Citation
A citation is any online mention of your business's name, address, and phone number (NAP). Citations on directories and websites help Google verify your business information and improve local search rankings.
Citations are mentions of your business information across the web. They're a key factor in local SEO because they help Google verify that your business exists and operates where you say it does.
Types of citations:
Structured citations
- Google Business Profile
- Yelp
- Houzz
- Angi
- BBB
- Yellow Pages
- Industry-specific directories
Unstructured citations
These are mentions of your business in articles, blog posts, news stories, or other content where the format isn't standardized.
Why citations matter:
1. Verification
Citations help Google confirm your business information is accurate. Multiple sources saying the same thing builds trust.
2. Discovery
Citations on popular directories can drive direct traffic and leads, not just SEO value.
3. Authority
Quality citations from authoritative sites signal that your business is legitimate and established.
Citation quality factors:
- Accuracy (correct NAP information)
- Consistency (same information everywhere)
- Authority (citations on trusted sites matter more)
- Relevance (industry-specific directories are valuable)
Common citation mistakes:
- Inconsistent business name (Inc. vs. LLC vs. nothing)
- Old addresses or phone numbers
- Duplicate listings
- Ignoring industry-specific directories
- Not claiming existing listings
Related Terms
NAP Consistency
NAP consistency means ensuring your business's Name, Address, and Phone number are exactly the same across all online listings, directories, and your website.
Local SEO
Local SEO is the practice of optimizing a business's online presence to attract customers from local searches, such as 'flooring contractor near me' or 'bathroom remodeler Orange County.'
Google Business Profile (GBP)
Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is a free tool that lets businesses manage their online presence across Google Search and Google Maps.