The Importance of Citation Building for Local SEO | Trades Creative

house Joshua Palmer Jun 22, 2025

Why Citation Building Is Crucial for Local SEO and Tradespeople

If you're a tradesperson looking to grow your online presence and generate more leads, citation building should be a top priority. With over 50% of all Google searches being local, it’s never been more important to optimise your local SEO.

Below, we’ll explain what citation building is, why it’s essential for trade businesses, and how our SEO Visibility Booster can help you appear higher in local search results and attract more customers.

What Are Citations in SEO?

In the context of local SEO, a citation refers to any online mention of your business’s name, address, and phone number — also known as NAP data. Citations can appear in:

Online business directories (like Checkatrade, Yell, and Yelp)

Review platforms (e.g. Trustpilot, Google Reviews)

Social media profiles

Local blogs or news sites

Data aggregators

Consistent, accurate citations across the web help search engines validate your business, making you more likely to appear in local search results.

Why Is Citation Building Important?

1. Boosts Local Search Rankings

Search engines like Google rely on citations to verify that your business is legitimate and trustworthy. The more consistent citations you have across high-authority websites, the more confident Google is about showing your business in local results.

2. Drives More Website Traffic

Appearing in multiple local directories increases your business's online footprint, making it easier for potential customers to find you — especially when they're looking for local services on the go.

3. Builds Business Credibility

When customers see your business listed on trusted platforms, it adds to your legitimacy. Strong citation building also reduces the chances of being mistaken for a competitor with a similar name.

4. Increases Customer Trust

High citation volume and consistent NAP information show customers that you’re an established and professional business. More citations = more trust.

Top Tips for Effective Citation Building

To get the most from your local SEO strategy, here are some best practices:

  • Set up and optimise your Google Business Profile – a must for local SEO.

  • Submit to local and industry-specific directories – e.g. Checkatrade, Rated People.

  • Use data aggregators – they distribute your business info across the web.

  • Encourage reviews – they act as a trust signal and improve local rankings.

  • Keep your NAP details consistent – identical info across all platforms prevents confusion and ranking issues.

Ready to Grow Your Trade Business Online?

Citation building is a vital component of local SEO for any tradesperson looking to grow their customer base. If you’re ready to boost your visibility online, our SEO Visibility Booster is here to do the heavy lifting for you.

Get in touch with the team at Trades today and let us help your trade business climb the ranks on Google.