Online mention of a business's name, address, and phone number on directories, websites, and social platforms for local SEO authority.
A local citation is any online mention of a local business's name, address, and phone number (NAP) on websites, directories, apps, or social platforms. Citations serve as digital references that help search engines verify a business's existence, location, and legitimacy, directly impacting local search rankings and visibility in map packs and local search results.
Citations function as the foundation of local SEO authority, similar to how backlinks work for traditional SEO. They range from structured listings on directories like Yelp and Yellow Pages to unstructured mentions in blog posts, news articles, or social media. The quality, accuracy, and consistency of citations across the web signals to search engines that a business is established and trustworthy in its local market.
Why It Matters for AI SEO
AI-powered search systems increasingly rely on citation data to understand local business relationships and generate accurate local search results. Google's Knowledge Graph uses citation information to verify business details and populate rich results, while AI-driven local search algorithms analyze citation patterns to determine which businesses deserve prominent placement in local search results. Modern AI search experiences like Google AI Overviews pull from citation sources when answering location-based queries. A business with consistent, high-quality citations across authoritative local directories is more likely to be featured in AI-generated local recommendations. Search engines' natural language processing capabilities can now extract business information from unstructured citations in news articles or blog posts, making citation management more complex but potentially more valuable.
How It Works
Building effective citations starts with claiming and optimizing your Google Business Profile, then expanding to industry-specific directories and local chamber websites. Use tools like BrightLocal or Whitespark to identify citation opportunities by analyzing competitors' citation profiles and finding directories where your business should be listed. Focus on "Big 4" directories first (Google, Bing, Apple Maps, Facebook), then expand to industry-specific platforms relevant to your business type. For restaurants, prioritize platforms like OpenTable and Zomato. For healthcare, target Healthgrades and WebMD. Maintain NAP consistency across all platforms—even minor variations in address formatting can confuse search algorithms and dilute citation value. Monitor citation accuracy regularly using tools like Moz Local or Yext, which can detect inconsistencies across hundreds of directories. Quality trumps quantity; 50 consistent citations on authoritative sites outperform 200 inconsistent listings on low-quality directories.
Common Mistakes
The biggest mistake is inconsistent NAP formatting across citations. Using "Street" on one directory and "St." on another confuses search engines and weakens citation strength. Many businesses also neglect to update citations when they move or change phone numbers, leaving outdated information that damages local search performance and user experience. Another common error is prioritizing citation quantity over quality, building hundreds of low-value directory listings while neglecting authoritative local sources. Focus on citations that real customers might actually use to find your business, not automated directory farms that exist solely for SEO purposes.