> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://wiki.platelunchcollective.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Local Citation (NAP)

> A local citation is any online mention of a business's Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) — appearing in directories, review sites, news articles, social ...

*Technical implementation* · *Local & Hawaii*

## Definition

A local citation is any online mention of a business's Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) — appearing in directories, review sites, news articles, social profiles, and any other web source. Local citations are the foundational building blocks of local entity presence.

## Why It Matters for AI Search

Local citations are how AI systems build confidence in a business's geographic identity. Each consistent citation is a corroborating data point that the business exists, is located where it claims, and can be reached as stated. Inconsistent citations — different address formats, disconnected phone numbers, name variations — create conflicting entity signals that undermine AI representation accuracy. For Hawaii businesses, ensuring local citation consistency across Google Business Profile, Yelp, TripAdvisor, local chambers, and Hawaii-specific directories is foundational entity hygiene.

## Related Terms

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="NAP consistency" href="/ai-search-glossary/nap-consistency" />

  <Card title="Local entity SEO" href="/ai-search-glossary/local-entity-seo" />

  <Card title="Data sanitation" href="/ai-search-glossary/data-sanitation" />

  <Card title="Multi-platform presence" href="/ai-search-glossary/multi-platform-presence" />

  <Card title="Entity consistency" href="/ai-search-glossary/entity-consistency" />
</CardGroup>

## Relevant Plate Lunch Collective Services

[Entity SEO](https://www.platelunchcollective.com/services/entity-seo)  [Context Map](https://www.platelunchcollective.com/services/context-map)