If you're running a local business, ranking in Google isn't optional—it's survival. That’s where local citation building comes in.
In this guide, I’ll break it down in plain English. No fluff. Just what you need to know to get found online.
What Is a Local Citation?
A local citation is any mention of your business’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) online.
These mentions can show up on:
- Online directories (like Yelp or Yellow Pages)
- Social media platforms
- Local blogs or news sites
- Business listings like Google My Business
Citations help search engines verify that your business exists and is trustworthy. The more consistent your NAP info is across the web, the better your chances of ranking in local search results.
Why Local Citations Matter for SEO
Here’s why you should care:
- They boost your visibility in Google’s Local Pack (the map results).
- They build trust with search engines.
- They drive traffic from directories where people search for services.
Google looks at your citations to decide if you're legit. Inconsistent or missing info? You’re invisible.
Types of Local Citations
You’ll run into two kinds:
1. Structured Citations
These appear on formal business listing sites. Think:
- Google Business Profile
- Bing Places
- Yelp
- Apple Maps
2. Unstructured Citations
These show up in places like:
- Blog posts
- News articles
- Press releases
- Online forums
Both types help—but structured ones are your priority.
How to Start Building Local Citations
Here’s a quick process I follow:
✅ Step 1: Create a List of Core Directories
Start with:
- Google Business Profile
- Yelp
- Bing Places
- Apple Maps
✅ Step 2: Submit Consistent NAP Info
Make sure your name, address, and phone number match everywhere—letter for letter.
✅ Step 3: Look for Niche and Local Sites
Search “[Your Industry] + directory” or “[City Name] + business directory” to find niche platforms.
✅ Step 4: Track and Update Regularly
Set a reminder every 6 months to:
- Check for outdated info
- Update listings
- Remove duplicates
Pro Tips for Better Results
- Use a spreadsheet to track where you’ve submitted.
- Claim your listings—don’t let others control your profile.
- Add categories, hours, and website links where allowed.
Also, fix any incorrect or duplicate listings ASAP. They confuse Google and drag down your rankings.
Final Thoughts
Local citation building isn’t hard—but it takes time. Done right, it boosts your visibility and helps more people find your business online.
Start small. Focus on consistency. And keep your business info clean and correct across the web.