Citations

Big citations are large platforms (such as Yelp and Bing) for business profiles. Local citations are listings in smaller directories in your local area (varies per location). Local citations are just as important as big citations as they enhance your company’s local profile on Google. 

Citations should include your business name, address, phone number, email, and website link. They can also include links to your social profiles and your logo.

Non-storefront service businesses are very common. Fortunately, citations only require a city and state at minimum. So if you’re a service industry that goes to your customer, you can, and should, still have your business listed online using your primary city and state. 

Google’s search rankings are determined by a number of factors. The authority and relevance of your website all play a role in each of those factors. Citations are one of the best ways to increase a website’s authority by listing your business on authoritative business listing websites. 

Citations are also vital for your local Google Business Lising – when your business is listed on authoritative big and local directories, it’ll give your Google Business Listing more standing, which increases your rankings. 

Being listed on the right sites is important. You don’t want to be listed on irreputable sites, with little to no authoritative standing. Your listings also need to be accurate. A lack of consistency on business directories will result in a confusion to Google, which can lead to lower rankings. Completing a Citation Audit is highly recommended to make sure your business information is correct across the web.

With a citation audit, we can the web for all mentions of your business name across all business directories. We then compare that with your accurate business information. We look for any duplicates, mismatches, or incomplete citations. We then compile a list of all citations in need of correction. Then we reach out to each of those listings and either request the information to be updated. We will also remove any listings of your business from sites that are considered “high risk” or “spammy” according to Google. 

A citation audit and clean up can help boost your rankings with Google by removing confusing inaccurate information. We highly recommend it for every client!