What Is Citation Auditing And How Often Should You Do It?

Citation auditing is the process of checking all the online mentions of your business’s Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) to ensure they are accurate and consistent across various directories and citation sources. These citations are essential for local SEO, as they help search engines verify your business information and improve your visibility in local search results. During a citation audit, you typically identify incorrect or outdated details, duplicate listings, and any missed opportunities for new citations on authoritative platforms. It’s recommended to perform a citation audit every 6 to 12 months, or whenever there’s a major change to your business information—such as a new address, phone number, or rebrand. You should also audit your citations if you notice a drop in local rankings or traffic. Regular audits help maintain a clean and consistent online presence, which builds trust with both search engines and potential customers.