types of online maps to use for local business lead generation
When it comes to local business success, visibility is everything. While many business owners focus on social media and websites, online maps are a powerful—and often overlooked—tool for generating local leads.
People use maps not just for directions, but to discover nearby services, products, and events. If your business is well-represented on the right kinds of maps, it can drive more foot traffic, phone calls, and online inquiries than many paid ads.
Here’s a breakdown of the most effective types of online maps for local lead generation—and how to use them.
1. Google Maps
Google Maps is the most widely used mapping platform in the world. When someone searches for “[service] near me” or “[business type] in [city],” Google Maps often shows the top results first—right on the search results page.
How to Leverage Google Maps for Leads:
- Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business)
- Add up-to-date contact info, hours, services, and photos
- Encourage happy customers to leave reviews
- Post regular updates or promotions through your profile
Google Maps helps you show up in local search and gives potential customers easy ways to call, navigate, or visit your website—right from their phone.
2. Apple Maps
Often forgotten by business owners, Apple Maps is the default navigation app for iPhone users—and that’s a big audience.
How to Get Listed:
- Claim your listing through Apple Business Connect
- Add high-quality photos, links, and business info
- Ensure your hours and address are accurate
If your target customers use iPhones or Siri to find businesses (and many do), Apple Maps is essential for local visibility.
3. Bing Maps
While Bing’s market share is smaller than Google’s, it’s still used by millions—especially on Microsoft Edge, Windows devices, and some voice assistants.
How to Get Leads from Bing Maps:
- Claim your business through Bing Places for Business
- Sync your info with your Google listing to save time
- Use relevant keywords in your business description
Optimizing for Bing helps you tap into another stream of local searches without any extra cost.
4. Facebook Maps (via Location Tagging)
Facebook is more than a social platform—it’s also a search tool. When people search for businesses, places, or check-ins near them, they’re using Facebook’s map functionality, especially in mobile view.
Tips to Appear on Facebook Maps:
- Ensure your Facebook Page has your location and category filled out
- Enable check-ins so customers can tag your business
- Post regularly with your location tagged
More check-ins and reviews help Facebook rank your business higher when users search nearby.
5. Waze
Waze is a GPS navigation app owned by Google that’s popular for real-time driving updates. It’s used by commuters and travelers looking for nearby food, gas, and services.
Waze Lead Generation Tactics:
- Use Waze Local Ads to appear as a branded pin on the map when drivers are nearby
- Offer directions and contact buttons for easy conversion
- Target by distance and time of day for better relevance
This is especially powerful for restaurants, gas stations, and retail shops near busy roads or highways.
6. OpenStreetMap (OSM)
OpenStreetMap is a collaborative mapping platform used by many third-party apps, including Uber, Strava, and some local delivery services.
How to Get Involved:
- Add or update your business listing at www.openstreetmap.org
- Include accurate tags, categories, and location data
- Use OSM data to power your own app or internal mapping system if needed
Though it’s more technical, being on OSM improves visibility across dozens of apps that rely on its data.
7. Map-Based Directory Platforms
These are niche or industry-specific platforms that use maps to show listings—like:
- Yelp (service businesses, food, wellness)
- TripAdvisor (travel, dining, attractions)
- Zillow/Redfin (real estate)
- Nextdoor (neighborhood services and local recommendations)
Why They Work:
- People trust reviews and visuals
- Searches are location-based
- They allow direct interaction (messages, bookings, etc.)
Being active on a few relevant map-based directories builds credibility and reach.
Final Thoughts
Online maps are more than just navigation tools—they’re powerful lead generators that connect local businesses with real people searching for real solutions nearby.
By showing up on the right platforms and keeping your information accurate and engaging, you make it easy for new customers to find you, trust you, and take action.