Our latest blog post discussed the significance of citations in search engine optimization. In this article, we’ll take a look at all the different types of SEO citations that may be used to improve your site’s ranking in both local and also organic search results. As always you can keep researching more about this (or similar topics) on our blog. We have a lot of useful information there. It might help you to check out our AZ Citations website and find some cool tips and tricks. Of course, if you start feeling stuck you can always call us. We are happy to help.
Not all citations are equal
As a short review, a citation is when a business’s name appears alongside its phone number and address (as well as website URL). This is what we call “NAP” which stands for “name, address, and phone number”. Better citations (somewhat like better links) are tough to achieve and may involve verification by postcode or phone call, and these are utilized by search engines to establish the trust that your company genuinely is just what and exactly where it says it is.
So, in theory, any reference to your business, your NAPs, or sections of it, is a good thing. If those details also include a description of what you offer as well as some of your relevant keywords, then that builds confidence and a partnership between your company + business and the keywords you wish to be noticed for, all good things.
Structured Citations
The greatest form of reference to use is a structured one. You may find those on reputable websites like Yelp.com. The company name and address will be included here in the proper manner. Also, possibly with schema microdata to provide additional assistance to search engines. As with the original Yellow Pages books, these online directories, also known as IYPs (Internet Yellow Pages), should be arranged by business type and geographic region (but obviously, online). Yell, Scoot, Yelp, Qype, Thomson, and other location- or industry-specific directories are just a few examples of UK websites where you can acquire structured citations. In addition, think about the professional groups to which you belong and whether or not they offer listings.
Unstructured Citations
Unstructured citations can take numerous forms. Often they consist of the business’s name followed by an ad hoc string of numbers and letters that may or may not include an address or phone number. It is possible for an unstructured citation to consist of nothing more than a name and a piece of contact information. For example, let’s say – a city and phone number.
Consider your social media pages. Do you have your NAPs listed there? You should in case someone wants to cite you in an unstructured source. Your location and contact information (phone number, if you have one) can also be in your Twitter bio. You can include your physical location in your Linkedin bio. Unstructured citations depend on your creativity. For example, when you have a YT channel, record podcasts, or write guest blog posts, each of these could be a potential source of an unstructured citation. That will boost your authority and search engine rankings in organic and local search results. How cool is that? As you can see all citations are important. Not equal but important.
Geo/Industry-Specific Platforms
Your company can aim to develop listings on sites that are specialized to its unique sector and area in addition to creating local business listings on the big local business data platforms which serve all industries. Websites for business groups or trade groups are two good examples of such venues.
Let’s talk about the co-occurrence of keywords
We’ll go into more depth on the topic of co-occurrence in a bit. In the meanwhile, keep your keywords in mind as you construct unstructured citations and structured citations with the option to add a business description. The cool kids are counting. They use it as a means by which anchor text has been phased out, or at least verified or trusted because it establishes a connection between your business and the keywords. It’s simple to implement. Just don’t spam. Also, maintain a positive attitude, and you may see an increase in the exposure your chosen terms receive.
Local Citations
Whenever the full or partial NAP data (name, address, and phone number) of a local business appears online, it is considered a local citation. Local directories, websites, apps, and social media all have the potential to feature a citation. Local search engine rankings may be affected by citations. Also, they may aid in the discovery process. Google’s local search interfaces give extra weight to citations. So, making sure you have plenty of good ones will enhance your rankings. To protect the integrity of their data, local companies can actively handle a large number of citations.
Do you need any help with your citations?
This is something we just need to mention before we go. Most businesses often need some help with citation building, clean up, or anything else. This is something that can help your business flourish so you should consider it. You don’t have to do everything on your own! Hopefully, you understand now types of SEO citations and you can keep researching them in our blog. It is a great place for research after all. We also left you some amazing reading material so research that as well.
