What Are Local Seo Citations And Why Do They Matter So Much?

Ella Pybus | 14 November, 2025 | 3 minute read | Blog, SEO

If you run a local business, showing up when people search nearby can make or break your growth. That’s where local SEO citations come in, a simple but powerful tool that helps search engines and customers find you faster. 

Put simply, a citation is any mention of your business name, address and phone number (NAP) across the web.

They show up on online directories like Google Business Profile, Yelp, or Facebook, and even industry-specific platforms.

Citations aren’t just nice things to have. They’re critical for local SEO rankings. 

In this blog, we’ll walk through what they are, why they’re so important, and how to get them right, without the jargon.

What Exactly Are Local SEO Citations?

Local SEO citations are digital references to your business details (your NAP – name, address, and phone number).

They act like trust signals for Google. When search engines see your business info appear consistently across multiple trusted sites, they gain confidence that you’re legit and active. 

The two main types of citations

• Structured Citations – These appear on directory-style sites like Google Maps, Yelp, or Yell. They follow a set format: business name, phone number, sometimes opening hours and category.
• Unstructured citations – These are mentions of your business in blog posts, social media, or news articles. They’re less formal but still count as significant signals. 

Want to learn more? Check out our guide to Local SEO to make sure your listings stand out.

Why Are Local SEO Citations So Important?

Because they help customers trust you and help Google trust you, too. 

When your details match everywhere online, it reinforces credibility. If Google spots inconsistencies, like if one site says you’re at 123 Main Street and another says 132 Main Street, it gets confused. And confused search engines don’t rank businesses as confidently. 

Here’s what strong citation management can do:

• Improve your local rankings – especially in Google’s Map Pack, those top three listings you see for nearby businesses. 
• Drive real visits – Customers often click on directory links to find contact details, directories, or reviews. 
• Boost brand visibility – You’ll show up in more places, even beyond Google.

How to Build (and Maintain) Great Local SEO Citations

You don’t need to go overboard, just be smart and consistent. 

Start by creating or claiming listings on:

• Google Business Profile 
• Apple Maps 
• Bing Places 
• Yelp, Yell. Thomson Local 
• Any industry-specific directories (for example, checkatrade for trades, or TripAdvisor for hospitality)

Then make sure your details, especially your business name, address, phone, and website URL – match exactly across every site. As every tiny variation can cause ranking issues. 

Quick tip:

Use a simple spreadsheet or a citation management tool to keep track of where your business is listed and when it was last updated.

Our final thoughts 

Local SEO citations may not sound glamorous, but they quietly do a lot for your visibility. They help customers find you, help Google verify you, and help your local rankings increase organically over time. 

Ready to dig deeper into local SEO? Explore more insights on our blog and resources page to discover Why Local SEO Matters (And How It Can Help You Get Found Faster)