Getting Started with Citation Builder

This article explains how to order Vendasta’s Citation Builder for a local business client and provides a step-by-step tutorial on using Citation Builder from the client’s perspective.

Note: If this is your first time ordering a Vendasta product, you must add the business as an account before proceeding. Instructions can be found here.

How to Order and Activate Citation Builder for a Client Account

Citation Builder is an add-on to Vendasta’s Local SEO product. To activate Citation Builder, you must first ensure Local SEO is enabled in the Vendasta Marketplace.

Step 1: Enable Local SEO

1. Log in to Partner Center.
2. Navigate to Marketplace > Discover Products.
3. Search for Local SEO.
4. Click Start Selling to enable it.
   • In most cases, this product is already enabled.

Step 2: Order Citation Builder

1. Go to Manage Accounts and select the client account.
2. Click Order Products.
3. Search for Citation Builder and select it.
   • If Local SEO is not already active for the account, it will be added automatically.
4. Click Proceed to Next Step and complete the purchase.
5. After the purchase, navigate back to the account view by clicking View Account Details.

Step 3: Access Citation Builder

• Clients: Once purchased, the client can log in to Business App and find Local SEO in the left-hand navigation. Clicking Launch in the top navigation bar opens the Local SEO dashboard, where Citation Builder is available.
• Partners: In Partner Center, Citation Builder can be accessed directly from the client’s Local SEO product page.

Walkthrough of Citation Builder for an SMB Client

Once inside Citation Builder, clients will see how their business profile and NAP data (Name, Address, Phone Number) are being submitted to data aggregators.

Key Setup Steps for SMB Clients:

1. Complete the Business Profile
   • Ensure essential details are accurate:
     • Business name
     • Address
     • Phone number
     • Website
     • Business category
   • Keeping information up to date is critical for local SEO rankings.
2. Data Submission to Aggregators
   • Citation Builder automatically submits business information to TransUnion’s Neustar/Localeze and Foursquare.
   • These aggregators distribute data to hundreds of directories, search engines, and mapping services.
3. Tracking Citations
   • As directories reference data aggregators, the business’s online citations will expand over time.
   • Clients can track this by clicking View All Citations.

Google cross-checks business details across multiple sources. Consistent information improves rankings and builds credibility. Businesses gain valuable backlinks from trusted directories, strengthening their SEO.

It typically takes 6 to 8 weeks for data aggregators to process and distribute business information.

Citation Builder operates continuously to:

• Maintain accurate business data.
• Protect against outdated or conflicting information.
• Refresh client NAP data every month.

Making Updates: Clients can update business details (e.g., address or phone number) anytime in their Business Profile. Citation Builder will automatically push these updates to aggregators.

By using Citation Builder, businesses ensure their online presence remains accurate, visible, and optimized for local search.