One of the more popular services we provide is Local SEO because we help small businesses increase their Google Maps rankings. A big question we receive from clients is, “How?” The simple answer is that we increase Google Maps rankings with citation cleans and builds. A popular follow-up question to that is, “What is a citation?”
What is a Local Citation?
A citation is a mention of your business online; this usually includes your business’ name, address and phone number (NAP), keywords pertaining to your business, your business hours and a short description of the services you provide. A citation may or may not always include a link to your website and the business information may not always be correct.
Citations can either be structured or unstructured: a structured citation is a mention of your business on a business listing directory such as Google, Yelp, YellowPages or Facebook. An unstructured citation is your business information (NAP) on the internet that is not on a business listing directory. This could be a newspaper article, blog, vendor’s website, etc.
Why Do Citations Matter
As we talk about Google ranking factors, one common theme you will find is that Google shows preference for websites with consistent information across the internet. In this case, citations matter for your Local SEO because Google will find companies with uniform information across multiple platforms online trustworthy, and rank them higher. So, if your business is listed on 500 citation sites, and on 250 of those sites your business name, phone number or address is wrong, Google will not find you trustworthy and will not rank you.
So, Exactly How Picky is Google?
Two local citations for a fictitious business are listed below. Can you find the differences between the two? Google’s algorithms can! Your business information needs to be identical across all channels, and reflect what is listed on your website. If not, Google will flag you as untrustworthy and your rankings will suffer.
Digital Marketing Services inc.
1234 Google Ranking Way
Denver CO 80202
(123) 456-7890
Business Hours:
9am-5pm
Digital Marketing Services
1234 Google Rankings St
Denver 80202
(123) 456-7890
Business Hours:
8am-5pm
Start Your Local Campaign Today
If you’re not sure whether or not your local citations are in good shape, contact our millennial marketing experts for Local SEO services and get started on the path to higher Google Maps rankings today! Either give us a call (925)998-5313 or contact Echero today!
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