Since you look after local SEO<\/a> for your clients, you know the importance of mapping apps. You\u2019re probably wondering how to add a business to Waze. In this article, we\u2019ll go over exactly how you can do just that. We\u2019ll also dive into some of the reasons why you might not want to overlook this smaller mapping app.<\/p>\n[et_pb_section global_module=\"113175 \"][\/et_pb_section]\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”What is Waze for business?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Waze is a mapping application with active users across the globe. The distinguishing feature that sets it apart from its more widely-known counterparts, like Google Maps and even Apple Maps<\/a>,\u00a0 is the use of user-generated data, enabling the app to provide real-time updates on traffic situations, accidents, and construction zones. This information allows Waze to recommend the most time-efficient routes for its users, making it a useful tool for daily commuters and travelers looking to avoid delays while getting around.<\/p>\n So, what does all this mean for businesses? For local business owners with brick-and-mortar locations, Waze is a tool for increasing visibility and attracting potential customers. As users navigate through the app, they often search for nearby amenities such as coffee shops, gas stations, shops, or restaurants<\/a> on their route. This gives businesses an opportunity to be discovered by new customers.<\/p>\n By having their location displayed on the app, businesses can capitalize on spontaneous decisions made by users who may be enticed to visit. Using Waze for business just by taking advantage of its listings can help your clients achieve more traffic and sales, but if they want to get more out of the platform, advertising on Waze is also possible.<\/p>\n Although purchasing ad space is not a requirement, businesses that choose to advertise on Waze can benefit by targeting ads to motivated prospective customers who are already in the vicinity.<\/p>\n Another valuable Waze business benefit that your SMB clients will appreciate is the platform\u2019s user-generated data, which can provide interesting insights into how shoppers are discovering their locations.<\/p>\n Learn which listing sites make sense for a business to invest time to claim. DOWNLOAD the Top 100 Online Business Directories for free today.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”How does Waze make money?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Waze makes most of its money through its advertising platform, which offers some of the additional insights and opportunities for exposure just discussed. However, you don\u2019t necessarily have to buy ad space if it isn\u2019t in your client\u2019s budget. Simply creating a Waze business listing can be enough to boost the company\u2019s visibility for people moving through the area.<\/p>\n Ads do provide interesting opportunities for generating a return on investment (ROI), so they can be worth exploring for some of your SMB clients, but it\u2019s nice to know that you don\u2019t have to shell out cash to see perks from using Waze for business. By including Waze in your local citation-building<\/a> services you can boost your clients\u2019 local visibility without necessarily expanding their ad budget.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Pros and cons of advertising on Waze” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Not sure if advertising on Waze is right for your SMB clients? We\u2019ve got you covered with a breakdown of the pros and cons of using this comparatively niche advertising platform.<\/p>\n The Waze Ads<\/a> homepage includes case studies from large corporations like Mcdonald’s and 3M, suggesting that it can be a good addition to a robust, multi-channel marketing and advertising strategy. Here are some of the ways using Waze for business advertising can help your clients meet their goals.<\/p>\n Waze allows advertisers to target users based on their location and travel habits, increasing the likelihood of reaching relevant customers and driving new foot traffic to their businesses. By serving ads to users who are already nearby or traveling along routes that pass by a business, advertisers can be confident that their ads will reach an audience with a higher probability of engagement.<\/p>\n This level of targeted advertising can lead to a more efficient allocation of marketing resources and potentially a better ROI than advertising approaches that cast a wider net.<\/p>\n Waze may not have an advertising audience the size of those of Meta or Google. However, just because it isn\u2019t the biggest player in town, doesn\u2019t mean you should neglect its audience of millions of active users worldwide. This means advertising on Waze can expose businesses to a vast audience of potential customers who are actively using the app for navigation and who may not necessarily have been reached on Google, Facebook, or Instagram.<\/p>\n By featuring their business on the platform, advertisers can increase brand awareness with new local prospects, contributing to a healthy pipeline of customers.<\/p>\n Waze is used primarily by drivers, and ads are displayed during users’ commutes. The result? Promotional content is fresh in their minds when they are in the vicinity of a business, which can potentially influence immediate purchase decisions.<\/p>\n This real-time engagement can lead to increased foot traffic and spur-of-the-moment purchases. For example, a cafe might use advertising on Waze to show ads for its breakfast deal to drivers passing by between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM. Hungry, rushed commuters will be more likely to act on the advertisement when they see it en route to work compared to scrolling by it on their phone that evening after work.<\/p>\n A major benefit of using Waze for business is the ability to capture users’ attention when they are most likely to make a purchase. While it may not be sufficient as the only<\/em> advertising channel for your SMB clients, it can be an excellent way to improve ROI, boost revenues, and expand their customer base.<\/p>\n Businesses can leverage Waze’s rich user-generated data to analyze patterns and trends, enabling them to optimize their marketing strategies and better target their ideal customer. For example, by studying user data like peak travel times, popular routes, and user demographics, advertisers can make more informed decisions about when and where to display their ads for maximum effectiveness.<\/p>\n These data-driven insights can lead to improved ad performance and a higher return on advertising spend. Let\u2019s return to the example of the cafe advertising its breakfast deal. By using Waze business data insights, the cafe owner might learn that Monday to Wednesday mornings are busier travel times, perhaps because more commuters work from home toward the end of the week. They can increase their budget for those days, maximizing their ROI.<\/p>\n Sometimes, less is more. When it comes to Waze for business, less competition translates to more valuable ad space for advertisers. Since Waze is primarily a navigation app, other advertisers aren\u2019t quite as focused on it compared to the other big players in digital advertising, which tend to be social media platforms. This can be helpful for businesses that do choose to advertise on Waze since they can stand out more easily.<\/p>\n Unlike social media platforms or search engines, where businesses are in stiff\u2014and often costly\u2014 competition for the attention of users, Waze advertising focuses on providing location-based information to users. This contextually relevant ad content can help businesses capture the attention of potential customers more effectively and at the precise best moment.<\/p>\n While specific costs will vary depending on your SMB clients’ industries and geographic areas, advertising on Waze can be more affordable than other digital advertising platforms<\/a>, making it an attractive option for clients with limited budgets.<\/p>\n The Waze business platform offers a variety of ad formats and pricing options to suit the needs of different businesses, enabling advertisers to choose the best solution for their goals and budget constraints.<\/p>\n No advertising platform is perfect, and Waze for business is no exception. While there are lots of great reasons to consider using it to advertise for your SMB clients, it may not necessarily be the right fit for all of the SMBs you work with. Here are some important cons to be aware of if you\u2019re thinking of advertising on Waze.<\/p>\n By virtue of being a navigation app, Waze’s user base primarily consists of drivers, which may not be the target audience for all businesses. For example, businesses catering primarily to pedestrians or non-driving customers might not have much luck targeting Waze\u2019s user base.<\/p>\n Consider a business located in a pedestrian-friendly urban area, like a patio that serves cocktails. Their customer base may be made up largely of tourists exploring the area on foot, and the locals that might patronize the business are less likely to be driving if they plan to consume alcohol. This business might have poor results advertising on Waze.<\/p>\n Some Waze users may view in-app advertising as a potential distraction while driving, which might lead them to form negative perceptions of the advertised brand. Advertising on a navigation app carries some risk of your SMB client being associated with driver distraction, and businesses should weigh this potential downside against the benefits of increased visibility and customer engagement.<\/p>\n It\u2019s worth noting that Waze has implemented safeguards, like their zero-speed takeover ad format, to minimize distractions by only displaying ads when the vehicle is at a complete stop. This raises another important consideration for those thinking of advertising on Waze: are there enough stops and lights that it\u2019s likely drivers will come to a complete stop in the vicinity of the business?<\/p>\n Another issue related to distracted driving concerns is that Waze limits the frequency of ads displayed to users. For obvious reasons, Waze doesn\u2019t want to bombard people using their app to navigate with an endless stream of flashing ads. This would be distracting and would likely dramatically impact the user experience. To minimize distractions, there\u2019s a limit on the number of ads users see, which may reduce the number of impressions for any given advertisement.<\/p>\n For your SMB clients, this can make it more challenging to reach their desired level of exposure and hinder their advertising goals. Of course, it\u2019s important to balance user safety with advertising objectives, and the timely displaying of ads can compensate for this frequency issue somewhat, but it\u2019s important to be aware of this aspect of advertising on Waze.<\/p>\n Most people are familiar with ad blockers for web browsers or YouTube videos, but they\u2019re also available for apps like Waze. Some people who use the app to navigate may use ad-blocking software, reducing the overall reach of a business’s advertising campaign.<\/p>\n This issue isn\u2019t unique to Waze, but since it\u2019s an already smaller audience, the impact may be more acute. As ad-blocker usage becomes more prevalent, advertisers on Waze and other platforms face new challenges in achieving their desired reach. It\u2019s important for businesses to be aware of this when planning their advertising strategy, and to consider workarounds, such as multi-channel advertising campaigns, to get around it as much as possible.<\/p>\n Just like any traditional or digital advertising platform, it\u2019s not a sure thing that users exposed to ads on Waze will convert into paying customers. While Waze offers targeted advertising and high visibility, businesses still need to ensure that their ad content is engaging and relevant to the needs of their target audience.<\/p>\n To achieve high conversion rates, businesses still need to continuously monitor and optimize their advertising campaigns by analyzing performance metrics, refining their messaging, and adjusting their targeting strategies. For some SMBs, Waze may simply not have the right users for them to be able to achieve the ROI they want.<\/p>\n The effectiveness of Waze advertising relies on users actively using the app during their commutes, and any decline in usage or popularity could impact the success of advertising campaigns.<\/p>\n Factors such as changes in user preferences, the emergence of new competitors, or shifts in the navigation app market can influence the number of users actively engaging with Waze daily. Businesses can mitigate these risks by diversifying their advertising efforts across multiple platforms and channels to ensure that they can continue to reach their target audience effectively, even if the popularity of a specific platform wanes.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Two methods to create a Waze business listing” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n People can\u2019t visit a store if they don\u2019t know it exists, so getting your clients\u2019 businesses listed on Waze is a smart move. How do you go about listing a business on Waze?<\/p>\n There are two main methods to add a business to Waze:<\/p>\n We\u2019ll go over both methods. Using the app is a little bit easier, so we recommend that for first-time users. However, if you want more control, then using the WME allows more granularity.<\/p>\n It\u2019s important to get business categories correct. The app uses this information to categorize the business, so people who are looking for \u201ccaf\u00e9s\u201d find caf\u00e9s and not dentist offices. Choose the most relevant business category.<\/p>\n Finally, you\u2019ll confirm the business\u2019s exact location on the map.<\/p>\n That\u2019s it! Your client\u2019s business is now listed on Waze, and users can start finding it.<\/p>\n Adding a business to Waze via the app is simple. Using the Waze Map Editor is more complex, but it gives you more control over business details.<\/p>\n You can also add a business using the WME from any device, not just a smartphone or tablet. This gives you the option to upload pictures that your clients have sent to you. If you\u2019re adding a business on behalf of a client from afar, then using the WME is the better option.<\/p>\n You may not need to add a new point to the map in all cases. Sometimes, a business or building already exists. If that\u2019s the case, you can change the details. Just click on the existing object on the map. Then you can modify its location, its properties, or even its geometry.<\/p>\n Now that you\u2019ve updated an existing object or created a new one, you\u2019ll create a permalink. To do this, click on the Permalink icon near the top right of the map. The permalink allows other people to access that specific map location.<\/p>\n Before creating the permalink, make sure you\u2019ve zoomed and panned the map to show exactly what you want it to show. The permalink includes details like latitude, longitude, and object selection. In short, it will take people directly to your client\u2019s business, provided it\u2019s exact.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”A note on Waze editing” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Because Waze relies on user-submitted data, it means data could be incorrect. Waze has a few safeguards to prevent people from adding false or inaccurate data through Waze editing.<\/p>\n The first is editor levels. Anyone can be a Waze editor, but there are different \u201clevels.\u201d A novice Waze editor is level 1, and a Waze editor who is level 2 or higher must check their work.<\/p>\n Higher-level Waze editors have made more contributions to the map. They\u2019re considered trustworthy, which is why Waze asks them to verify data from newer editors.<\/p>\n If all you\u2019re doing is adding a client\u2019s business and you have all your details correct, you shouldn\u2019t have any issues. Since there are more editing options in the WME, you should consult the Waze Editing Manual<\/a> and Editing Best Practices<\/a>. That will ensure your editing rights aren\u2019t revoked.<\/p>\n Waze also asks that you\u2019ve visited the place you\u2019re adding within 90 days of creating it on the map. If you need to set up an in-person visit with a client, that can be a great time to help them set up their business on Waze.<\/p>\n If you haven\u2019t visited and don\u2019t have plans to, then you might want to walk the client through the process via a video call.<\/p>\n Finally, remember that Waze doesn\u2019t allow copyrighted external sources. You can upload an image a client has taken and provided. You can\u2019t upload images someone else has taken, such as a newspaper reporter\u2019s photo of your client\u2019s grand opening.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Waze business: The benefits of adding a business to Waze” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Getting a business listed on Waze increases visibility for the business. After all, there are potentially millions of eyes on any local business in the app in a given month. Whether you do it manually, or use a tool like one of these Yext alternatives<\/a> to get the job done, creating a Waze listing can be a great way to get your clients in front of more customers.<\/p>\n Some people may contact the business beforehand, such as calling to confirm opening times. They might also ask about stock, say, if they\u2019ve been searching for a specific pair of running shoes. If the store happens to be on their way to or from work? All the better: people love convenience.<\/p>\n Local SEO is key in a world where people turn to mapping apps to learn about local businesses (Search Engine Journal<\/a>). Adding a business to Waze can boost local SEO, since it provides extra data points for search engines. A local SEO guide<\/a> can help you optimize listings for your clients.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Is there any reason a business would turn off Waze?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n There could be several reasons why a business might decide to turn off Waze or discontinue its use of the advertising platform. Here are some of the most common ones:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Help your clients be discovered” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Local SEO is all about helping local businesses get noticed by potential customers. When you add a business to Waze, you\u2019re connecting your clients to a highly motivated audience.<\/p>\nWhat is Waze for business?<\/h2>\n
How does Waze make money?<\/h2>\n
Pros and cons of advertising on Waze<\/h2>\n
Pros of advertising on Waze<\/h3>\n
Target the right audience at the right time<\/h4>\n
Increased visibility with audience of new prospective customers<\/h4>\n
Unique opportunities for timely engagement<\/h4>\n
Take advantage of user-generated data insights<\/h4>\n
Less competition than other ad platforms<\/h4>\n
Budget-friendly advertising option<\/h4>\n
Cons of advertising on Waze<\/h3>\n
Comparatively narrow user demographics<\/h4>\n
Distracted driving worries<\/h4>\n
Limitations on ad frequency<\/h4>\n
Ad blockers aren\u2019t just for web browsers<\/h4>\n
No ROI guarantees<\/h4>\n
It\u2019s entirely dependent on Waze app usage<\/h4>\n
Two methods to create a Waze business listing<\/h2>\n
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Add a business to Waze with the app<\/h3>\n
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![\"Add](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/Add-a-business-to-Waze-with-the-app.webp\")
<\/li>\n![\"road](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/road-closures.webp\")
<\/li>\n![\"your](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/your-phone-camera.webp\")
<\/li>\n![\"shutter](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/shutter-icon.webp\"){kind=icon}
<\/li>\n![\"select](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/select-place.webp\")
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![\"new](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/new-place.webp\")
<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\nAdd a business using Waze Map Editor<\/h3>\n
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![\"editor\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/editor.webp\")
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![\"select](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/select-infrastructure.webp\")
<\/p>\n<\/li>\n![\"create](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/create-point.webp\")
<\/li>\n![\"select](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/select-a-category.webp\")
<\/li>\n<\/ol>\nEdit an existing point<\/h4>\n
Create a permalink<\/h3>\n
![\"Create](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/Create-a-permalink.webp\")
<\/p>\nA note on Waze editing<\/h2>\n
Waze business: The benefits of adding a business to Waze<\/h2>\n
Is there any reason a business would turn off Waze?<\/h2>\n
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Help your clients be discovered<\/h2>\n