Why Local Citations Matter for San Diego Businesses

Local citations are not an outdated SEO technique, they are still relevant today.. A significant part of marketing your business is gaining the trust of your customers; getting your business in local listings is the easiest way to do this because it confirms that your business is trustworthy and credible.

A local citation is defined by any mention of your business online, whether it be a business directory or another website. If optimized correctly, they can ensure your business ranks higher in search results than your competition. The basics of building local citations include your name, address, and phone number of your business; adding a link to your website also adds value to your SEO. Overall, local citations are important for getting your business in front of consumers for the following reasons.

Improve your Google Local Pack

Formerly called Google+ local map, citations provide Google with trustworthy and accurate information about your business. You can prove that your business is legitimate because you have third-party sources backing you. In this case, consistency is key. As a business owner, you want to have the same name and contact information across different sites so Google can easily identify you.

Two examples of how to take advantage of local citations are to set up a Google my Business (GMB) account and use text hyperlinks on your website. Essentially, citations from a trusted website with high traffic can improve your ranking in local listings. The San Diego SEO agency can help you optimize your GMB account and content cost-effectively. 

Providing accurate information

There are many ways in which users are provided with accurate information when searching online. First, search engine crawlers are used to direct users to the information they are looking for by assessing the accuracy of the citation. If the product description, hours of operation, or any other pertinent information is incorrect, your website will immediately rank lower than others with correct information. 

Citations matter because they are the first step to drawing in more customers because it builds a foundation for other ranking factors such as reviews, which give potential customers confidence in your product or service. For instance, if someone is looking for an accounting firm, they would most likely read the reviews on your online listing prior to connecting. Local citations are especially important when they are included in blogs or news articles because they are connected to how well-known your business is in the local market. Easy access to information allows for a positive user experience, which in turn drives more traffic to your website.

Target your ideal audience...faster

Both quality and quantity matter when it comes to SEO citations. Having multiple listings at the top of search engine results allows customers to see your business instantly, therefore resulting in higher click-through and conversion rates. If you own a brick-and-mortar store, being more visible online can lead to more in-person traffic.

Another benefit of using local citations is that you can get more third-party reviews. With consistently positive reviews, your website will both increase in rank and be featured on Google maps results. 

Avoid duplicate listings

Putting out duplicate information online might seem productive in terms of gaining a stronger online presence, but it’s actually counterproductive. Search engines index consistent information and put the most relevant, unique content at the top of search results. Duplicate listings come from automation, data changes, or can be created by accident. Publishing identical content will not only lower your website’s rank but could result in your website getting flagged. Additionally, consumers might report inaccuracies that could damage your reputation in the local market. 

To maintain a positive image and strong relationships with your consumers, it’s important to create original content. The San Diego Local SEO Agency helps businesses identify duplicate listings and avoid them in the future.

Earn referrals

Consumers don’t just rely on search engines to find information; they use them to find citations that allow them to make informed purchasing decisions. Having your business’s citations on different platforms leads to an increase in leads and higher conversion rates. 

Review pages are an excellent example of how to optimize citations, especially on industry-specific directories. For instance, Yelp is particularly popular for food recommendations, so if you’re a restaurant owner, encouraging your customers to review Yelp is one step towards growing your revenue. 

Do you own a business in San Diego? Visit our San Diego Digital Agency today to learn more about how our professionals can help your business boost its search engine rankings.