Google Maps vs. Apple Maps: What’s the Difference and Why Your Painting Business Needs Both

Alright painters, let’s talk maps – not the kind you’d fold into a glovebox and never unfold the same way again, but the digital ones that customers rely on daily. Whether someone is whispering “Hey Siri, find a painter near me” or typing “house painters nearby” into Google, Maps is often the very first step in their decision-making journey.

So which is better for your painting business—Google Maps or Apple Maps? Spoiler: you need both. Let’s break it down with a fresh coat of up-to-date info.

What’s the Difference Between Google Maps and Apple Maps?

Google Maps

The Big Dog: Still the most used navigation app worldwide, with over a 70% market share. It’s the default for Android users and is tightly integrated with Google Search, meaning if someone searches “painters near me,” Google Maps results are front and center.

Packed with Features: Street View, reviews, photos, directions, business details, booking buttons, and even AI-powered suggestions (“People also search for…”). Plus, traffic updates – so you’ll know if your drive to the job site will take longer because of a parade in town.

Apple Maps

The iPhone Darling: Apple Maps now comes pre-installed on over 1.5 billion Apple devices. If someone uses Siri or iMessage to ask about local painters, Apple Maps powers those results.

Much Improved: Apple invested heavily in rebuilding its mapping system with 3D views, more accurate details, and smoother integrations with iOS. It’s no longer the punchline it was in 2012. For iPhone users (and there are plenty), Apple Maps is often the go-to.

Privacy First: Apple emphasizes user privacy, which matters to a growing number of consumers.

Why the Difference Matters

Think of it this way:

Google Maps is the big paint roller – it covers a massive surface area and gives you volume.

Apple Maps is the detail brush – it reaches a loyal, higher-income audience that loves Apple products and expects polished experiences.

Both together give you complete coverage. Ignore one, and you’re missing potential customers.

Are Both Important for Your Business?

Yes. Absolutely. No question about it. Here’s why:

More Visibility: Whether someone’s using an iPhone, an Android, or just searching on desktop, you’ll show up.

Boost Local SEO: Google Business Profile and Apple Maps listings are powerful local ranking signals. With AI-driven search results starting to reshape how Google displays local businesses, having optimized listings is now critical.

Target All Audiences: Google Maps casts the widest net, but Apple Maps connects you with loyal iOS users who often have higher spending power (good news for that full exterior repaint).

Maps + SEO + AI = The New Reality

Here’s what’s changed recently:

Google My Business → Google Business Profile (GBP): The platform rebranded, and Google continues adding features like booking links, messaging, and service menus.

AI-Powered Search: Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE) and AI overviews mean Maps and GBP listings often get pulled into AI answers. If your listing isn’t optimized, you could vanish from results.

Apple Business Connect (2023): Apple launched a new dashboard (replacing Maps Connect) where businesses can customize photos, showcase offers, and track engagement. If you haven’t updated your Apple listing here, you’re missing out.

How to Add Your Painting Business to Google Maps (Now Called Google Business Profile)

Claim or Create Your GBP:

• Go to Google Business Profile
  and log in.
• Add or claim your business, fill out details (name, address, phone, website, services, and hours).
• Verify your business (via postcard, email, or video verification).

Optimize Like a Pro:

• Add high-quality before-and-after photos (geo-tag them for extra SEO boost).
• Write a keyword-rich but natural description (“interior painting contractors in [Your City]”).
• Encourage and respond to reviews – Google factors this into rankings.
• Post updates (offers, completed projects, tips) – yes, GBP has a posting feature, and Google loves fresh activity.

How to Add Your Painting Business to Apple Maps (Now Apple Business Connect)

Claim or Add Your Listing:

• Go to Apple Business Connect (https://businessconnect.apple.com).
• Sign in with your Apple ID.
• Add and verify your business details (usually by phone).

Optimize Your Profile:

• Match your GBP info (consistency matters for SEO).
• Upload professional photos.
• Use Apple’s new “Showcases” feature to highlight promotions or seasonal offers.

Pro Tips for Both Platforms

• Be Consistent: Your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) should match across all platforms. Inconsistencies confuse both Google and Apple (and potential customers).
• Stay Updated: Keep hours, services, and photos current. Imagine someone searching “open now” and your listing says closed… not good.
• Leverage Reviews: Encourage happy clients to leave reviews on both platforms. Even one new review a month keeps your profile fresh.
• Think AI-Ready: The more complete your profiles, the more likely they’ll get pulled into AI-powered search summaries.

Final Thoughts: Maps Are Your Digital Billboards

Google Maps and Apple Maps aren’t optional – they’re digital storefronts that show up at the exact moment customers are ready to hire a painter. They boost trust, improve SEO, and make sure you’re not invisible when homeowners are searching.

So, don’t wait – claim and optimize your listings on both platforms. Need help? The Academy for Professional Painting Contractors (APPC) specializes in making sure painters get found—whether it’s on Google, Apple, or wherever AI decides to send your next customer.

Because at the end of the day, being visible on maps means being visible to the people ready to paint now.