Google Maps citations are an essential part of your local SEO. A well-done citation can help your business rank higher in the local search results and can also help people find your business when they’re looking for it on Google Maps. But not all citations are created equal some are better than others. In this post, we will introduce you to how to make outstanding Google Maps Citations.
Why Do Citations Exist?
Citations exist for local businesses because Google needs to know each company’s name, address, and phone number to display them in its search results accurately. If your business isn’t listed on Google Maps or doesn’t have a complete citation, then people searching online are less likely to find it when they look for it on Google.
Steps for Creating a Google Maps Citation
There are many ways to create a citation for your business. Here are the steps we recommend:
1. Make a Website
A website is a key to making outstanding citations. Your Google+ profile and Local Business Center are not enough; you need a complete, interactive website if you want to make great local search rankings. This doesn’t mean that your site needs to have a lot of content or be perfect in every way, but it needs to exist.
2. Use Format
Your citation should use the following basic formats, with all elements separated by commas:
Full Name of Business, Address, City/State/Region ZIP Code, Phone Number.
3. Get it Listed
You can get your business listed by visiting Google Businesses or the Local Business Center or via a third-party citation service.
4. Get it Verified
Once you create a citation, you should verify that it’s accurate and complete. It won’t necessarily show up in search results immediately but will become more visible as time goes on.
5. Include a Link to Your Website
After you make a citation for local businesses, make an effort to include a link back to your site from the Google Places landing page. This will help it rank better in search results.
6. Make an Awesome Google+ Profile
If someone searches for “Your Business Name” on Google, the business with the most authority of all will show up first. Your Google+ profile is an important part of building your local SEO authority; make sure it’s done right (and that you include a link to your website).
What Are the Benefits of Having Good Citations?
Here’s a breakdown of what citations can do for your business.
Improve Local Search Ranking
Good citations will improve the ranking of your Google+ profile and Local Business Center listing, which in turn will help you rank higher on other pages that display information about your industry or location.
Increase Visibility
When people use Google Maps to find a business, good citations will increase your visibility on the map.
Build Trust
Good citations will help customers find you and click through to your website from a trusted location. This means more potential customers.
Drive Traffic
All those extra views of your business website can lead to increased engagement and conversion rates for both mobile and desktop users.
Summary
Citations are important for your local business because they help people find you online. If you don’t have any citations, then potential customers who are looking for you on Google may not be able to find your business.