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Why local citations matter to your business

Local citations can have a negative or positive impact on your local search engine rankings. The number of citations your business has, the accuracy of the data they feature, and the quality of the platforms they appear on, all impact your search engine ranking.

If search engines like Google find inconsistencies in the data they collate about your business (for example, one citation features a postcode for Reading while another has a postcode for Guildford), your website will be deemed untrustworthy, and your page ranking will drop.

If the data is consistent across numerous directories or platforms, then that is likely to improve your chances of ranking well.

Likewise, local citations can have an impact on the perception of your company. Accurate listings help people to find your local business which can boost your web and foot traffic. Inaccurate information, however, can dent people’s trust in your business, and that can damage your reputation and revenue.

Types of local citations

- Major local business data platforms such as Google My
Business, Facebook, and Yelp.

- Industry or location-specific platforms such as Chamber of
Commerce websites, industry association websites, or guild
websites.

- Publications such as news websites, government databases,
apps, maps, or blogs.

You can develop citations with the use of automated software, manually filling out forms on local business platforms, or via PR/marketing efforts. Sometimes citations and local business listings will appear as a result of automated aggregation, or data collected from local business data platforms. If that happens, it’s vital the information about your business is accurate before it has a negative impact on your revenue or local search rankings.

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Get Started

Search the web to find your company’s listings and citations. Correct any that are wrong, inconsistent, or incomplete. Remove duplicate listings.

Make sure your company’s details appear on major platforms such as Google My Business, Facebook, Yelp, and Yellow Pages. Create listings on your core local business data platforms and those that are relevant to your location or industry.

Manage your citations regularly to ensure you find inconsistent or duplicate listings. Be aware too that if you move premises, merge with another company, rebrand, or change your phone numbers or operating times, your listings will need to be updated.

Look for opportunities to get listed on news websites or blogs that are relevant to your audience.

1. 28 Proven Ways To Grow Your Local Business, Peter Marshall (2018)

Get started with Add People

From dog walkers to dentists, and electricians to eCommerce sites, we’ve seen it all. Give us a call and see how our digital marketing experts can help to grow your business online.

08450 30 4444

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