A local SEO citation is any mention of your business’s name, address, and phone number on the web, typically abbreviated as NAP. Citations appear on business directories, review sites, social media profiles, and other websites that list business information.
Citations matter for local SEO because Google uses them to verify that your business exists at the stated location and that the information you have provided is consistent with what other sources say. A business that appears with consistent NAP information across many directories is treated as more established and trustworthy than one with inconsistent or conflicting information.
Major citation sources in India include Justdial, Sulekha, IndiaMart, TradeIndia, and industry-specific directories. International directories like Yelp, Foursquare, and Bing Places also contribute citation signals, particularly for businesses that want to attract international visitors.
Citation consistency is more important than citation volume. Having your business listed with a slightly different address format on twenty directories, such as “Road” on some and “Rd” on others, creates inconsistency that weakens the signal. Auditing your citations for accuracy and consistency is often more valuable than adding new directory listings.
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