What Are Local Citations? A Simple Guide for Better Local SEO
When I first heard the term local citations, I thought it was something legal. It’s not. A local citation simply means your business info showing up online. Usually, it includes your name, address, and phone number. That’s called NAP. Local citations matter if you want to rank in Google Maps or local search results. They help Google trust that your business is real. When your info is consistent everywhere, your chances of showing up go way up. As you know, ranking locally isn’t just about backlinks or content. If you’re a local business, an SEO, or even a marketer, you need citations. Without them, your local SEO strategy is broken. In this blog, I’ll show you exactly what local citations are, why they matter, and how to build them the right way. What Is a Local Citation? A local citation is any place online where your business info shows up. At the very least, it includes your business name, address, and phone number (NAP). Some may also include your website, hours, or reviews. Here’s a simple example: You’ll usually find citations on directories like Yelp, Google Business Profile, Facebook, or YellowPages. These are structured citations. Structured citations appear in a set format. Think business listings, review sites, or apps with a standard layout. Unstructured citations are different. These show up in places like blogs, news articles, or local websites. You might see a mention like “I grabbed a latte at Joe’s Coffee in Austin,” with or without the full NAP. As you know, both types help boost your local SEO. But structured ones are easier to manage and track. Why Local Citations Matter for SEO Google wants to show trusted businesses in local search. Local citations help prove that your business is legit. When your info shows up on trusted sites, Google pays attention. They also help you rank higher in local results. If your name, address, and phone number are the same across the web, Google trusts your data more. Also, local citations boost your visibility in Google Maps and the local pack. That means more clicks, more calls, and more customers. As you know, NAP consistency isn’t optional. If your info is wrong or all over the place, you’ll struggle to rank no matter how good your site is. Types of Local Citations There are two main types of local citations. Structured and unstructured. Both help your local SEO, but they show up in different ways. Structured citations appear in a set format. You’ll find them in business directories, apps, or review sites. These include places like: They list your name, address, phone number, and sometimes your website or hours. It’s clean, simple, and consistent. Unstructured citations are more casual. These show up in blog posts, news stories, or even social media. For example: “Last week I stopped by Joe’s Coffee in Austin. Best latte I’ve had in a while.” It’s still a mention of the business, but it doesn’t follow a strict format. As you know, structured citations are easier to control. But unstructured ones add trust and relevance too especially when they come from local or trusted sources. Where to Get Local Citations If you’re serious about local SEO, you need to get your business listed in the right places. Not all citations are equal. Some carry more weight than others. Start with the core sites. These are trusted by Google and get a lot of traffic. I’m talking about: Next, look at industry-specific directories. For example, if you’re a dentist, sites like Healthgrades or Zocdoc are important. If you’re a lawyer, get listed on Avvo or FindLaw. Also, don’t skip local business directories. These include your local chamber of commerce, city websites, or regional business hubs. Google values these because they show local relevance. As you know, Moz Local has a list of top citation sources. Sites like YellowPages, Superpages, and Hotfrog still matter. They help fill out your citation profile and build trust. How to Build Local Citations (Step-by-Step) If you’re starting from scratch, building citations might seem like a lot. But it’s simple if you follow the right steps. Step 1: Audit your existing citations: Search your business name on Google. Check if your name, address, and phone number (NAP) are the same everywhere. Make a list of sites with wrong or missing info. Step 2: Pick the right citation sources: Start with Google Business Profile, Yelp, Facebook, and other core sites. Then move to industry-specific and local directories. Use the Moz Local list for ideas. Step 3: Keep your NAP info 100% consistent: Your business name, address, and phone number must match everywhere. Even small changes can confuse Google. Step 4: Submit your business manually: Visit each site and add your info. Fill out every field. Add photos, hours, and your website if possible. Complete listings help more. Step 5: Use data aggregators: These services push your info to many sites at once. The big ones are Foursquare, Neustar Localeze, and Infogroup. They save time and boost your reach. Step 6: Track and fix duplicates: Duplicate listings can hurt your SEO. Use tools like Moz Local or BrightLocal to find and fix them fast. Common Citation Mistakes to Avoid Building citations is simple, but messing them up is even easier. I’ve seen it happen a lot. These are the most common mistakes you need to avoid. Inconsistent business info This is the biggest one. If your NAP info doesn’t match across the web, it sends mixed signals to Google. That hurts your local rankings. Always double-check for typos, old addresses, or wrong phone numbers. Using low-quality or spammy sites Not all directories are worth your time. Some are full of junk or never updated. Submitting your business there can do more harm than good. Stick to trusted sites that real users visit. Ignoring duplicates or outdated citations Old listings don’t go away on their own. If you changed your address or number, find those outdated citations and fix them. Also, clean
