*This post was updated May 2018 to reflect recent changes.
Building up your Name/Address/Phone (NAP) citations is a major part of local search engine optimization, especially when it comes to ranking your website in Google's map results. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of sources you can create local citations. However, there are some sources that are more relative to home service businesses and others that carry more weight. Spend your time creating the quality citations that will make an impact.
This list is compiled from our own experience doing citation building for our clients. We've seen first-hand how creating these citations properly can vastly improve your online search engine rankings. None of these require you to pay or use a third party such as Yext (yuck!).
After setting these listings up, I recommend that you update them with new photos and information at least every 3 months.
The websites listed below are not directories like those listed above. However, they are other places you most definitely want to have your business listed. With these listings, you'll want to make sure you come back and update them often.
When creating citations, your Name, Phone, Email, and Website should be entered the same across all listings. However, you should write unique descriptions that include your service offerings and service areas for each citation.
Many areas have local citation sources. For example, if you're in New Jersey, then NJ.com is a great example. You can find these by doing a Google search for terms such as "your state business listings", also check on the county and city level.
Another great way to find impactful citations for your area is to do a Google search for the services you offer in your area. As you browse through the first few pages of results, you'll see many citation sources listed. If there are directory websites ranking in the first few pages, then you know Google values their listings.
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