Exploring SEO and online marketing strategies for your small business? Here is a quick primer on local citations for search engine optimization. Learn what a local citation means and why they are important for your local business.
What are Local Citations?
Put simply, a local citation is the mention of a business online—in business directories and on local websites. Usually but not always, a local citation will have the business name, address and phone number (or NAP), and sometimes a link to its website. Local citation building is a great tool to improve the ranking of a business in local search engine results. This means that anytime an online shopper in your area types certain keywords, having a network of quality local citations will boost your likelihood of appearing on the first page of search results.
Local citations, along with a robust SEO strategy, are a great tool to enhance your visibility online.
How does local citation building help your business?
Google uses local citations for ranking your business on the Google+ Local map listings (for this to work, you need to have a Google+ Local Business page and have it optimized by an SEO expert).
Google’s algorithms use multiple sources to verify the existence of your business and to determine if the information provided is correct and genuine. By posting your business information on high-quality directories and other credible local websites, you build credibility of your business and allow Google to map you at the location mentioned in your NAP.
If you’re new to local citations and are hiring an agency for the task, SEO experts at the leading digital agency Submitcore.com warn that quantity is not what you should be aiming for when building a citations network. Yes, you need to have a greater number of online mentions than your competition, but having your business listed in top-notch online directories that have a reputation should be your goal rather than getting hundreds of citations in low-quality trade directories.
Before hiring a local listing management service, check where all they submit to and what submission process they use.
Where all should my local business be listed?
Local citations enable Google to determine the authenticity of your operations, which in turn boosts your search rankings when potential local customers look for the product or service offered by you. While there are hundreds of trade directories where you can get a listing easily, we recommend that you be selective in the process. Choose a listing service that works with the best in the business.
Some of the best local directories include Google My Business, Yellow Pages, Chamber of Commerce, eLocal.com, dexknows, yelp, dexknows, Brownbook, Company.com, BBB, Bing, Facebook, infogroup and CitySquares.
What are the Do’s and Don’ts of successful local SEO?
First and foremost, get more citations than your competition. Second, provide accurate and genuine information only. Lastly, create positive buzz—if you want your business talked about on local websites and print media, they should find it interesting enough to write about it!
