Which Phone Number to Use in Citations?

[Matt Chauhan]

Our client does not have a dedicated local phone number for their business; instead, they receive all calls through an 844 toll-free number. Since Google prefers local numbers for GBP (Google Business Profile), we created a local call tracking number using CallRail, added it to their GBP, and set it to forward calls to their 844 number.

Now, we need to determine the best approach for citations:

1. Should we use the toll-free number as the secondary phone number in GBP and list it in all directories and citations?
2. Or should we create a separate local CallRail number for citations and also add it as the secondary number in GBP?

Which option would be best for consistency and SEO?

 

[ElizabethRule]

You can go either way! If you want to track calls made from citations separate from other source, get a dedicated tracking number. If that doesn't matter to you, use the toll-free number. Just make sure you have a phone number on the GBP that matches the website, to avoid any suspension issues with Google.

 

[Matt Chauhan]

You can go either way! If you want to track calls made from citations separate from other source, get a dedicated tracking number. If that doesn't matter to you, use the toll-free number. Just make sure you have a phone number on the GBP that matches the website, to avoid any suspension issues with Google.

It means using a toll-free (844 or 800) number on citations and directories will not create any issues with local SEO. Correct?

 

[ElizabethRule]

I don't see any reason it would.