Understanding Local Citations

Local citations refer to any online mention of the name, address, and phone number (NAP) for a local business. They can appear in local business directories, on websites and apps, and on social platforms. Citations help Internet users to discover local businesses and can also impact local search engine rankings.

A comprehensive local citation will include not only the business NAP but also other information like hours of operation, services offered, and more. Building and managing these citations correctly is a critical component of local SEO. Inconsistencies in NAP data or missing citations can cause confusion for search engines and may result in lower visibility in local search results.