There are certain methods on how to build citations for a business. Citation has its own benefits. In fact, the benefits of citation is huge for any business. Experts believe it is one of the major deciders of business ranking for local businesses. It makes you visible.

What is Citation?

Simply, citation is all about mentioning your business on another website. Citations is not about clicking links like it is obtained in backlinks. It is about the mention of your business in another website which is not yours.

A proper citation would include your business name, address, phone number, and other details about your business. You should also note that there are different forms of building citation for your business. One is structured while the other is unstructured.

Structured citations are business mentioned on business directories that details most businesses in a locality. In contrast, unstructured citations are mentioned business on other web properties like blogs, websites, event listings, databases, etc.

Furthermore, whatever citation you find yourself, you must ensure your details align. That is the nap consistency in your citations.

Notably, when your business has different details on different business directories, it can confuse search engines. That is, your business name, business address, and business phone number are details that must be consistent across all your business citations.

How to Build Citations

You can build citation using citation building services. You should carry out a lot of research. That involves using Google search to find citation sources. Here is how to build citations.

Google Search

First, invariably, this involves using Google search to find citation sources. This is simply normal everyday Google search we do. In addition, you should find general business listings. The likes of Yelp, Foursquare, Black pages international and Manta are great sources for citations. You should explore them for the utmost benefit of your business.

You should also use local business listings. This includes businesses in your locality. That is, if you run a business in Illinois, the listings include businesses in Illinois. Basically, a Google search like this: “Food vendors in Illinois” will link you to directories of food vendors in Illinois.

Use Core Structured Citations

Second, there are certain business directories your business must appear if you want to maximize your visibility online. Have a list of about 10 to 20 local listings that your business must appear on. Without these trusted listings, you may struggle to be visible.

Here are some examples:

• Yelp
• Yellow Pages
• Foursquare
• Bing
• Facebook
• Localeze
• Factual
• Superpages

Take advantage of industry-specific Platforms

Third, your business should appear on citations that are meant for your profession. As a matter of fact, this will give your business more credibility as a qualified professional.

Examples:

Legal

• FindLaw
• Avvo
• Justia
• Lawyers.com

Medical

• Healthgrades.com
• Wellness.com
• Rate MDs

Restaurants

• Zomato
• Grubhub
• Opentable.com
• Urbanspoon.com

Apartments

• Apartmentguide.com
• Rentals.com
• Apartments.com
• Forrent.com
• Mynewplace.com

Make Guest Post on Blogs

Fourth, you should consider writing for authoritative blogs that will let you express yourself. Here, you can mention your business and also get backlinks as an addition. This is a smart means of getting citation for your business. It also creates a sense of authoritativeness for your business.

Expand Citation Sources with Moz Local

Fifth, if you are based in the United States or Canada, you will have access to local citation services of Moz. Sincerely, Moz service can help you publish and manage your local listings through its partner data aggregator sites like Infogroup, Acxiom, Localeze, and Factual. The fact is: when your business appears on many directories, it can be difficult to track them all manually. Services like this make it easier.