Should Marketing include Citations?

In this digital age, your business’ web presence should be highest on your list of priorities. If your online reputation is lacking or your business is difficult to find on the internet, it’ll be significantly harder for you to connect with your customers. While there are numerous ways to improve your brand awareness online, one of the easiest options is to focus on citations! “Online directories are also referred to as “citations” or citation sites.” (2.)

Does my Business need a Citation site listing?

Local citations are a known component of any successful local SEO strategy. (2.) Listing your business in relevant directories can raise your profile online, add legitimacy to your brand, and guide consumers to your business when seeking relevant solutions. Hence, understanding how a citation site functions can help your business grow your brand’s presence and recognition!

Perhaps because the term ‘citation site’ is newer and quite generic, most persons prefer ‘business directory‘. Some common examples of online directories include Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business), Yelp®, Facebook®, Bing Places, Yahoo Local, Foursquare®**, and many others. (4.)

A reliable directory will gather information and depend on the companies to improve the data themselves, as it’s in their best interest to be presented accurately and honestly. The company that runs the directory drives traffic to its pages, mainly through SEO and social outreach for applicants and surfers. A company’s algorithm determines which aspects of the listing affects positioning in SERPS, or search engine results pages. Advanced citation sites utilize keywords, sitemaps, imagery, and other metadata to bolster their efficacy.

Wait! Don’t most people just search Google?

Yes, people do use Google®! But how does Google collect and aggregate data? From whence does Google pull those business’ data which their search results choose to display? Google gets their data from citation sites. If a citation site is regionalized, Google encapsulates that information. Because business searches are almost always regional, the ability of Google to present consummate information, relating to a specific area or community is essential.

Does a GeoDirectory Citation provide Regionalized Data? 

Yes, GeoDirectory citation sites feature a responsive database structure capable of withstanding millions of listings, a great permalink structure, as well as enhanced regional features. As the focus upon localization has grown exponentially, so, too, has the need for specific, regional data about businesses.

Are free Citations Sites really effective?

Citations are essential for local SEO success (3.). Any web presence can experience a positive result from inclusion within a citation site. If the site is a reputable one, it will (likely) have a strong domain authority. If so, the backlink from that site will serve the lesser authoritative one quite well once it has been indexed. That being said, if a presence has numerous citations from stronger sites, each respective, additional listing will improve that site’s authority, too. Research shows that 97% of consumers search the web to find local goods, products and services! But according to the Local Search Association, 56% of local businesses still haven’t claimed their Google Business Profile (3.) — which is quite possibly the most important online directory to claim!

Footnotes / Endnotes –

1.) ‘Why Citations Matter for your Business‘ – https://etegritydigital.com/online-directories-why-citations-matter-for-your-business/

2.) ‘Online Directories: How They Help your Local Business‘ – (Quotation) https://newinitiativesmarketing.com/online-directories-how-they-help-your-local-business-get-found/

3.) ‘Online Business Directories: How to Use Citations to Build a Local SEO Strategy‘ – (Quotation) https://ducttapemarketing.com/citations-build-successful-local-seo-strategy/

4.) ‘Why Local Citations Are Key for Local SEO‘ – (Quotation)
https://www.brightlocal.com/learn/local-citations/introduction-to-citations/local-seo-and-citations/