In the evolving landscape of local SEO, citations are still a key player, but their importance may be shifting. Recently, we gathered insights from a panel of 22 local search experts to understand how citations influence local search rankings today. Their expert opinions provide valuable perspectives for businesses looking to enhance their local presence.
Key Findings
Citations Matter: A staggering 90% of our experts assert that accurate citations are crucial for local search rankings. But hold on—59% of them also believe that citations are less important than they were just a year ago.
Top Factors: When it comes to choosing citation sites, experts prioritize industry relevance, local relevance, and domain authority. The right citations can give your business the boost it needs to stand out in local searches.
Quality vs. Quantity: As any seasoned marketer will tell you, quality reigns supreme. Experts recommend focusing on niche and industry-specific directories rather than spreading your efforts too thin across numerous sites.
Consistency is Key: For your citations to work their magic, ensure that your NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) information is spot on. While exact matches for phone numbers, city, ZIP code, and URL are critical, a suite number isn’t a dealbreaker.
Expert Insights
The consensus is clear: local citations remain a foundational aspect of local SEO. Ben Fisher from Steady Demand sums it up well: "The more prominent and consistent your business is online matters. If you have more mentions than your competitors, it only makes sense that this could affect how the algorithm sees you as an entity."
However, experts like Adam Dorfman from Reputation.com caution that while citations still matter, they are losing ground to other factors such as reviews and traditional SEO strategies. "From a Google ranking perspective, citations are still worth spending time on, but they continue to diminish in importance when compared to other factors," he notes.
Changing Landscape
As the digital marketing world evolves, so does the approach to citations. The rise of voice search and image search is reshaping how businesses should optimize for local SEO. David Mihm from Tidings points out, "The impact of citations on local search rankings has changed significantly over the last 4-5 years." He emphasizes that while having key citations is essential, they often don't move the needle in competitive markets anymore.
The Bottom Line
While citations are still essential, they should not be the sole focus of your local SEO strategy. Instead, blend them with other elements like reviews, social media presence, and website optimization for a well-rounded approach. As Bernadette Coleman from Advice Local states, "Building a collection of quality citations is crucial, but once you’ve got the foundation handled, they’re not as important."
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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