In the world of local SEO, citations are your best friend—or at least, they should be. If you’re a local business owner, you’ve probably heard about the importance of citations, but how many do you actually need? Let’s break it down.
Key Findings You Can’t Ignore
Our research paints a pretty clear picture: businesses that rank in the top 10 positions on Google Local have an average of 81 citations. Want to sit at the top? You’ll need more—86 citations is the average for those sitting at #1. Not surprisingly, the hospitality sector, including hotels, bars, and restaurants, tends to have the most citations, while tradesmen and photographers typically lag behind.
Now, let’s take a look at the most popular citation sites across various industries:
Facebook (84% of businesses)
Yelp (80%)
Mapquest (72%)
Yellow Pages (71%)
Manta (71%)
These sites are essential for establishing your online presence and credibility. "In a digital world where visibility is everything, having your name, address, and phone number (NAP) consistent across the internet helps Google decide where your business ranks in local searches," says a local SEO expert.
But here's the kicker—5% of local businesses don’t even have listings on these top sites. If you’re in the tradesman industry, that number jumps to a shocking 18%!
The Sweet Spot for Citations
So, how do you determine how many citations you need? The short answer: look at your competitors. The best benchmark is to compare against other local businesses in your niche. If they’re thriving on certain citation sites, you should be too.
Average Citations Per Industry
Hotels and B&Bs: 107 citations
Medical practices: 101 citations
Restaurants and cafés: High numbers, but they can vary widely
On the flip side, photography businesses are struggling with an average of just 34 citations. Ouch. This disparity highlights how essential it is to know your industry’s citation landscape.
Get Visible, Get Credible
In the game of local SEO, the right citations can make or break your business. Citations help build trust and authority. "Consumers want to know that a business is credible before they invest their time or money," says a digital marketing strategist.
And while there’s no magic number of citations that guarantees success, having a robust citation profile can undoubtedly set you apart. Remember, it’s about quality and relevance. Being listed in the right places matters more than simply amassing citations.
Conclusion
Citation building is a crucial foundation for local SEO success, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With GMB Fox, you’ll have access to a wealth of data and expertise to guide you through the complexities of citation management. We’ll help you identify the best sites for your business, ensuring you’re visible when it matters most.
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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