A local citation is a mention of your business on a third-party website or app that displays your contact information and links back to your site. These listings are essential to local SEO efforts, and a good citation service can help you get the most out of them.
Citations are important for local search engine optimization because they provide Google with credible sources of information about your business. This helps your business rank highly in local search results, and can boost traffic to your website.
The first step in citation building is to find local citation opportunities that are relevant to your business and industry. This means looking for local directories that include your industry, such as Yelp or Yellow Pages. It’s also worth checking for any industry-specific websites, such as Nextdoor or BBB, that offer a business directory listing.
Structured Citations
A structured citation is one that is listed on a directory or other site in a consistent format, which makes it easy for search engines to crawl and index. These local citations service are most commonly found on business directories and websites that have been vetted by the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
In addition to providing your name, address, and phone number, these citations may have a link back to your website. These citations are especially valuable in boosting your rankings in local search results, and should be submitted regularly to stay fresh.
You’ll want to choose a local citation service that offers a range of citation options, including data aggregators, direct-to-site submissions, and manual submissions. Each of these methods can provide different benefits, so you should do some research to find the right option for your business.
Data Aggregators – Many local citation services use data aggregators to collect and list your business info. These aggregators have huge databases of reliable data, so they can help your citations get picked up by Google and other search engines quickly.
Choosing the right citation source depends on your needs and budget. Some citation providers offer free citation opportunities, while others charge a fee for each citation they create. A good citation service will be flexible, so you can decide whether to pay for a citation based on the number of locations it creates or the amount of data they collect.
Manual submissions – There are some directory sites that require you to submit your information manually, such as Yelp. This can be a time-consuming process, but it’s essential that your business information is always correct.
If you need help with your local citations, check out BrightLocal’s citation builder. This service will help you create a high-quality listing for your business, save you time and money, and get you on your way to ranking well in local search.
Online Reviews – Another important local citation source is online reviews, which are often the most trusted type of feedback from consumers. These reviews are often found in local business directories, maps apps, and social networks.