What Is NAP And Why Is It Important?

If you’re a local business, then you’ve probably heard of NAP. But what is NAP and why is it so important? (And no, we’re not talking about sleeping. But this is something you cannot afford to fall asleep on.) Here’s what you need to know about NAP and how to ensure your business has accurate NAP information. 

What does NAP stand for?

NAP stands for Name, Address, and Phone number. And it’s one of the most important factors in local SEO. That’s because search engines use NAP information to verify the identity and location of businesses.

Think for a moment about your business right now. Is your information consistent online and offline? Is the phone number on your storefront the same as on your website? Is your address correct on other online directories like Yelp?

Having a consistent NAP throughout all marketing channels decreases confusion and increases trust. That’s why it’s so important to keep it in mind.

How can NAP affect your Google rankings?

Accurate NAP information is essential if you want your business to show up in local search results. Google uses NAP information to verify the identity and location of businesses. If your NAP information is inaccurate, it can negatively affect your Google rankings.

If your business is showing up on search results with different addresses or phone numbers, you’re giving Google red flags about your business. This is because Google is less likely to promote a business that it doesn’t trust to its users.

How to make sure your NAP information is accurate across the web?

Here are a few tips on how businesses can ensure their NAP is accurate across the web:

Be consistent with your Business Name

Make sure your business name is written out exactly the same. For example, if your business is called “John’s Plumbing & Heating LLC,” don’t list it as “Johns Plumbing and Heating LLC.” The use of apostrophes, ampersands, and other symbols can make a big difference.

This comes up, especially with LLC businesses. Do you want to use the words “LLC” with your business name or not? Whatever you decide, you have to change it to be consistent in all channels.

Be consistent with your Business Address and Phone Number

If you have a storefront, make sure the address on your website is the same as the one on your store. You’d be surprised how often this isn’t the case! Many times we see that a business relocates and the old address continues showing up on Google.

The same applies to your phone number. If there’s a change of phone numbers in your business, always update it online. Always remember to update your website, Google Business Profile, and other online directories, like Yelp and Yellow Pages.

Run an Audit

If you want to make sure your NAP information is accurate across the web, you can always run an audit. Many online tools will allow you to do this, like Moz Local and Whitespark. All you need to do is enter your business information and they’ll scan the web for any inconsistencies. Don’t have time to keep up with NAP?

We can take care of NAP consistency for you!

We understand that business owners like yourself are short of time and just reading this article might have triggered a bit of anxiety. Don’t worry! We can make sure your business is showing up on Google by keeping your NAP consistent across the web for you.