Do you know? Almost 90% of consumers are using Google to evaluate your local business & more than 50% of user searches result in clicks on the Google Map Pack. To get on top of the local SERPs by understanding Google’s new Search Generative Experience (SGE) is now the need of every business owner. And, citations play a pivotal role in improving your business’ SERP and Google Maps ranking.
What are Citations?
Citations are local listings or mentions about your business information on trusted online directories and related websites. There are both global and regional business directories where you can build citations for your local business website. A citation includes a proper NAP – Name, Address and Phone Number, and other required information about your business.
How Citations Improve Your Local Search Rankings?
It Gets you to the Page 1 of Google
Citations have been one of the top 10 local SEO ranking factors for two decades. You can get to the top of local SERPs with a little effort, provided you have a good number of local citations online.
Citations Enhances Trust & Credibility
With consumers relying heavily on search engines for finding products and services, it’s important that your business has good online visibility and trust. And, citations play an effective role here. If your business information is consistent and accurate on multiple online sites, your potential customers and search engines will find them trustworthy.
Citations Increases Online Visibility
Having consistent citations across multiple platforms increases the geographical relevance of your business signalling search engines to present your business to potential customers searching for products in the particular locality. The more the chances of your business appearing in local search results, the larger will be your online visibility.
Local Citation Building Best Practices
Ensure Consistency & Accuracy Across Platforms
It’s important that the business NAP (name, address and phone number) and other information (including working hours, social media profile links and related info) are consistent and accurate across all the listing platforms. Discrepancies in any of the above can negatively impact your local SEO.
Google Business Profile Optimization
Claiming and optimizing your Google Business Profile listing and updating it with the latest information, images and videos is very much needed.
Update Citations Regularly
Regularly monitoring your citations and updating changes, if any, is necessary for maintaining accuracy in your listings.
Encouraging Customer Reviews
Engaging with customers and encouraging them to leave positive reviews about your business on Google, Yelp and similar platforms is another best practice suggested by experts. Responding to customer reviews is also essential.
Final Thoughts
Citations are super important in local SEO since they play a great role in improving search engine rankings. At Citations Check, we offer high-quality citation building service for local businesses in the USA, UK, Canada and Australia. We do offer guaranteed local SEO services. For more details, visit https://citationscheck.com/
To get on top of the local SERPs by understanding Google’s new Search Generative Experience (SGE) is now the need of every business owner.
