Core platforms
Google, Apple Maps, Bing Places and Facebook. These feed many other services and are checked first.
Local citation building and NAP cleanup
A local citation is any online mention of your business name, address and phone number, called NAP. Citation building adds your business to the directories that matter in your market, and NAP cleanup fixes the wrong or old details already out there, so Google and customers see one consistent business.
Why citations still matter
Google cross-checks your business details across the web. When your profile, website and directories agree, Google has more confidence that the information is correct. When they conflict, customers call old numbers and Google may show the wrong details.
Citations matter most for newer businesses, businesses that moved or rebranded, and markets where directories are widely used by customers. For established businesses the main value is often cleanup rather than adding new listings.
What's included
- Audit of existing listings and their accuracy
- One master NAP record that every listing follows
- Corrections on listings with wrong or old details
- Duplicate listing removal where possible
- New listings on core and industry directories
- Spreadsheet of every listing with login details handed to you
Types of citations I build
Country directories
The main business directories used in your country. They differ from one market to the next, so I research yours.
Industry directories
Trade bodies, professional associations and niche platforms where your customers actually look.
Local sources
Chambers of commerce, local business associations and community sites, which also count as local mentions.
How it works
Each step has a realistic timing. Larger sites and competitive markets take longer.
-
1
Master record
One correct name, address, phone, website and hours agreed with you.
Day 1 -
2
Listing audit
Existing citations found and checked for errors.
Week 1 -
3
Cleanup
Corrections and duplicate removal requests submitted.
Weeks 1 to 3 -
4
New listings
Core and industry directories added.
Weeks 2 to 4 -
5
Handover
Full listing sheet with logins in your name.
End of project
Signs you need this
- You moved, changed phone number or rebranded in the last few years
- Customers mention calling an old number
- Directories show different spellings of your business name
- You have more than one Google listing
- You have never checked where your business is listed
What affects the cost
Citation work is usually a one-time project with light yearly checks. The scope depends on:
- Number of existing listings with errors
- Number of locations
- Whether you moved or rebranded
- How many directories are relevant in your country and industry
You get a fixed quote after a short call. No surprise extras.
Not sure which service you need? Start with a free call and I'll tell you what I'd fix first.
Citation cleanup vs. bulk submission services
| Cleanup and selective building | Bulk submission | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Accuracy on directories that matter | Number of listings |
| Old data | Found and corrected | Usually left in place |
| Account ownership | Yours | Often held by the provider |
| Risk | Low | Spammy or low-quality listings |
Why work with me
I'm an independent consultant, so the standards below are mine, in writing, for every client.
- You talk to me directlyThe person planning your SEO is the person you message. No account managers.
- Month one in writingYou see exactly what happens first, and why, before ongoing work starts.
- Plain-language reportsWhat changed, what it means for leads and what's next, every month.
- Your accounts stay yoursGoogle Business Profile, Analytics, Search Console and content stay in your name.
- No ranking guaranteesNobody controls Google. I commit to the work and honest reporting.
Frequently asked questions
There is no target number. Get the core platforms right first, then the main directories in your country and industry. For most local businesses that is a few dozen accurate listings, which matters more than reaching hundreds of weak ones.
NAP stands for name, address and phone number. Some people add W for website. The rule is simple: use exactly the same format everywhere, including abbreviations like Road or Rd, so every listing matches your Google Business Profile.
Accurate citations help Google trust your business details and support prominence, especially for newer businesses. Their effect is smaller than reviews or relevance, so they are a foundation task, done once and maintained, rather than the main ranking lever.
Duplicates can be reported to Google for removal or merged through Google support when they belong to you. The process needs proof that both listings are the same business. It can take several weeks and is worth doing because duplicates split reviews and confuse customers.
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