Local Citations

What is Local Citations?

In the SEO industry, local citations are essential for local search engine optimization. These citations can appear on various types of websites, such as local business directories, websites, apps, and social platforms. The key components of a local citation are the business name, address, and phone number (NAP). Having accurate and consistent local citations across multiple platforms helps improve your business's visibility in local search results. This is particularly important for small and medium-sized businesses aiming to attract local customers. Google and other search engines use these citations to validate the legitimacy and relevance of a business in a specific geographical area. Therefore, an inconsistency in your NAP information can negatively impact your local SEO efforts. Regular monitoring and updating of your local citations are crucial for maintaining an effective local SEO strategy.

Mentions of your business's name, address, and phone number on other websites.

Examples

Yelp: A local restaurant listed on Yelp with its name, address, and phone number correctly displayed. This helps the restaurant appear in local search results when someone is looking for dining options nearby.

Google My Business: A hair salon has a Google My Business listing with accurate NAP information. This listing helps the salon show up in Google Maps and local search results when potential customers search for hair services in the area.

Additional Information

Inconsistent citations can confuse search engines and reduce your local search rankings.

Local citations can also include additional information like business hours, reviews, and photos, which can further enhance your online presence.

References

What Is A Local Citation? How They Help SEO | Ahrefs

What Are Local Citations [+ 4 Steps to Build Them for Your Business]

How To Build Local Citations and Increase Your Visibility | Semrush