Developing the online presence of a company comes from many different avenues. Some companies may use keywords for potential customers to find them. While others may use advertising to bring them into the company’s website. Some may even rely on the citations currently on the web.
Many consumers shop around on the internet to find the right company to make their purchases. Customers do not want to have to deal with the hassles in getting their order. So, potential buyers look for companies with good reputations. Shoppers want a trustworthy company that will not create any worries. These reputable and trustworthy companies become the go-to shopping destinations for consumers.

What Are Citations?

Online citations are markers or mentions on the web about a company. The citations show the association between companies on the internet and begin the development of a company’s reputation and trustworthiness for consumers. The number of citations and reviews affect a company’s ranking in the online searches. . You’re probably familiar with these:

• Google My Business
• Bing
• Facebook

Here are just a few examples of citation sites that are segregated by profession:

• Medical – Healthgrades, Vitals, RateMDs, etc.
• Dental – Zocdoc, CareDash, Dentistry.com
• Legal – FindLaw.com, Avvo.com, LegalAdvice.com

There are hundreds of sites that people can leave reviews on your business so make sure that you’re represented on the right ones.

Why Are They Important?

They are important because the more places a company is on the web, the higher the search ranking. If the company is high on the search listing, the more likely it is a consumer will click on the link into your online store.
The citations also allow consumers to see reviews and comments from other shoppers. The feedback from people that have an experience with a company helps shape the reputation of a company. The more positive the comments and remarks, the better the company looks in the eyes of the consumers.  If the majority of the remarks are negative, consumers will start to shy away from doing business with that company.

Managing Citations

A company needs to manage the various citations on the web to continue the positive growth in the online world. Providing explanations or the opportunities to correct a consumer’s bad experience is important to a company’s reputation and the way others see the company.
As the citations increase, the ability for the company to handle the citation management may become difficult. Marketing consultants can help guide your company through the various ways to increase your company’s rankings in the search results. Contact KAFE Digital Marketing to help with all of your company’s online marketing needs.