Introduction:
In this blog post, we will delve into the world of citations and their importance in SEO. We will cover the following topics:
- How Important Are Citations In Local SEO?
- What are citations?
- How should citations look?
- How effective are citations in boosting SEO?
- What’s the best way to build citations?
By the end of this post, you will have a better understanding of the role citations play in local SEO and how to effectively build them. So, let’s get started!
How Important Are Citations In SEO?
Citations are a critical component of local SEO. According to a 2020 study by Moz (https://moz.com/local-search-ranking-factors), citations account for 10.82% of the factors that influence local search rankings. They help search engines like Google understand the relevance and authority of your business in its specific location, which in turn can lead to higher visibility and better rankings in local search results.
What exactly are citations?
A citation is any online mention of your business’s name, address, and phone number (NAP). They can be found on various platforms such as business directories, social media profiles, review websites, and even blog posts. Consistent and accurate citations are essential for local SEO, as they help search engines verify your business information and build trust in its online presence.
A well-structured citation should include the following information:
• Business Name: Use the exact name that appears on your physical storefront, website, and other marketing materials. • Address: Provide your full address, including street number, street name, suite number (if applicable), city, state, and post code. • Phone Number: Use a local phone number that customers can reach you at directly.
It is crucial to maintain consistency across all your citations. Inconsistencies can lead to confusion for both search engines and potential customers, negatively impacting your local SEO efforts.
How effective are citations (NAP) in helping to improve a companies SEO?
Citations play a significant role in improving your local SEO. According to a 2018 study by BrightLocal (https://www.brightlocal.com/research/local-citation-sites), businesses that rank in the top 10 local search results have an average of 81 citations, while those outside the top 10 have just 61 citations.
Furthermore, a 2017 survey by Whitespark (https://whitespark.ca/blog/post/13-local-search-ranking-factors-2017) found that having consistent citations on high-quality websites is the fourth most important ranking factor in Google’s local search algorithm.
Overall, having accurate and consistent citations across multiple platforms can improve your local search rankings, increase your online visibility, and ultimately drive more customers to your business.
What’s the best way to build citations?
Building citations can be a time-consuming process, but it is essential for optimizing your local SEO efforts. Here are some best practices for building citations effectively:
- Start with major data aggregators: Submit your business information to data aggregators like Infogroup, Acxiom, Neustar Localeze, and Factual. These platforms distribute your information to various directories and websites, ensuring a strong foundation for your citations.
- Target industry-specific and local directories: Look for directories that cater to your specific industry or region. These citations can carry more weight in local search rankings.
- Utilize social media platforms: Create and maintain profiles on popular social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. These platforms can serve as valuable citation sources.
- Monitor and update your citations: Regularly check your citations for accuracy and consistency. Use tools like Moz Local (https://moz.com/local) or BrightLocal (https://www.brightlocal.com) to track and manage your citations.
- Encourage customer reviews: Reviews can help boost your local search rankings and contribute to the overall trustworthiness of your citations. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on platforms like Google My Business
