Local citations refer to mentions or references of a business’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) on various online platforms, directories, and websites. Local citations are an important factor in local SEO and play a crucial role in establishing the credibility, authority, and relevance of a business in local search results. Search engines like Google use local citations as a ranking signal to determine the prominence and trustworthiness of a business and its relevance to local search queries. Building and optimizing local citations can help improve a business’s local search visibility, attract more customers, and strengthen its online presence.
Local citations can appear on a wide range of online platforms and directories, including search engines, social media platforms, review sites, local business directories, and industry-specific directories. These citations provide valuable information to both search engines and users about the location, contact details, and services offered by a business, helping users find and connect with local businesses more easily. By actively managing and optimizing local citations, businesses can enhance their local search presence, outrank competitors, and attract more customers from local search results.
Also see: Black hat SEO, Gray hat SEO, Penalty recovery, Duplicate content, Thin content, Content silos, Site architecture, , Internal site search, Local SEO, Google My Business, Online reviews, NAP consistency, Citation building
