What are local citations?

Local citations are online mentions of your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) on directories, websites, and social platforms.

Common citation sources include Yelp, Facebook, Yellow Pages, BBB, industry-specific directories, and local chamber of commerce sites. Citations help Google verify your business exists and is legitimate, which boosts your local search rankings. Quality and consistency matter more than quantity - having your NAP identical across 20 authoritative directories is better than being on 100 sites with inconsistent information. Start with the top general directories, then add industry-specific ones relevant to your business.