If you're diving deep into local SEO, you already know that citations are crucial. But here's the kicker—not all citation sites are built the same. Some offer DoFollow links, while others stick with NoFollow. Whether you're aiming to build authority through high-quality backlinks or simply improve local visibility, it’s important to know the difference between these two types of links and which citation sites offer them.
So, why does this matter? Simple. Backlinks—especially DoFollow ones—are still one of the most powerful ranking factors for both organic search and local SEO. They send signals to Google that your website is trustworthy and authoritative. In fact, many SEO experts consider local citations with backlinks a must for any local SEO strategy.
But what’s the difference between DoFollow and NoFollow links? And how should you use them to supercharge your local SEO efforts?
"Whether you're chasing DoFollow links or using NoFollow ones for visibility, citations are like SEO’s secret sauce—every drop counts."
What Are DoFollow and NoFollow Links?
Before we dive into the lists of citation sites, let’s get a quick refresher on these two types of links:
DoFollow Links
DoFollow links are the gold standard in SEO. They allow search engines like Google to “follow” the link to your website, passing authority (or “link juice”) from the source to your page. The more high-quality DoFollow links you have pointing to your site, the better chance you have of ranking higher in search results.
NoFollow Links
NoFollow links, on the other hand, include a small bit of code that tells search engines not to follow the link. This means they don’t pass on as much authority as DoFollow links. However, don’t dismiss them too quickly—NoFollow links still have value in local SEO, as they can bring in traffic and build your brand’s visibility. Plus, Google has updated how it views NoFollow links, now treating them as a “hint” instead of completely ignoring them.
Why Both Link Types Matter
While DoFollow links are fantastic for building authority, NoFollow links can still provide real SEO value. Back in March 2020, Google announced that NoFollow links aren’t totally dismissed and can still contribute to your site’s visibility.
So, the key takeaway? You want a mix of both. A diverse backlink profile that includes DoFollow and NoFollow links helps build authority, boost visibility, and drive valuable traffic to your site.
Citation Sites With DoFollow Links
Looking for that extra SEO juice? These are the citation sites that offer DoFollow links, giving you a little extra authority with every backlink.
Citation Site | Domain Authority | Industry | Active |
Google Business Profile | 100 | General | Yes |
Yelp | 93 | General | Yes |
Crunchbase | 91 | Tech | Yes |
Bing Places | 90 | General | Yes |
Foursquare | 92 | General | Yes |
Apple Maps | 91 | General | Yes |
Yellow Pages | 88 | General | Yes |
Trustpilot | 93 | General | Yes |
Houzz | 80 | Home Services | Yes |
BBB (Better Business Bureau) | 88 | General | Yes |
These DoFollow citation sites can give your business the SEO boost you’re looking for. They’re well-respected, authoritative sites that search engines trust, making them prime candidates for improving your local rankings.
Citation Sites With NoFollow Links
Even though NoFollow links don’t pass the same link juice as DoFollow links, they’re still valuable for local businesses. These NoFollow citation sites can help drive traffic and increase visibility, which is essential for local SEO success.
Citation Site | Domain Authority | Industry | Active |
Facebook Business Pages | 96 | General | Yes |
Yelp | 93 | General | Yes |
LinkedIn Business Pages | 99 | General | Yes |
94 | General | Yes | |
Yellow Pages | 88 | General | Yes |
Superpages | 75 | General | Yes |
Hotfrog | 83 | General | Yes |
TripAdvisor | 94 | Hospitality | Yes |
Citysearch | 84 | General | Yes |
MapQuest | 87 | General | Yes |
While these NoFollow links won’t pass authority directly to your site, they still help increase your business’s reach and visibility in search results.
Why Correct Citations Are Critical
According to BrightLocal’s Local Citations Trust Report, 80% of consumers lose trust in a business if they see incorrect or inconsistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) information online. That’s huge. Getting listed on high-authority directories (and ensuring the accuracy of your citations) can help you build credibility and avoid alienating potential customers.
“Accurate citations are more than just an SEO tactic—they’re about building trust with your customers and making sure they can actually find you.”
Wrapping It Up
Whether you’re after DoFollow links to boost your site’s authority or NoFollow links to enhance your visibility, citation sites remain a vital part of your local SEO strategy. It’s not just about rankings—it’s about building a comprehensive online presence that consumers and search engines can trust.
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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