Citation and NAP Consistency Checklist

NAP consistency means your business Name, Address, and Phone number are identical across the web — your website, Google Business Profile, and all citations. Inconsistent NAP confuses search engines and erodes trust. This checklist covers how to audit and fix NAP inconsistencies.

Audit existing NAP

• ✓Document the canonical NAP (the authoritative version)
• ✓Check the Google Business Profile NAP against the website
• ✓Search for the business name and phone on major directories
• ✓List all directories where the business is listed
• ✓Flag every inconsistency (name, address, phone, or hours)

Fix inconsistencies

• ✓Update each directory to match the canonical NAP
• ✓Claim unclaimed listings before updating
• ✓Close or merge duplicate listings
• ✓Update the website if it is the inconsistent source

Maintain consistency

• ✓Use the canonical NAP in schema markup
• ✓Use the canonical NAP on every page (footer or contact page)
• ✓Re-check directories quarterly
• ✓Update all sources simultaneously when the business moves or rebrands