In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, ensuring your local business stands out is paramount. The Expert Local Citation Survey 2013 provides crucial insights that can make or break your visibility in local search results. If you're not familiar with citations, think of them as online mentions of your business that can help improve your rankings on search engines. Let's dive into the key takeaways from the survey and how they can shape your local marketing strategy.
The Power of Citations
Citations are not just a passing trend; they’re a critical component of local search optimization. According to the survey, 88% of experts agree that accurate citations are either critical or very important for local search rankings. In other words, if you're not paying attention to your citations, you're missing out on a significant opportunity.
“Citations are important! Stop press, hold the phones, breaking news!” — Myles Anderson
Quality Over Quantity
While you might think that having as many citations as possible is the way to go, that’s not necessarily the case. 63% of respondents stated that quality is more important than quantity. This means that being listed on reputable sites like Yelp and Citysearch holds more weight than a slew of listings on low-quality directories.
“Quality of citations is paramount. You want Google to trust the data about your business.” — An unnamed expert from the survey
Fixing the Wrong Before Building the New
One of the biggest takeaways is the importance of fixing incorrect citations. 38% of experts emphasized that correcting existing inaccuracies should be prioritized over generating new citations. After all, having incorrect information can lead to frustrated customers and missed opportunities.
“Poor quality data can be poisonous to a business’s success both online and offline.” — Myles Anderson
Steady Wins the Race
Building citations isn’t a one-and-done task. 53% of experts recommend a steady approach to citation building rather than a rapid-fire blitz. This ensures consistency and helps maintain the integrity of your business's online presence.
“A steady approach always wins with Google.” — Susan Hallam
Richness Matters
The depth of your citations also matters. 56% of survey participants said that having rich information—like descriptions, photos, and operating hours—is very important. This added detail not only helps potential customers but also enhances your SEO efforts.
The Great Duplication Debate
When it comes to using different descriptions across various listings, 60% said it’s not that important. Consistency is key, so streamline your efforts and focus on high-value sites where a unique description may provide a competitive edge.
“You don’t want to get hit in the future for something so simple.” — Casey Meraz
Conclusion
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
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