If you want to rank in the coveted “Google 3-Pack” (the map results at the top of search), you need more than just a website. You need to prove to Google that you are a legitimate local entity.
That is where local citations come in.
As part of our comprehensive Vancouver SEO services, we build robust citation profiles that help search engines verify your existence. Whether you are a cafe in Gastown or a law firm in Burnaby, getting listed in the right directories is essential for driving foot traffic and phone calls.
What Are Local Citations? (And Why They Matter)
A “citation” is simply a mention of your business Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) anywhere on the web.
In the vast Metro Vancouver area, citations are critical signals of trust. If Google sees your business listed on the Better Business Bureau of Mainland BC and the YellowPages.ca with the exact same address, it gains confidence that you are real.
Conversely, if your Yaletown office address is listed on one site, but your old North Vancouver address is listed on another, Google gets confused—and your rankings drop.
The Best Citation Sources for Vancouver Businesses
Many business owners make the mistake of using American directories. To rank in British Columbia, you need Canadian relevance. Here are the top sources we prioritize for our clients:
1. Critical Canadian Aggregators
YellowPages.ca: The gold standard for Canadian local data.
Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Mainland BC: A massive trust signal for local consumers.
411.ca: Highly authoritative for Canadian service businesses.
2. Vancouver-Specific Directories
n49.com: A Canadian-focused review and directory site that ranks well locally.
Local Chambers of Commerce: A listing from the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade or the Surrey Board of Trade is one of the most powerful citations you can get.
BIA Directories: If you are in a Business Improvement Area (like Kitsilano West 4th or Downtown Van), ensure you are on their member list.
The Golden Rule: NAP Consistency
When building citations, consistency is king. Your Name, Address, and Phone number must be identical across the web.
Bad:
Google: The SEO Cafe (123 Main St.)
Yelp: SEO Cafe & Grill (123 Main Street, Unit 4)
Good:
Google: The SEO Cafe (123 Main St, #4)
Yelp: The SEO Cafe (123 Main St, #4)
Even small discrepancies, like “St.” vs “Street” or missing suite numbers, can dilute your ranking power.
How to Clean Up Your Citation Profile
Before you build new links, you must fix the old ones. This is often the first step we take when onboarding a new Vancouver SEO client.
Audit: Search Google for your phone number. See what old addresses pop up.
Claim: Claim your listings on Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Apple Maps.
Standardize: Update every listing to match your Google Business Profile exactly.
Managing this manually can be tedious. If you want to fast-track your results, contact our team to handle the cleanup for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do social media profiles count as citations?
Yes! Your Facebook page, Instagram bio, and LinkedIn company page are “unstructured” citations. Ensure your address and phone number on these platforms match your website exactly.
Q: How do citations help my Google Map rankings?
Citations act as “votes” of confidence. The more consistent citations you have from trusted local sources, the more likely Google is to rank you in the top 3 spots for “near me” searches in Vancouver.
firstrank.ca
