The Importance of Your Name, Address & Phone Number
One foundational component of a successful Local SEO campaign is the accuracy and organization of a business’s Name, Address and Phone (NAP) information. As obvious as it sounds, the importance of it needs to be stressed. Having your business name, address, and phone number displayed accurately across the internet is vital to the SEO success of your local business.
The number of businesses with inaccurate NAP info across the web is honestly astounding. Whether they have moved locations, changed phone numbers, or have differing names for any reason, not enough small businesses are owning their NAP info.
Where is NAP Info Displayed?
For small businesses, your business name, address and phone number can (and should) appear in a few specific places online. The first is, of course, your website. The second is your Google Business Profile (GBP) listing (learn how to optimize your Google Business Profile here). And the third is online directories across the internet. Online directories are like online phone books, and can include websites like Yelp.com, Yellowpages.com, Homeadvisor.com, and numerous others. Learn how to optimize your business’s online directory listings here.
Why Accurate NAP Info is Important for Local SEO
Be sure each of your directory listings links to your website. This allows users to easily navigate to your website when they come across your information in online directories, and it also allows Google to easily associate your directory listings with your business’s website. Additionally, there is a small link building benefit when popular and authoritative directory websites feature a profile for your business that links to your website.
How to Ensure the Accuracy of Your NAP Info Across the Web
You can ensure the accuracy of your business’s NAP information across the internet by taking control of everywhere it is displayed. This starts with your website and GMB – make sure those match identically and are accurate – and then moves to your online directories. As previously mentioned, the more directories your information is accurately displayed in, the better.
When it comes to taking control of your directory listings, you essentially have three options:
1. You can manually create listings in online directories of your choice. Select the directory websites you wish to be listed on and go through the steps required on each site to set them up.
2. You can utilize paid tools like SEMrush or Bright Local to mass distribute and update your information in specific directories you select, or let the tools recommend directories based on your industry or practice. With these tools, it is still up to you to organize your NAP information and optimize your directory listings.
3. You can hire a Local SEO expert to create new directory listings, clean up existing ones, and regularly monitor them as needed.
If you have questions about NAP information or setting up and optimizing your directory listings, send us a note at info@reachonelocal.com. We are really good at getting back to you within 24 hours.
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