If you’re looking to boost your local search rankings and attract more local customers, local citations are one of the most important strategies in your SEO toolkit.

So, what are local citations, and how can they help your business?

What is a Local Citation?

A local citation is any mention of your business online that includes key details like your name, address, and phone number (commonly referred to as NAP). Citations can appear on business directories, social media platforms, review sites, and local blogs. The more consistent and widespread your citations, the more authority and relevance your business can gain in local search results.

Why Are Local Citations Important for SEO?

Local citations help search engines, like Google, verify that your business exists, operates in a particular location, and offers specific services. This information plays a big role in determining how well your business ranks for local search queries, especially when potential customers are searching for services “near me” or in your area. Many of these sites will give you a backlink, some will even set it as “DoFollow”. Depending on the type of business there may be opportunities for listing or backlinks from local government websites (gov.uk) which carry very high domain authority

Step 1: Research the Right Platforms

Not all citation platforms are created equal. Start by identifying the best places for your business to appear. This includes:

• Popular directories like Google MyBusiness Profile, Bing Places.
• Industry-specific directories tailored for “businesses like yours”, whether you’re in hospitality, healthcare, or something else there is probably a directory you can get listed in, some are free others charge, so it is worth digging it to find out whether it is worth paying for a listed spot.
• Local directories relevant to your region or city.

Using tools like Moz’s Local Listing Score and BrightLocal or a simple google search, to find the top platforms for your specific business, ensuring you’re seen where it matters.

Step 2: Ensure Consistent NAP Information

One of the key elements of local citation success is NAP consistency. If your business details (name, address, phone number) differ from platform to platform, it can confuse search engines and harm your rankings.

We take a meticulous approach to ensure that your NAP information is consistent across all platforms. This includes regular audits and updates whenever you move, change phone numbers, or rebrand.

Step 3: Manual Citation Creation

While there are automated tools available for building citations, a manual, hands-on approach often yields better results. Manually submit your business information to directories, and ensure that every profile is complete with details like your website, opening hours, and photos to enhance visibility.

Step 4: Monitor and Maintain Existing Citations

It’s not enough to simply create citations and leave them. They need to be monitored to ensure that your information stays accurate. We regularly check your listings for inconsistencies, errors, or duplicates that could affect your SEO efforts.

By using tools like BrightLocal, to track and manage your citations, keeping them up-to-date and in sync across the web.

Step 5: Build Structured and Unstructured Local Citations

Citations come in two main forms: structured and unstructured.

• Structured local citations are listings in directories where your business details are entered into predefined fields (such as Google Business Profile).
• Unstructured local citations are mentions of your business in blogs, news articles, or social media posts that don’t follow a specific format.

At BizKit UK, we aim to secure both types of citations for your business. This means submitting your details to high-authority directories and working to get your business mentioned in local news, community blogs, and other platforms that matter to your audience.

Step 6: Handle Reviews

Customer reviews are also an essential part of local SEO, acting as unstructured citations. Encouraging happy customers to leave reviews on platforms like Google and Yelp not only boosts your local visibility but also builds trust with potential clients.

We help manage your online reputation by setting up systems that encourage reviews and monitor what people are saying about your business.

Step 7: Fix Duplicate or Incorrect Listings

Duplicate listings or inaccurate information can negatively impact your local SEO. Our team will actively search for any duplicate listings, consolidating or removing them to ensure your business has a clean, clear online presence.

Step 8: Track the Results

SEO is all about measurable results. At BizKit UK, we use analytics tools to track the impact of your local citation strategy. We monitor how your business is performing in local search rankings and use the data to continuously refine your SEO efforts.

Get Started with Local SEO Today

Building a local citation service is more than just ticking boxes. It’s about taking a thoughtful, consistent approach to ensure your business is found by the right people in the right places.

Whether you’re a small business looking to make a mark in your local area or a startup wanting to expand your reach, Bizkit UK can help. Get in touch with us today to discuss how we can improve your local SEO and boost your visibility. Or follow the steps above and get started today on your local citation strategy.