Citations are one of the most essential features of local SEO. Many new SEOs start their professions by creating and managing citations for the person or company they work for. When configured and created with precision, citations can be very easy to manage and can lead to better ranking and visibility. 

Though, if done irresponsibly, citations can be devastating and can lead to a significant drop in local SERP rankings. If you are new to SEO and want to find out more about citation, then you are absolutely at the right place. This article has put together all the information you need to know about citations.

What Is Citation

A citation is like specifying your business or services on the web. It is a combination of your business name, address, phone number, website address, and other important information. Citations are the main element in improving your local search results. Usually, when talking about citation, it refers to a group of individual business listings across multiple sites. 

A local citation should at least include your business name, address, and phone number, which is also known as ‘NAP’. A citation that does not include these three is sometimes known as a partial or incomplete citation. Missing information on citations has a bad impact. 

The Importance Of Citations

Citations help search engines like Google, Yahoo, etc. to verify that your business exists. When multiple reliable sources have the same data about your business, it tells search engines that your business is authentic. Listing your business on featured national and local sites, such as Citylocal Pro, helps your business build authority, build trust, and improve your business’s ability to rank in local search results.

Some other benefits of citations are: 

• Unique Content Option
• Complete Information about a specific brand
• Fully Optimized Profiles
• Safe, Authority Links and Branding
• Information management

What Are Dofollow Links?

Dofollow links are those that allow search engines to point to your website, blog, etc. This means that every time you put a dofollow link on your site, it can point back to you, which boosts your authority by showing search engines what other websites, blogs, and articles are referring to your website or blog.

1. Yelp

Yelp is one of the most popular online business directories in the United States, so it should be one of the most important places to list your business. Consumers can also follow each other. Yelp is also a go-to place for better standing management.

2. Google My Business

Google My Business provides a set of tools to help you manage all information and data of your business. You can provide your business listing, Google reviews, and many more. It’s free, easy to use, and will help users find your business on a map, as well as provide Google with signals to help you appear on local search results pages.

3. Manta 

By creating a free profile and adding your business and services to the Manta directory, you can make a powerful impression and show your products or services to a large number of potential users.

4. Citylocal Pro

Citylocal pro is one of the emerging local citation sites. As a simple and easy-to-use citation site/directory, Citylocal Pro makes sure your corporate NAP details are there and visible. After adding your business, you can also edit your information, add phone numbers and locations. Citylocal Pro is committed to helping people find businesses in their local communities and nearby areas, which is why the section with customer ratings and reviews is one of the fastest-growing sections of this site.

5. MerchantCircle

MerchantCircle is one of the largest online directories of local business owners in America and serves as a straight assembly line between local buyers and local merchants.

6. Foursquare 

Foursquare is a location-based, mobile app-based social network that allows people to sign up with your business, write reviews, leave tips, and share information on Facebook, Twitter, and more.

7. Yahoo Local

Yahoo Local citation is a great free service that displays the address, phone number, and URL of your local business, and gives you the flexibility to choose from up to five business categories.

8. Local.Com

There are already over 100,000 local business listings on Local.com, and more are added every day. You can claim your business for free and comprise contact information and the exact location of your business.

9. Brown Book

Brown book is a global business directory that provides real-time insight into new businesses that are uploaded. Currently, there are more than 38 million ads on this site, and the number is increasing by the minute. Adding your business or services to this global database is free, you can view your ad, add your logo, photos, videos, etc. For marketing agencies and SEOs, there is a dedicated editor API that can help you upload, edit, and delete listings more easily.

10. Ezlocal

You can claim your business for free and enrich your digital presence in the EZlocal directory. EZlocal has been one of the best-ranked US citation/directories for over more than nine years. If you want to elevate your online presence, EZlocal has dedicated teams that can help you with list management, appointment creation, and reputation management.