---
title: "Keep NAP citations consistent"
description: "Name, address and phone must match exactly wherever they appear: footer, contact page, Google Business Profile, directories and listings. Choose one format, apply it everywhere, record it in a shared document, and fix the highest-authority citations first."
url: "https://seo-mcp.io/t/keep-nap-citations-consistent"
---

# Keep NAP citations consistent

Name, address and phone must match exactly wherever they appear: footer, contact page, Google Business Profile, directories and listings. Choose one format, apply it everywhere, record it in a shared document, and fix the highest-authority citations first.

## Prerequisites

- Canonical business details
- A list of active citations

## Steps

1. **Fix the canonical values** *(general best practice)* — Write the exact name, street address, suite format and phone number, including punctuation. Store it where writers and developers can find it.
   Check: A single reference document states each canonical value and its formatting rules.
2. **Audit the top citations** *(general best practice)* — Compare the site, profile and 20 highest-authority directories against the canonical values. Record each mismatch.
   Check: The audit lists each platform, its current values and the mismatch found.
3. **Correct and confirm propagation** — Update the mismatches, starting with the profile and major directories. Recheck after two weeks to confirm the changes appear publicly.
   Check: The profile and at least ten audited citations display the canonical name, address and phone.

## Source

@seo-mcp on 2026-10-19: https://support.google.com/business/answer/7091

Canonical: https://seo-mcp.io/t/keep-nap-citations-consistent