SEO Citations

If you have a software company or tech startup based in the United States, you have probably put in some effort into a nice-looking website with finer content, and maybe you have also settled on paid ads. But there are other ways to really boost your search engine visibility-large impact being generated by such an infrequently-used technique: SEO citations.

Citations are one of the many components of local SEO. These are especially beneficial for those upstart and small-to-medium software companies needing some local exposure, some trust, and some higher rankings on Google and the other major search engines.

Now, what SEO citations are, why they matter to your software company, and how they can be effectively used to boost your online presence.

What Are SEO Citations?

Any online mention of your business's key information--usually name, address, and phone number or NAP--is termed as an SEO citation. These citations can be found on business directories, review sites, local chamber websites, social media platforms, and industry-specific directories.

In software companies, citations often extend beyond name, address, and phone number to encompass your website, a brief business description, services offered, and possibly even links to apps or demos. These mentions allow search engines to check for your legitimacy and gauge how relevant your business is to certain queries.

Why Software Companies Should Care for Citations

1. Better Local SEO Rankings

Local presence matters for a software company serving customers either nationwide or globally. Google may algorithmically rank businesses that have accurate and consistent citations higher in local search results. For example, if a Dallas-based user searched for "custom CRM software near me", a company with good citations and a verified local presence would probably show up in the 3-Pack.

2. Increased Online Visibility

When your business is listed in reputable platforms, such as Yelp, Clutch, or Google Business Profile, it increases your online visibility. These platforms rank well on Google on their own, so having your company listed gives you the benefit of some of that traffic without ever having to outrank them.

3. Builds Trust and Credibility

Whenever a consumer or B2B client sees a company listed across different platforms, they tend to trust it. Contradictory information (different phone numbers and addresses) often puts off leads. Consistent SEO citations tell search engines and everybody else that your business is trustworthy.

4. Generator of Referral Traffic

In fact, many citations will drive straight referral traffic to your site. Business owners or IT decision-makers who are researching software vendors typically look up industry directories before they even open Google. 

Some of the Essentials for Making a Good Citation

To maximize the SEO citations, ensure that each listing has the:

·       Business name exactly as in the business entity- no variations

·       Same address and phone number

·       Website URL

·       Business category

·       Short description using the keyword(s)

·       Hours of operation

·       Professional logo or image

In the software realm, think of adding platform information (such as iOS, Android, web), pricing model, and linking to a demo or signup for a trial.

Where to List Your Software Company

The most essential thing for any kind of citation is the choice of directories. Have a look at a few categories to consider go for:

General Directories for Businesses

·       Google Business Profile

·       Yelp

·       Bing Places

·       Better Business Bureau

·       Facebook Business Page

Directories Specific to Software & Technology

·       Clutch

·       G2

·       Capterra

·       Software Advice

·       Product Hunt

·       Crunchbase

Local Directories

·       Your city Chamber of Commerce website

·       Local small business associations

·       Regional tech hubs and incubators

For a curated list of directories and tools that can assist in building your citation strategy, be sure to check out the full resources on the Entrepreneur Makeover blog.

How to Manage and Optimize Your Citations

1: Start With a NAP Audit

Before attempting to create any new citations, a NAP consistency audit should be run. Enter your business name into Google and then check these listings for the proper address, phone number, and other contact info. Use Moz Local, BrightLocal, or Whitespark to identify inconsistencies and then correct those.

2. The Same Format Everywhere

Even the slightest variation in your business name, like using "LLC" at one place but not in another, can confuse search engines. Use the exact same format on every listing, including punctuation and spacing.

3. Authority Sites First

Not all citations hold the same weight. Your listing on Clutch or Google Business Profile will carry more SEO juice than an open-to-all directory do-it-yourself method. Target high-authority platforms with a strong domain rating and active traffic.

4. Add Rich Content Whenever You Can

Add descriptions, media, and links whenever a directory allows you to do so. Make your software description very clear, using the keywords that you want to rank for, but in a natural way. Upload your company logo, a screenshot of your product, or perhaps a brief 1-minute video introduction.

5. Measure ROI

Track your citations to see which ones are bringing in traffic, acquiring leads, or improving SEO. URL links on your website containing UTM parameters ought to be used to track referral sources in Google Analytics. This way, over the course of time, it becomes clear as to which platform deserves more attention or investment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Inconsistent NAP information: Damages trust and SEO rankings alike.

2. Listing on low-quality sites: It would be wise to stay away from spammy directories with poor domain ratings.

3. Ignoring reviews: Many-a-citations sites serve as review sites. Watch your rating, and respond in a professional manner.

SEO citations are maintenance-worthy. Keep updating and verifying your listings.

Conclusion

SEO citations, albeit such a seemingly small bit, make a measurable difference to software companies that want to stand out in the crowded market of the United States. They are cost-efficient, scalable, and staples of local SEO and overall framework as an online authority.

Regardless of whether you are still making strides in bringing your tech product to market or if you are already scaling up the product, making citations a component of your marketing strategy is definitely worth it. Plus, in tandem with the full-fledge backlinks strategy, they certainly shine further on away on your rankings and trust factor, subsequently producing top-quality leads.

Want to learn more about building your SEO foundation the right way? Visit the Entrepreneur Makeover for tools, tips, and resources designed specifically for startup and software business owners like you.