Whether you are a small business or multinational complex, local citations are very important for making a mark in local markets. A local citation is nothing but an online mention of the company title, address, and phone numbers. These basic credentials are generally fortified by other details such as business category, description, images, and videos.
Several online sources enable you to list your business with specific details that can enhance your online presence and boost your SEO. These citations can occur on local business directories, on websites and apps, and social platforms as well. They help the businesses to be discovered by their customers when they are searching for services or businesses like theirs.
If you are crafting an SEO strategy for your online business, finding some good and reliable citation sources is a must. Here are 10 reliable local citation sources of the United States.
1. Google My Business
With a domain authority of 100, Alexa rank 1Google My Business is rightfully at the top of the list. You can attract more local customers by making a free profile on Google My Business and adding the required business credentials.
Fill out the accurate contact information, working hours, and website links. Fortify your listing by adding as many pictures as you want to. Google also allows other users to add pictures and other details but they become a part of your listing once you approve them.
2. Bing Places
Add complete information about your company after claiming your listing on Bing Places. One can add various contact info and photographs of your products or services. These can help your online customers discover your business more easily and know about it.
Bing places for business is one of the most popular free directories that also offers the possibility of verifying your listing with a dedicated PIN and protecting it from unauthorized changes. All businesses are required to provide a valid address to verify the listing, but certain types of businesses can also hide the address in search results.
If your business is spread out through multiple locations, use the bulk upload tool to set them all out at once and save your time.
3. Apple Maps
Apple Maps is designed for Apple users. As the number of Apple users is continuously rising it is important to add a local citation at this website unless you want to miss out on a huge proportion of your potential customers. Search for a business. If you see it already listed there, make sure the details are accurate. Claim the business and you are good to go. If there is no mention of your business title, start adding details without any delays.
4. Better Business Bureau
If you are looking for high local relevance and authority, make sure your business is listed in Better Business Bureau. Simply being listed on this website gives you authority because BBB is dedicated to listing only high-quality businesses in the United States. Its mission is to help businesses serve their customers in a better way and become an integral part of local communities. It has garnered a reputation as a trusted marketplace.
5. Manta
Manta has been providing a full-service business listings solution for small businesses for years. Create a free profile and add your business to the Manta directory to make an impact and show off your products or services to a huge number of prospective users.
Choose the specific category or a subcategory to list your business under it, and make it easier for customers to find you. If you need any help, Manta experts will guide you through and help you optimize your business listings. Manta is also a reliable name which can help you manage your online reputation, by managing the reviews and conversation about your business.
6. Merchant Circle
Being one of the largest online directories of local business owners in the United States, Merchant Circle serves as a direct connection line between local merchants and local shoppers. This authoritative citation source has more than 100 million visits per year. This platform also offers a possibility to manage your reputation, launch digital ads, and make your business more searchable.
7. Local.Com
As a starter, there are already more than 100,000 listings of local businesses on Local.com. And every day new ones are being added. Claim your business listing for free. All you have to do is to put up the contact information, exact driving directions to your store, restaurant, salon, or another type of business you own. Since Local.com has partnered with Yext, it allows you to claim your listing on other 40 sites.
8. Yelp
Yelp is a household name in citation sources. Whatever your business category is you can select it and add accurate details to get more customers and search engine authority. Moreover, Yelp will help you target your audience more precisely, and deliver your profile in front of the people that are more likely to buy.
9. Yellow Pages
The traditional directory called Yellow Pages has upgraded to its digital version. it is one of the best-known citation sources in the world. The Yellow Pages mobile app is used by millions of people daily and the numbers are adding. There is an option for a free basic profile on Yellow Pages as well as there is a paid version that gets you a richer listing. You can also advertise your business or opt for the promotion of your discounts and coupons.
10. QRG Tech
You can claim your business for free on QRG tech and enrich your digital presence. It is one of the most reputed emerging leaders in digital presence management. It helps companies by managing their local profiles, adding business details, and connecting them with local customers.
All you need to do is to create a profile and get your listing verified. The process only takes a few minutes but can leverage your SEO efforts. Whatever your business niche maybe, this citation source has got an audience for you.
