Local Citations
Online mentions of a business with name, address, and phone number on external websites.
Local citations are online mentions of your business on external websites, directories, and platforms. A citation contains at minimum your business name, address, and phone number (NAP — bibliotheekterm), and sometimes additional information like website URL, opening hours, and description.
Types of citations
Structured citations: listings in business directories like Google Business Profile — bibliotheekterm, Yelp, and industry-specific directories. Unstructured citations: mentions in blog posts, news articles, forum posts, or social media posts.
Quality over quantity
Just like with backlinks, citation quality matters more than quantity. Listings on relevant, authoritative platforms carry more weight. Ensure all citations are consistent (NAP consistency) and that your information stays current.
Top 20 Dutch citation sources
The table below shows the most important Dutch platforms for local business listings. Start with the general directories and then expand to industry-specific platforms.
| # | Platform | Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Google Business Profile | General | Free | By far the most important listing. Foundation for Local Pack — bibliotheekterm and Maps. |
| 2 | KvK Trade Register | Government | Free registration | Official business registration, widely used as a source by other platforms. |
| 3 | Bing Places | General | Free | Microsoft's local business platform, also feeds Copilot and Cortana. |
| 4 | Apple Business Connect | General | Free | Essential for visibility on Apple Maps and via Siri. |
| 5 | Yelp Netherlands | Review platform | Free (premium optional) | International review platform with strong local focus in the Netherlands. |
| 6 | Telefoongids.nl | General | Free (premium optional) | Classic phone book directory with high visitor numbers. |
| 7 | Detelefoongids.nl | General | Free (premium optional) | Digital phone book with extensive business profiles. |
| 8 | Openingstijden.com | General | Free | Highly visited for opening hours. Good SEO — bibliotheekterm value due to high authority. |
| 9 | Cylex.nl | General | Free (premium optional) | International business directory with Dutch version. |
| 10 | Gouden Gids | General | Free (premium optional) | The digital version of the classic Yellow Pages. |
| 11 | Facebook Business Page | Social media | Free | Important social platform with local business information. |
| 12 | LinkedIn Company Page | Social media | Free | Business platform, especially valuable for B2B companies. |
| 13 | TripAdvisor | Review platform | Free | Indispensable for hospitality, hotels, and tourist attractions. |
| 14 | Foursquare | Location platform | Free | Location data is used as a source by many apps and services. |
| 15 | Bedrijvenpagina.nl | General | Free | Dutch business directory with category structure. |
| 16 | Kompass.com | B2B | Free (premium optional) | International B2B directory with strong position in the Netherlands. |
| 17 | Hotfrog.nl | General | Free | International directory with local pages per country. |
| 18 | Trustpilot | Review platform | Free (premium optional) | Large review platform, especially strong for e-commerce and service providers. |
| 19 | Industry-specific directories | Industry | Varies | E.g., Thuiswinkel.org (webshops), BOVAG (automotive), KHN (hospitality). |
| 20 | Local business association | Local | Membership | The website of your local business or merchant association. |
Step-by-step plan: building a citation profile
- Step 1: Establish your standard NAP details. Choose the exact spelling for your business name, address (including abbreviations, unit numbers), and phone number (with or without country code). Document this in a file your team can reference.
- Step 2: Claim and optimize the top 10 platforms. Start with Google Business Profile, KvK, Bing Places, Apple Business Connect, and Yelp. Ensure each profile is fully completed with identical NAP details, a business description, categories, and photos.
- Step 3: Expand to industry- and location-specific platforms. Add your business to relevant industry directories (e.g., TripAdvisor for hospitality, Thuiswinkel.org for webshops) and local platforms (municipal business portals, merchant associations).
- Step 4: Monitor and maintain your citations. Check at least twice a year whether all listings are still correct and consistent. Use tools like Moz Local, BrightLocal, or Semrush Listing Management to automatically detect inconsistencies. Update outdated details immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How many citations do I need?
There is no fixed number. It is about quality and consistency, not quantity. Start with the 10 to 15 most important platforms and then expand to industry-specific directories. In most Dutch cities, 20 to 30 quality citations are sufficient to be competitive.
Are paid citations worth the investment?
That depends on the platform. Paid options at reputable platforms (such as a premium Yelp or Telefoongids profile) can offer extra features like photos, videos, and more extensive profiles. Evaluate per platform whether the extra features contribute to your visibility and conversions.
What is the difference between a citation and a backlink — bibliotheekterm?
A citation is a mention of your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) on an external platform, with or without a link. A backlink is specifically a clickable link from an external website to your website. A citation may contain a backlink, but it does not have to. Both are valuable for local SEO.
How do I handle duplicate listings?
Duplicate listings on the same platform are harmful to your local SEO. Claim the most complete listing and request the platform to remove or merge the duplicates. On Google Business Profile, you can report duplicates via the "Suggest an edit" option.
Should I remove outdated citations from an old address?
Yes, outdated citations with an old address cause NAP inconsistency and confuse search engines. Update them to your current address or remove them if the platform is no longer relevant to your business.
