Citations are found in Business Directories. It is important to add your citation to as many directories as possible as it does influence ranking and helps search engines trust your company as legitimate.
Citations will also create backlinks (links from another website to your website), which will help increase your Domain Authority (DA).
The beauty of Citations, unlike Search Engines, is that you only have to add your business once. Search Engines, on the other hand, like to be reminded that you're still active, so regular submission of your sitemap is essential.
To add your listing you will, in most cases, need to register and confirm your email address or phone number. You will then need
- a short (about 250 characters) and/or long description of your business
- the URL's to all of your social media pages
- your logo and possibly other pictures.
Note: Your business citations need to be 100% identical in all directories or your rankings will be negatively impacted, resulting in decreased traffic.
When you are ready to undertake this very long and tedious job, let me know and I will provide you with a square logo and a rectangular logo.
For more information about Citations see Moz
These are the top Free Canadian Citation Listing Directories. Where possible I have put the direct link to where you submit your business.
Note: After you have listed your business in as many directories as possible, go to Citation Builder to make sure they are all consistent.
Google Business Profile - used to be Google My Business (I will already have added you to GBP)
Bing Places For Business (I will have added you to Bing Places for Business)
Foursquare (costs $20 but worth the money for smartphone clients)
BBB (it will appear that you have to pay, but it is possible to have a free listing)
MapQuest (you will need to submit a ticket)
Brownbook (they will suggest you send out endorsement invitations. Be aware that the invited people will have to register their own business before they can endorse yours)
For Businesses in Oshawa and Surrounding Areas