Google and other search engines can differentiate between high quality versus low quality citations. High quality mentions on a Chamber of Commerce website trumps low quality mentions on unverified keyword stuffed websites. Ultimately, high quality citations on company blogs can boost local citations.
NAP Should Remain Consistent – Change Updates on All Websites
NAP stands for name, address, and phone number. The company address should not be confused with the main contact’s email address. You’d be surprised at how many times people confuse the address with email address because a lot of companies are virtual and do not have a physical address. Always include the physical address in all social media channels and websites.
Sometimes, companies move to various locations or add phone numbers like an off-hours customer service line, this needs to be updated across all sites! Local search rankings detect citation accuracy, and any information missing, can affect your online presence. Let’s say you add the off-hours customer service line on Facebook, but not on LinkedIn, this will throw Google off and your business might get lost in the shuffle.
The Best Ways to Improve NAP Consistency
- Always check NAP information is accurate and consistent in new business listings.
- Combine APIs and manual directory submissions to match accurate NAP information online.
- Make sure a physical address and location is listed on the company website.
- List a local phone number with area code, over toll-free 1-800 number.
- List the NAP information on the company’s website under “Contact Us,” not on an image. Search engines cannot read writing on graphics and photos.
- Use schema markup to identify your important data for search engines.
It’s important for local businesses to update all company websites, directories and social media channels with accurate NAP. One discrepancy like updating a Facebook page with a new phone number, but not on LinkedIn or Google+ can damage local SEO initiatives and a business can suffer greatly. Schedule monthly check-ups on local directories and social media pages to make sure the company’s NAP is up-to-date and consistent with other websites.
The Complete How-To Guide for Local Citation Audit and Cleanup delves deeper into the citation world. We recommend it if you want to learn more about how to optimize citations.