What Are Local Search Citations?

Understanding local citations is crucial for effective local SEO. This guide breaks down their significance, outlining the benefits they bring to your business and providing actionable steps to enhance your local search rankings.

What are Local Search Citations?

Local citations in SEO involve references to your business’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) on external websites. Google’s local algorithm considers NAP information as a signal of relevance and legitimacy for local businesses, verifying their actual presence at the listed address in the Google My Business profile.

Why citations matter

Citations play a foundational role in local SEO, aiding businesses in appearing in local search results. When managing local SEO, search marketers prioritize building and managing citations. Google’s local algorithm emphasizes relevance and prominence in returning the best local businesses for queries, making citations a significant factor for relevance.

Your citations serve as a verification tool for Google, confirming your actual location as stated on your website. As reputable sites consistently list the same business information, including NAP details (name, address, and phone), Google establishes trust in your legitimacy as a local business. This trust contributes to a higher likelihood of your business appearing in local search results.

Additionally, the algorithm correlates the number of your NAP listings with the prominence and popularity of your business. More listings on local sites can result in increased local rankings, enhancing your visibility in local searches.

Which citations do you need?

There’s no definitive list of essential business citation sources as it varies by vertical and city. Important citation websites include local chambers of commerce, reputable online directories, Yellow Pages, and industry-specific directories. While well-known sources like Facebook, Google, Yelp, Apple Maps, and Foursquare are universally recognized, identifying the most visible citations for your audience requires research.

For a starting point, use a local citation finder like Whitespark, specializing in local SEO and citation building. Their website provides top citation sites by country and industry. Conduct a Google search for your location and industry, noting the first 3 results, which are likely to be the most beneficial citations for your business.

How to get your citations listed

Citations may exist on sites without manual addition. Relevant directories often receive data feeds from others, automatically updating information downstream. For new businesses seeking citation opportunities, three methods are available:

1. Manual Submission (DIY): Enter data manually into listing sites one by one. It’s time-consuming but ensures accurate information on each site.

2. Manual Submission (Hire Someone): Services are available to handle manual submission or NAP data. If lacking the bandwidth, hiring a service streamlines the process.

3. Aggregator Submission: Utilize services like Whitespark or BrightLocal to submit NAP data to primary aggregators, disseminating details to numerous other sites.

Provide as much information as you can

Beyond the fundamental NAP information, citations can incorporate additional business details. Include elements like operating hours, a comprehensive business description, logo, and a contact email address where applicable.

Consistency is key

As citations form the basis of your SEO, accuracy is crucial. Ensure the correct spelling of your business name without additional keywords. Maintain uniformity in your physical address and phone number across all sites. Inconsistent or duplicate NAP data can raise concerns for Google’s algorithm.

If issues arise due to changes in location or call tracking providers, address them by manually updating incorrect information. Citation auditing tools from services like Whitespark or BrightLocal can assist, or you may opt to delegate the entire process to these services for a streamlined resolution.