Search Engine Optimization Specialists13
Jul
Unsure of what a local citation is and how it might affect the local SEO strategy of your small business? Keep reading!
Local business citations aren’t nearly as intimidating as they may sound. Simply put, local citations are references to your businesses NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) information that is displayed across various online platforms.
This information can appear in many forms, ranging from directories to review sites and social media. No matter the form, they’re crucial to your small business’s local SEO strategy.
Here are just a few examples of main types of local citations:
Citations validate the existence of your business to both search engines and potential customers. Maintaining consistent information across all forms of citations is a key component to local SEO, as inconsistent or incorrect NAP data can confuse search engines, resulting in lower rankings and missed opportunities to attract new customers to your business.
If you aren’t yet outsourcing your small business’s citation management, the best place to start is by manually submitting your NAP information to relevant, industry-specific local directories. This ensures that you’ve got a head start in reaching your target audience on popular citation sources such as Google Business Profile, Yelp, and Yellow Pages. Additionally, once you’ve manually submitted this information, it’s important to monitor these citations and correct any inaccurate information if necessary.
The next step we recommend taking is developing a review strategy! Only reviews are a large source of social proof, and they have a clear impact on sales. You can read more about how a solid review strategy can help build your online reputation here.
– Conduct regular audits to identify inconsistent or inaccurate citations.
– Update and correct any discrepancies promptly.
– Be proactive in monitoring and managing your online reputation.
– Optimize your citations for relevant keywords and local search terms.
– Seek opportunities to acquire high-quality local backlinks.
At FirstPage, our local SEO packages are perfect for small to medium-sized businesses looking to grow regionally by increasing your real estate on Google, increasing your web traffic, generating more leads, and increasing your revenue. Contact us today for a free consultation!
