Citation is an online mention of a business’s name, address, phone number, or other identifying information.
It matters because local buyers often make decisions quickly from maps, reviews, proximity, and location-specific pages. Local SEO connects online visibility to real-world calls, visits, appointments, and service inquiries.
Example
A municipal directory mentions a local business with its contact details. The citation helps connect the business to that source; verify the details rather than assuming every additional directory mention provides equal value.