Local Citations Workbook by Dennis Yu - HTML preview

Ways to Find More Local Citations Websites

1 ) Use Google

Head to Google and search for simple things like:

[location] business directory

[industry] business directory

[industry] business listings

It's not necessary to submit to every site you find. Use your best judgment to identify which sites are worthwhile.

2) Use an industry citation list

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There are many of these available online, but the one from BrightLocal is among the best. It lists popular citation opportunities for over 40 business categories.

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Clear Path for Business Owner vs. VA

For the Business Owner

As a local service business owner, your goal is to ensure that someone (like a VA) handles the creation of local citations while still understanding the process to ensure it's done correctly. Here’s what you need to know:

What Needs to Be Done:

● Your business's name, address, phone number (NAP), website, and social media

links should be accurate across all listings.

● Include high-quality images, accurate descriptions, and appropriate category

selections.

● Ensure your business is listed on reputable directories like Google Business Profile,

foursquare, and others.

Cost & Time:

● Hiring someone to complete local citations typically costs between $70 and $100,

depending on the quality of work.

● Expect the task to take about 5 to 6 hours for a thorough job.

Competency & ROI:

● To assess competency, inquire about their approach to maintaining NAP accuracy,

the directories they utilize.

● The ROI is evident: improving your local rankings attracts more customers searching

for services in your area.

For the VA

As a VA, your role is to ensure local citations are completed accurately and thoroughly. Here’s what to focus on:

Tasks to Be Completed:

● Gather and verify all NAP information for the business.

● Create listings on relevant, high-quality directories, starting with those

recommended in the guide.

● Ensure correct category selection, add business descriptions, images, and social

media links.

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Timeframe & Quality:

● The process should take about 5 to 6 hours, depending on the number of

directories.

● Maintain quality by ensuring consistent NAP data and using authoritative citation

sites that facilitate customer reviews.

Why It’s Important:

Accurate local citations enhance your business’s local SEO, driving more traffic and potential customers. Your efforts directly influence the business's online reputation and customer trust.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Incomplete information: Skipping fields or providing inaccurate details can lead to incomplete citations. Ensure all required fields are filled accurately.

NAP: Having a wrong business name, address, or phone number (NAP).

Ignoring verification: Neglecting to verify ownership of your citations can result in unclaimed listings, leaving them vulnerable to unauthorized edits or removal.

Misleading categories: Selecting irrelevant or misleading categories can confuse potential customers and affect your visibility in local searches. Choose categories that accurately represent your business.

Neglecting updates: Failing to update your citations with any changes to your business information can lead to outdated listings. Regularly review and update your citations to ensure accuracy.

Missing business images: If you don't include business images in your listings, you miss the chance to show off your business and hardworking team. Images help potential customers see what you offer and connect with your brand, making your business more appealing.

Not adding business description: If you skip the business description, you're missing the chance to clearly explain what your business does and what makes it unique. This can leave potential customers unsure about your offerings and why they should choose you.

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Ignoring business timings: Your business listing isn't complete without adding your business hours. This information helps customers know when you're open, making planning their visits easier.

Avoiding these common mistakes can help you maintain accurate and influential local citations, boosting your visibility and reputation online.

FAQ Section

1/ What should I do if my business information changes?

If your business information changes—such as a new address or phone number—make sure to update all your citations across the web.

2/ How long does it take for citations to reflect on Google?

The time it takes for citations to reflect on Google can vary. It usually takes a few days to a few weeks for updates to be processed and visible in search results, depending on the directory or platform.

3/ How many citations do I need?

While there isn’t a specific number of citations required, the goal is to have your business listed in as many relevant directories as possible. Focus on quality and relevance over quantity.

4/ How can I ensure my citations are accurate?

To ensure accuracy, double-check your business information before submission, maintain a consistent format across all platforms, and regularly review your citations for any outdated information.

How do I choose the right directories for my citations?

Focus on reputable and relevant directories for your industry and location. Start with popular platforms like Google My Business, Yelp, and Facebook, and then explore niche directories specific to your sector to maximize visibility.

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Congratulations!

You've finished our guide to local citations. Now,

you're ready to make your business stand out

online!

Local citations are super influential for getting your business noticed. Before you start, make sure you have your Google Business Profile set up.

Check our Google My Business (GMB) training.

Follow our checklist and avoid common mistakes to ensure your citations are correct.

Now, it's time to get started. Create and tweak your local citations, and watch as more customers find you online.

Thanks for learning with us. Good luck on your journey to success with your local search!

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