Want to get your local business noticed? You need to pop up in local searches, like when someone types “coffee shop near me.” One of the best ways to do that is through citations. But what are citations? Let’s break it down.
A citation is any mention of your business’s name, address, and phone number (NAP). These mentions help search engines like Google trust your business — and the more accurate and consistent they are across the web, the better your rankings!
But there are tons of places where your business can be listed. So which ones matter most? Let’s explore the top citation sources you should care about.
1. Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business)
This is the big one. If you skip everything else, don’t skip this.
Google uses your Google Business Profile to display info in search results, Maps, and more. Make sure your business name, phone number, address, hours, and website are all right. Add photos, and respond to reviews too!
2. Yelp
Yelp is not only popular with users — it also feeds info to other platforms like Apple Maps.
Keep your profile fresh with correct hours and engaging photos. Respond to reviews when you can. Yelp can pack a big punch!
3. Facebook
Yep! Facebook is still huge for local discovery. People often check a business’s Facebook page before visiting.
Make sure your contact details and address match exactly with other listings. And post updates or promotions to show you’re active.
4. Apple Maps
Have an iPhone? Then you know how often Apple Maps gets used. But did you know you can claim and manage your business there through Apple Business Connect?
Update your location, photos, and services to stay useful to all the iPhone searchers out there.
5. Bing Places
Google may be the king, but Bing still matters — especially for people using Microsoft devices or voice searches through Cortana or Alexa.
Your Bing listing should match your Google listing 100%. Consistency is key!
6. Yellow Pages
It’s not dead! The online version of Yellow Pages still gets decent traffic. Plus, it’s a trusted directory that search engines know well.
Add your business here to give extra strength to your local visibility.
7. Foursquare
You may think no one uses Foursquare anymore… but lots of apps pull data from it!
Having a profile here helps apps and services know your info is legit, which helps your ranking in other places too.
8. Better Business Bureau (BBB)
This site shows you mean business. Literally.
Having a BBB listing (with the same NAP data) can boost credibility with both customers AND search engines. If you’ve earned their trust badge, flaunt it!
9. Local Chamber of Commerce
Your town’s own business group is a surprisingly powerful citation source.
Not only is it good for SEO, but it can also bring new local customers who trust community businesses.
10. Industry-Specific Directories
Are you a dentist? A plumber? A yoga studio?
There are directories just for your type of business. Sites like Healthgrades for doctors or Avvo for lawyers give you a strong niche boost.
Bonus tip: Google LOVES seeing you in places that make sense for your type of biz.
Keep Everything Consistent
It’s not just about being on these sites. You need to make sure your name, address, and phone number are the same everywhere.
If Google sees “Main Street” in one place and “Main St.” in another, it gets confused. Confused Google = lower rankings. And nobody wants that.
Why Citations Really Matter
- They increase your chances of showing up in local search results.
- They make your business look legit to potential customers.
- They build trust with search engines.
Think of it like this: Every consistent citation is another vote of confidence that you’re real, and you’re local. And that’s exactly what Google is looking for when someone in your area searches for your kind of service.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to be on a million sites — just the right ones. Start with Google, Yelp, Facebook, and a few others from this list. It’s a small investment of time, but the results can be big.
So go claim those listings, update your info, and get in front of more people in your neighborhood. Local SEO isn’t magic… but it sure feels like it when it works!
