Many SEO (search engine optimization) experts recommend prioritizing your online citation building ahead of all other online marketing efforts.

Here’s why:

1. Databases and directories are a favorite of customers looking for local businesses

People often use online databases and directories to find local businesses. By building up your online citations, you are greatly increasing the chances that potential customers will find your business. This is especially true for newer businesses. A potential customer probably won’t know to search for your website, but they may very well find your business in a local or industry directory.

2. Online citations will help your website perform better in search

When ranking a business website, Google and other search engines search third-party directories and databases to see where the business is listed. The more places it finds the business, the higher it will rank the site in search. The key is to make sure your business information (phone number, address, email) is consistent across the web. If it is not, it is unlikely to be as highly ranked.

Marc Prosser is the co-founder and managing partner of Marc Waring Ventures, a firm that develops specialty Internet properties for high value audiences, including Fit Small Business.