Remember Yellowpages? Times that by 20x and online, and that’s how people are finding your NC Business now!

In the context of digital marketing and local SEO, citations refer to online mentions of your North Carolina business's name, address, and phone number (NAP). These citations are typically found in business directories, websites, and various online platforms. Citations play a significant role in local search engine rankings and can influence how prominently your business appears in local search results.

Here are a few points about citations, simplified for those new to digital marketing:

1. Consistency is Key: Maintaining consistent and accurate NAP information across all online citations is crucial. This consistency helps search engines like Google verify the legitimacy and credibility of your business.

2. Local SEO Impact: Citations are a fundamental factor in local SEO. Search engines use them to confirm the location and existence of a business, which can affect your local search rankings.

3. Types of Citations: Citations can appear in various forms, including:

   • Business directories (e.g., Yelp, Yellow Pages)

   • Local Chamber of Commerce websites

   • Social media profiles

   • Industry-specific websites and forums

   • Local news sites

   • Review sites (e.g., Google Business Profile, TripAdvisor)

4. Quality vs. Quantity: While having many citations can be beneficial, quality and accuracy are more important than quantity. Having a few high-quality, well-established citations is better than many inconsistent or low-quality ones.

5. Niche Relevance: Citations from websites or directories related to your industry or niche can carry additional weight in local SEO. They indicate to search engines that your business is relevant to a specific audience.

6. Local Citations for Local Businesses: For businesses targeting a specific geographic area, like your local business in Charlotte, Durham, Wilmington, or Greensboro, NC, local citations in city-based directories and websites are particularly valuable.

7. Audit and Management: Regularly audit your online citations to ensure accuracy. Incorrect information can confuse potential customers and harm your local SEO efforts. Use citation management tools to streamline this process.

8. Structured vs. Unstructured Citations: Structured citations are those with a specific format, like those found in business directories. Unstructured citations are mentions of your business on websites or forums without a specific format. Both can be beneficial for local SEO.

9. NAPW Citations: In addition to name, address, and phone number (NAP), some citations include a website (W) or other additional information (e.g., hours of operation, categories, descriptions).

10. Reviews and Ratings: Some citations, like Google Business Profile, provide NAP information and allow customers to leave reviews and ratings. These reviews can influence potential customers and affect your online reputation.

In summary, citations are online references to your business's name, address, and phone number. They are a crucial component of local SEO, helping search engines verify your business's location and legitimacy. Ensuring the accuracy and consistency of your citations, especially in local directories and platforms, is essential for improving the visibility of your local North Carolina business. Call us at 704.268.9566 or email us, and let's get to work!