Local citations in the UK: which directories still matter

Published on 2026-09-25

Quick answer: Get Google, Bing, Apple and Facebook right, then a few relevant UK directories, all with identical NAP.

Citations are hygiene, not a 500-site package. This guide is written for businesses in the UK and Kent, London and Surrey.

The core four

Google, Bing Places, Apple Business Connect, Facebook. Most customers never see the rest.

Check trade bodies you already belong to. Do not buy bulk citation blasts.

Merge duplicates before you add more.

Local Business Website Design from £150. Citation clean-up.

Are citations dead?

No. Inconsistent ones still hurt.

Should I use a citation agency?

Only after the core four are perfect.

Do I need a Yell advert?

Not required to rank. A complete free listing is enough for many trades.