If you do not have a Google Account, you can create one before continuing.
Enter Your Business Name
Enter your business name exactly as it is used in the real world. Google will check whether a Business Profile for your business already exists.
Add or Claim Your Business
If your business does not already have a profile, follow the prompts to create one. If an existing unclaimed profile appears, select the option to claim the business instead.
Choose Your Business Category
Select the category that best describes your business. Choosing an accurate category helps Google understand what your business offers and can help customers find you.
Add Your Location or Service Area
Enter your business address if customers visit your location. If you operate as a service-area business, Google may allow you to list the areas you serve instead.
Complete Your Business Information
Add important information such as your phone number, website, hours, photos, and other available details. Accurate information makes it easier for customers to find and contact your business.
Verify Your Business
Google will provide the verification options available for your business. Follow the instructions provided by Google to verify that you are authorized to manage the Business Profile.
Keep Your Information Updated
Once your profile is verified, periodically review your business information. Keep your hours, contact information, website, photos, and other details accurate and current.
You're on Google Maps!
Your business is now better positioned to appear when customers search for businesses and explore locations through Google Search and Google Maps.
Make Your Business Listing Work for You
Getting your business on the map is the first step. Keeping your listing complete, accurate, and up to date helps customers find your business and know what to expect when they visit.
Accurate Hours
Keep your regular, seasonal, and holiday hours current so customers know when you're open.
Quality Photos
Add photos of your storefront, interior, products, services, and other features that help customers recognize your business.
Business Description
Clearly explain what your business offers and what makes it unique within the community.
Menu or Services
Restaurants can highlight their menu, while other businesses can showcase their services, products, or specialties.
Contact & Website
Make sure your phone number, website, address, and other contact information are accurate and easy to find.