Local Citations.
Learn what Local Citations means in modern search and SEO.
Online mentions of a business's name, address, and phone number (NAP) on directories, review sites, and data aggregators.
Local citations are any online mention of a business's name, address, and phone number (NAP). They appear on general directories (Google Business Profile, Yelp, Bing Places), vertical directories (TripAdvisor, Healthgrades, Avvo), data aggregators (Data Axle, Neustar/Localeze, Foursquare), and social platforms.
Citation Volume and Consistency
Citation volume signals to Google that a business is established. Citation consistency — identical NAP across all sources — signals reliability. Inconsistencies introduced by address abbreviations, suite number formatting, or outdated phone numbers create conflicting signals that can suppress local pack rankings.
Structured vs. Unstructured Citations
Structured citations appear in designated NAP fields on directory sites. Unstructured citations are mentions in blog posts, news articles, or social content where the NAP appears in running text. Both contribute to prominence, though structured citations carry more weight in local algorithm ranking.
Citation Audits
Tools like BrightLocal, Whitespark, and Moz Local audit citation accuracy across major sources and flag inconsistencies. Fixing inaccurate citations and building new ones on authoritative, category-relevant directories is a foundational local SEO task, particularly for new businesses or those that have recently changed address or phone number.
Articles about Local Citations
Read more on the Aergos blog.
The 2026 Guide to Ranking in Both SEO and AI Search
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Google May Core Update, AI Mention Manipulation Warnings, and More
Google's May 2026 core update has landed, and Google issued a strong warning against buying or manipulating brand mentions for AI. Meanwhile, ChatGPT is sending significantly more referral traffic as it shows more links. Here's the full breakdown.
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How Much Should a Small Business Spend on SEO?
Most small businesses either spend too little on SEO to see results or too much before they're ready to scale. Here's a clear breakdown of what different budget tiers actually get you — and how to decide where to start.
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How to Build a Local SEO Strategy From Scratch
Building a local SEO strategy doesn't have to be overwhelming. From claiming your Google Business Profile to earning reviews that actually convert, here's a practical step-by-step guide to getting found in your city — and staying there.
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