Empowering businesses with a comprehensive suite of directory connections

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Today, online directories have become indispensable channels for finding businesses online. Mobal has established robust connections with various mapping directories to enrich user experiences and simplify their journeys.

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In this article, we look at the directories that Mobal is integrated with, highlighting their significance and the benefits they offer. From social media giants like Facebook and Instagram to industry leaders like Google and Apple, Mobal's directory connections empower users with a comprehensive suite of directory connections.

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Google Maps

With over 154 million monthly active users, Google Maps is by far the most popular map directory. Its mobile app is installed on over 67% of all U.S. smartphones, making it a dominant force in the map directory world. Businesses can easily create a free Google Business profile, which includes basic information such as their address, phone number, website URL, hours of operation, and reviews. Businesses can also use Google Ads to promote their listing and appear at the top of search results.

Type of connection: Mobal pushes data directly to Google Business from the Mobal profile via an API. Mobal is the single source of truth and your profiles are not updated based on Google or any user suggestions on Google. With Mobal, you have full control of your Google Maps and Search information.

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Apple, Apple Maps & Siri

As the default mapping app for iOS devices, Apple Maps is another popular map directory. Businesses can claim their listing through Apple Maps Connect and add information such as their address, phone number, website, hours, and category. Apple Maps is a widely used map directory that comes pre-installed on all iOS devices. Around 3 out of 4 iOS users use Apple Maps on their iOS devices.

Apple Maps is tightly integrated with Siri, Apple's voice assistant, meaning businesses listed on Apple Maps have a better chance of appearing in voice searches. This makes it a vital map directory for companies that want to reach Apple users. Businesses can update their information on Apple Maps, improving iOS users' visibility and ensuring accurate results when users interact with Siri for location-based queries.

Type of connection: The connection with Apple is one-way API connection. Data is sent to Apple daily.

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Waze

Waze is another top-rated map directory that businesses should consider. Waze is owned by Google and had around  9.12 million downloads in 2022. Waze is a child directory of Google Business Profile (GBP). It's a community-based traffic and navigation app that allows users to share real-time traffic updates, accidents, and road closures. Being listed on Waze can help companies reach a highly engaged audience of drivers looking for information about their local area. Therefore, it's a great addition to the significant map directories that businesses should consider listing on.

Type of connection: Mobal has a direct connection with Waze through Google Business. Waze pulls its information from Google Business. Mobal pushes data directly to Waze from the Mobal profile.

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Foursquare

Foursquare is a popular platform with over 55 million users worldwide that combines location-based social networking with personalized recommendations. Mobal's connection with Foursquare allows businesses to manage their Foursquare profiles, ensuring accurate information and leveraging Foursquare's extensive user base for enhanced visibility and engagement.

Type of connection: Mobal has a one-way connection with Foursquare, pushing data to Foursquare.

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Bing Maps

Bing Maps is also a popular map directory that businesses should consider. Bing Maps, powered by Microsoft and Microsft default search engine, is a popular map directory (6% of the world uses it) that offers a range of features similar to other leading platforms. Mobal's connection with Bing expands its directory options, ensuring companies get found on Bing with the right basic information such as their address, phone number, and website URL.

Type of connection: The connection is a direct two-way connection. Mobal pushes listing data directly to Bing Places, but Bing still curates what will be published.

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Facebook

Facebook, the world's largest social media platform, is a hub for connecting with friends and sharing content and offers comprehensive location-based services. Facebook Maps is another map directory available on the Facebook app. Google Maps is more widely used than Facebook Maps, but Facebook has a large user base, especially among older demographics. Facebook Maps allows businesses to create a location page listing their address, phone number, and hours of operation. This makes it a critical map directory for companies that want to reach older audiences.

Type of connection: Mobal directly connects with Facebook pushing data to Facebook and receiving data from there.

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Instagram

Instagram Maps is a relatively new map directory on the Instagram app. It's less widely used than Apple Maps or Google Maps, but it's growing quickly, especially among younger users. Facebook owns Instagram, and today, more than 1 million brands worldwide use Instagram to share their stories and drive business results. Instagram Maps allows businesses to tag their location in their posts and stories, which makes it easier for users to find them. This makes it a vital map directory for companies that want to reach younger, more visually-oriented audiences.

Type of connection:  Instagram Locations is different from an Instagram account. Locations on Instagram appear only when a location is created on Facebook. Locations cant be created directly on Instagram. It must be created on Facebook; then it is automatically created on Instagram. Mobal has a two-way connection, directly linked to Facebook. Mobal pushes data to Facebook, and Facebook pushes data to Mobal.

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TomTom

TomTom, a prominent navigation technology company, offers mapping and traffic products widely used in automotive and personal navigation devices. With millions of people relying on TomTom data, it is an important channel for businesses to consider, especially in the automotive industry. With Mobal, businesses can manage their profiles and information on TomTom, ensuring accurate representation across TomTom's navigation solutions.

Type of connection: Mobal has a one-way connection with Foursquare, and Foursquare regularly updates TomTom with POI data.

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Here Maps

Here is a leading mapping and location platform used across various industries. However, it is especially popular in-car navigation systems and is often the default system. Mobal's integration with Here enables businesses to update their information on the Here platform, reaching users who rely on Here for navigation and location-based services.

Type of connection: Mobal has a one-way connection with Here Maps. When an update is pushed through Mobal, we automatically send your geo-location information to Here Maps. The update is not instant - Here goes through all the feedback.

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Snapchat

While primarily known as a  social media platform, Snapchat offers location-based features that enhance user experiences. Mobal's integration with Snapchat allows companies to reach the younger audience on Snapchat.

Type of connection: Mobal offers to manually update your Snapchat information. However, Snapchat does not offer automatic integration.

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Factual

Factual, a company specializing in location data, joined forces with Foursquare to establish the dominant authority in location-based technology and data for worldwide brands, advertisers, publishers, and agencies.

By integrating with Foursquare, Mobal enables businesses to manage their listings on Factual's platform, ensuring consistency and accuracy across directories that utilize Factual's data.

Type of connection: Mobal has a one-way connection with Foursquare.

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MapQuest

MapQuest is a popular mapping and navigation service used by millions. Mobal's integration with MapQuest allows businesses to update their information on this platform, ensuring accurate representation for MapQuest users.

Type of connection: MapQuest reads data from several different data providers, among others TomTom, which is connected to Mobal through Foursquare. By ensuring you keep Foursquare and the other Mobal integrations up-to-date, your data will stay consistent with MapQuest.

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Microsoft

Mobal's connection with Microsoft expands businesses' reach to  Microsoft Maps. By updating their information through Mobal, companies can ensure accurate listings across Microsoft's ecosystem.

Type of connection: Mobal has a connection to Microsoft via Bing.

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Uber

Mobal's integration with Uber enables businesses to manage and control their information and locations within the Uber app. This ensures accurate pickup and drop-off points, improving the overall user experience for customers utilizing Uber for transportation.

Type of connection: Uber pulls data from Google Maps to its app and Mobal integrates seamlessly with Google Maps.

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Yellow Pages, HotFrog, and DuckDuckGo

Mobal's connections extend to online directories such as Yellow Pages, HotFrog, and DuckDuckGo, allowing businesses to update their information and maintain accurate listings.

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Type of connection:  

HotFrog does not have an API, but crawls information from the internet and other directories.

Yellow Pages crawls TomTom and Foursquare pushes some information to TomTom.

DuckDuckGo:  The information on DuckDuckGo is being taken from Foursqaure. Mobal has a connection to Foursqaure.

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Conclusion

As a comprehensive business profile management tool, Mobal empowers businesses to update their information across multiple directories from one centralized platform. This streamlined approach saves time, reduces errors, and ensures customers receive accurate and up-to-date business information.

By integrating with popular directories like Facebook, Google, Foursquare, Apple, and more, Mobal offers businesses a powerful solution to maintain consistent and synchronized business profiles. Whether updating opening hours, adding new services, or responding to customer reviews, companies can manage their online presence efficiently through Mobal's unified interface.

By leveraging Mobal's centralized platform, businesses can maintain a strong online presence, engage with customers effectively, and ultimately drive growth in today's digital landscape.

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