Search engines are getting increasingly sophisticated. In their effort to deliver the most informative and relevant search results, the algorithms look at multiple sources to gauge the legitimacy and the authority of a particular website. These sources include Google+, Yelp, Yellow Pages, and other such business directories. 

If your business is listed on such high-authority networks, the search engine algorithm would trust your website and consider it legitimate enough to be displayed on organic local searches. 

What are Citations?
Before the Internet exploded onto the scene, people used to manually browse through a directory like Yellow Pages to find a business and its contact information. That piece of information is known as a citation. With the internet, citations are listings of your business name, address, and information in electronic directories. 

Now, users just need to type some words on the search bar and they can get results in a fraction of a second. They don’t need to browse through bulky directories as the search engines would give them all the information they need. But where do search engines get their information from? 

Some of that information comes from citations in local online directories. Just like we’ve grown to incorporate the Internet into our lives, our directories have as well. Today, we have the White Pages, Yellow Pages, Yelp, Google +, and other such directories. They have business names, contact information, and perhaps even ratings and reviews. 

Why Do Citations Matter?
Like with the old yellow pages, citations increase your business’ visibility. The more citations you have, the more visible you are to the search engines. Businesses with several good quality citations often rank very high on search engine results page. In fact, it’s one of the most important ranking factors for local search. Having a citation in all local directories will place you on an even footing with big-name companies and allow you a fair share of the market. 

There are hundreds of citations sources to consider for your website. You just need to make sure that your citations are placed on reputable and high-authority websites. Search engines will consider the quality of the source when they determine how to rank your website. 

If you want more information about our citation building services, don’t hesitate to contact us, we will get back to you promptly.

​Google has a massive presence online and over the years, the company has grown from a simple search engine to an Internet giant that offers a wide range of services. They constantly introduce new upgrades and services at a rate that can make anyone’s head spin. Trying to keep up with the changes can be intimidating and exhausting. Fortunately, Google constantly tries to simplify its services and consolidate them as much as possible. 

Different Arms of Google
It’s important to be highly visible on Google, especially if you want to increase your rankings. However, for that you need to understand where you’re present on Google. Even if you’ve not provided any information about your business to the search engine, it’s likely you’ll still find information about it online, because Google takes information from various sources. You need to ensure that all of this information is consistent by looking into your online presence. 

• Google My Business – This is the control module and you can access most of the places where you’re present, via this portal. The setup is easy; all you need to do is log into My Business using your Google id. Once you find it, you should verify the address and claim the business as yours. You now have control over your business presence on Google. You can access Google+, Maps, and other such services through this portal. 
• Google Maps – Google Maps is one of the most important aspects of Local Search. Users often find local businesses on Maps and use the navigation option to reach it. It’s very important to keep your Maps data accurate. While you’re claiming your business, make sure that the pin is positioned properly. Misleading data can frustrate search users and compromise your reputation. 
• Local Search – The Google local 3-pack system places the three best results from local search at the top of the local search engine results. The locations of these results are also displayed on Google Maps. Business that are placed in the local 3-pack enjoy very high visibility and foot traffic. 

As you might have already concluded, these three arms of Google can help small business website owners, allowing them to compete with big names companies and increase their revenue.

If you want more information on Google or our services, don’t hesitate to contact us at Alco Web Design LLC, we will get back to you promptly.