Why it matters for your business
Citations help search engines confirm that your business is real, where it is and how to contact it. Consistent citations on trusted websites support your visibility on Google Maps and in local results. They also put your business in front of people who browse directories and review sites directly.
There are two kinds:
- Structured citations: business listings on platforms like Bing Places, Apple Business Connect, Yelp, Foursquare, Facebook and industry directories.
- Unstructured citations: mentions in articles, blog posts, local news or association websites.
Example
A plumber listed on Bing Places, Yelp, a local chamber of commerce website and a trade association directory, all with the same name, address and phone number, has four consistent citations.
How to check or improve it
- Start with the platforms that matter most: Google Business Profile, Bing Places, Apple Business Connect, Yelp, Foursquare and Facebook.
- Add directories specific to your industry and your local area.
- Keep every listing identical to your website (see NAP).
- Focus on quality. A few accurate listings on trusted sites beat hundreds of low-quality ones.