Citations

What is a local citation?

A local citation is an online mention of a business, usually in a directory such as Yelp, Yellow Pages, or an industry-specific website.

A citation normally includes details such as the business name, address, phone number, website, and category. Keeping this information consistent across directories makes it easier for customers and search engines to recognise the business.

Ranksphere helps you find existing listings, spot incorrect information, and discover directories where the business could be added.

Review your citations

Open a location and select Citations to see its directory listings in one place.

The summary at the top of the page shows:

• Live citations
• NAP accuracy
• Listings that need attention
• Citation opportunities

NAP refers to the business’s name, address, and phone number.

Each directory is given a status:

• Live — The listing is active and its details match.
• Needs Attention — The listing is active, but one or more details may be incorrect.
• Pending — The listing is still being created or updated.
• Missing — The business has not been found in the directory.

You can use the tabs to view Key Citations, Live Citations, Pending Citations, Opportunities, and Archived listings.

You can also search the list, filter it by status, choose which columns to display, and export the results as a PDF report.

Set your reference business details

Ranksphere needs an accurate set of business details to check each directory listing against.

Your reference details may include:

• Business name
• Address
• City, region, and postcode
• Country
• Phone number
• Website
• Business category

Check these details before reviewing your citations. If the reference information is incorrect, the comparison results may also be incorrect.

Your selected category also helps Ranksphere identify relevant industry-specific directories for the business.

Review a directory listing

Select a directory from the Citations table to open its details.

From here, you can:

• Update the citation status
• Add the directory listing URL
• Run another check
• Review which business details match
• See which details may need correcting
• Add a note about the listing

When a listing URL is available, Ranksphere compares the information it can read with your reference business details.

Each field may be marked as:

• Match
• Incorrect
• Unverified

When something does not match, you can see the current information alongside the correct reference details.

Add notes for a directory

You can save notes against a citation, such as where the listing was created or what still needs to be updated.

These notes are stored as plain text and should only be used as reminders. Do not save passwords, security answers, or other sensitive information.

Scan directories for existing listings

Select Re-scan to check supported directories again.

When a directory can be checked automatically, Ranksphere searches for the business and updates the citation status based on what it finds.

A listing may be marked as:

• Live
• Needs Attention
• Missing

Some directories require users to sign in or do not allow listings to be checked automatically. In these cases, use the Submit Listing link to visit the directory and review or create the listing yourself.

Once the listing is live, return to Ranksphere, add its URL, and run another check.

Fix inconsistent business information

When a citation is marked Needs Attention, open it to see which details do not match your reference information.

Depending on the directory, you may need to update:

• Business name
• Address
• Phone number
• Website
• Opening hours
• Business category

Use the directory’s own editing process to make the correction. Once the update is live, return to Ranksphere and re-check the listing.

Manage duplicate listings

A business may occasionally have more than one listing in the same directory.

When Ranksphere identifies a possible duplicate, you can review it and decide what to do next.

You can:

• Ignore it when both listings are valid
• Visit the directory to request a merge or removal
• Archive it when you no longer need to track it

Removing or merging a duplicate must be completed through the directory itself.

Add the business to a new directory

The Opportunities section shows directories where the business has not yet been found.

Open an opportunity and follow the directory link to create a listing. Once the new listing is active:

1. Copy its public URL.
2. Return to the citation in Ranksphere.
3. Add the listing URL.
4. Run another check.

You can also select Add Citation when you want to track a directory that is not already included in the list.

Directory coverage

Ranksphere checks hundreds of online directories.

The directories shown for a location are selected based on the business’s country and category. This may include:

• Major general business directories
• Local directories
• Industry-specific directories
• Relevant review and business platforms

Not every directory will apply to every business.

Citation access by role

Workspace Owners, Admins, and Members can view and manage citations for the locations they have access to. This includes adding listings, updating statuses, and running new checks.

Guests can view citation information for shared locations but cannot edit listings, add citations, or run checks.

Coming soon

Automated citation-building campaigns are coming soon.

For now, Ranksphere helps you find directory opportunities, compare listing information, and keep track of updates. New listings and corrections must still be submitted through the relevant directory.

Frequently Asked Questions

What information is checked in a citation?

Ranksphere checks available business details such as the name, address, phone number, website, and category against the reference information saved for the location.

Why is a citation marked “Needs Attention”?

One or more details on the directory listing may not match the business’s reference information.

Open the citation to see which fields need to be reviewed.

Why can’t Ranksphere check some directories automatically?

Some directories require a login or restrict automated access.

Use the Submit Listing link to open the directory, check the listing manually, and add its public URL to Ranksphere.

Does Ranksphere update directory listings for me?

Not yet. Ranksphere identifies missing or inconsistent listings and helps you track the work.

For now, updates must be completed directly through the directory. Automated citation building is coming soon.

Can I track a directory that is not already listed?

Yes. Select Add Citation and enter the directory information and public listing URL.

What should I do after correcting a listing?

Wait until the change is visible on the directory, then return to Ranksphere and run another check.

Are directory login details stored securely?

The notes field is not a password manager or secure vault. Do not store passwords or other sensitive login information there.

Will deleting a citation remove the business from the directory?

No. Removing or archiving a citation in Ranksphere does not change the live directory listing. Any removal must be requested through the directory itself.

Related: Locations · Google Business Profile · Smart Tasks