18/10/2021
Local Citations: Is it a organic search ranking factor ?
What is Local Citations ?
In local SEO, a citation is a mention of key business information – your name, address, and phone number (NAP) – anywhere else on the web.
Local citations might appear in directories, on social networking or review sites, in apps, and on all kinds of other websites.
Clearly, these are an important part of a searcher’s experience;
NAP info is how a local consumer will find their way to your store or give you a call.
Why is Local Citations considered as a Google ranking factor ?
The idea here is that each of these optimizations will help you rank higher in local search results:
Having your NAP info appear on more external sites.
Ensuring the accuracy of your citations.
Optimizing each one by adding as much supporting detail as the fields on that site allow.
Some citations allow only for the location’s name, address, and phone number.
However, you may be able to add a website link, business description, photos, and more, depending on the directory or platform.
Is there any evidence for Local Citations as a Google ranking factor?
Google confirms that local results are based primarily on relevance, distance, and prominence.
And while you cannot control all of these factors, they say:
“First, make sure all of your business information is complete. It’s important to have accurate information including your phone number, address, and business category.”
Google also recommends that in order to ensure the accuracy of your GMB listing and “help you stand out”, you should:
What’s the Verdict ?
Probably!!
It is all but confirmed officially by Google that Google uses local citations as a ranking signal in Local Pack/Finder and localized organic search results.
Google’s aim is to provide the best, most trustworthy answers to every searcher. Citations are an important signal as to whether key business information is correct and that location is the best answer for a local searcher’s relevant query.