Let’s be real: local SEO can feel like a juggling act. There’s content, backlinks, reviews, and… what about citations? You know, those mentions of your business’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) that pop up in directories, review sites, and random listings? Some people say citations are less powerful these days. But here's the truth: citations still matter, and if you’re not paying attention to them, you're missing out on a key part of local SEO success.
Let’s break down why citations are still a thing and how they can help you dominate local search.
What is a Local Listing Citation?
A local listing citation is basically any mention of your business’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) on a third-party website. This could be on directories like Yelp or review sites like Tripadvisor. In some cases, you’ll also see more details included—like your website, social media links, business hours, or email address.
The goal? Consistency. Your NAP should be the same everywhere because it builds trust with search engines and users. If your NAP is all over the place, Google starts wondering, "Wait, is this the same business?"
Why Are Citations Important for Local SEO?
Citations are like breadcrumbs for search engines, leading them back to your business. They help you show up in those valuable local search results, where your business name appears alongside a map. Plus, a solid spread of NAP citations across trusted sites helps boost your local search rankings. In fact, citations are still one of the top five ranking factors for showing up in the local pack.
But there’s more to the story. Citations indirectly boost your SEO, too. Let’s dive into how that works.
Directory and Review Sites Rank High in Google
Have you ever noticed that directory sites like Yelp or Tripadvisor tend to rank high in Google search results for local queries? Here’s why: they’re trusted platforms with high domain authority. That means when you create or claim your listing on these platforms, you’re piggybacking on their strong search visibility.
The result? You could snag a spot on the first page of Google without directly competing with those directory giants. And with popular sites like Yelp pulling in millions of monthly visitors, you’re putting your business in front of people who are actively looking for what you offer.
Make It Easier for Customers to Find You
The easier you are to find online, the more likely you are to win business. Citations help people find you—not just on Google, but on platforms like directories and review sites, too.
Think about it: when someone’s looking for a local plumber or restaurant, they’re likely to hit up Yelp or Google Business Profile. If your business isn’t listed there, you’re missing out on those potential customers who aren’t searching for your business by name but are looking for your services.
Build Your Link Profile (Without the Headache)
Link building is a notorious pain for SEO, but local citations make it a bit easier. Many directories offer the chance to link back to your website, which helps build your link profile. Some of these links are even dofollow, meaning they pass SEO authority to your site. Others might be nofollow, but don’t sleep on those—they still help with traffic and visibility.
Need help finding citation sites that offer dofollow links? There are tools and lists out there that can guide you to the best local citation sources with the highest SEO benefit.
Establish Prominence in Your Community
Here’s where things get even juicier. Directory sites and review platforms often give customers a way to leave reviews. The more reviews you have, the more prominent and trusted your business appears online.
And since reviews are a ranking factor in local SEO, you’re getting a double boost when you’re active on these platforms: one for your citations and one for your reviews. Win-win.
How Many Citations Do You Need for SEO?
So, how many citations should you aim for? Well, it depends on your industry.
The average local business needs around 80 citations to rank on the first page of local search results.
Hotels? They need about 152.
Dentists average around 107.
Medical businesses need around 101 citations.
The moral of the story? More citations = more local visibility. But it’s not just about numbers. Quality and relevance matter, too. Focus on directories and sites that are relevant to your industry and local area.
How to Get Your Citations Indexed
Creating citations is one thing. Getting them indexed by search engines is another. If your citations aren’t indexed, they’re not doing you much good. There are a couple of ways to ensure your citations are being noticed by Google:
Use a pinging service to notify search engines about your new citations.
Create a dedicated page on your website where you list and link to your citations. This helps search engines find and index them faster.
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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