In plain English
It's like references on a job application. If every reference gives the same name and number, you look trustworthy. If half of them list an old address, someone starts to wonder.
Used in a sentence
“We cleaned up your citations so every listing shows the same name, address and phone number as your Google profile.”
“We moved five years ago, and some directories still had our old address, sending customers to the wrong place.”
In detail
Citations appear on general directories, industry sites, maps apps and local organisations. Google compares them with your Google Business Profile and your website. When they agree, it's more confident about where you are and what you do, which helps you show in local results and on the map.
Consistency matters more than volume. Your business name, address and phone number should match exactly everywhere, including details like suite numbers and abbreviations. Outdated listings from a past address or a disconnected number are worth fixing; they confuse search engines and customers alike.
Why it matters for your business
Consistent citations help you appear in the map results where local customers choose who to call.
- Confirms your location to Google
- Keeps customers from finding old details
- Supports your place in the local pack
Easy to mix up
Citations aren't the same as backlinks. A citation is about your business details being listed; a backlink is about a link to your website. Many listings are both.
Related terms
Google Business Profile, Local pack and Backlink. Or browse the whole glossary.
