Local Citations for Architects—it sounds technical, but it’s actually pretty straightforward. At its core, a local citation is just a mention of your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) on other websites. Think online business directories, Google Maps, or even architecture blogs that name-drop your studio. And here’s the kicker: they’re a major trust signal for Google.
So if you’ve ever Googled “architect Rotterdam” and noticed how certain firms consistently dominate the top spots, it’s not just because they’re award-winning designers. It’s because they’ve nailed their local SEO—and local citations are a big piece of that puzzle.
In this article, we’re breaking down exactly how local citations work, why they matter for architects (especially in the local market), and how to get started without needing a PhD in digital marketing. It’s a lot easier than it sounds—and it might just be the competitive edge your firm has been missing.
First things first: What are local citations?
Local citations are mentions of your business’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) on external websites. Think of them as digital shoutouts—like your firm being listed in the Yellow Pages of the internet. These mentions can show up on:
- Business directories (e.g. Yelp, De Telefoongids, Openingstijden.nl)
- Review sites (e.g. Trustpilot)
- Maps (e.g. Google Maps, Apple Maps)
- Social platforms (e.g. Facebook, LinkedIn)
- Industry-specific portals (e.g. ArchDaily, Architectenweb)
Even if there’s no link to your website, these citations still count. They help search engines like Google confirm that you’re a real, trustworthy, and locally-relevant business.
“42% of local searches lead to clicks within the Google Maps pack.”
Sitting in that map pack (or outranking it with a clean domain + landing page) can be a game‑changer.
Source: https://www.soci.ai/blog/local-seo-statistics/
Why local citations matter for architects
Let’s cut to the chase: if you want more local clients—whether you’re designing dreamy canal houses in Amsterdam or sleek office spaces in Utrecht—local SEO matters. And local citations are a foundational piece of that puzzle. Here’s why:
1. Boost local rankings
The more consistent and widespread your business information is online, the more confident Google becomes that your business exists where you say it does. That means you have a better shot at showing up in local searches like “architect Alkmaar” or “duurzaam architectenbureau Eindhoven.”
2. Earn trust and credibility
Your potential clients are smart. They’re doing their research. When they find your firm listed on trusted directories or review platforms, it builds confidence. It tells them: “Okay, this architect is legit.”
3. Increase discovery
The Netherlands is filled with niche, localized directories and platforms people actually use. If you’re not showing up there, you’re missing out on a chunk of potential clients who simply… don’t know you exist.
Where Dutch architects should be listed
Not all citation sources are created equal. You don’t need to be on every business directory ever invented—but you do want to focus on the ones that matter most in the Netherlands.
Must-have general directories:
- Google Business Profile (duh, but make sure it’s verified and complete)
- Facebook Business Page
- Apple Maps
- Openingstijden.nl
- De Telefoongids
- Bedrijvenpagina.nl
Architecture and construction-specific sites:
Local Chamber of Commerce listings:
Make sure your KvK (Kamer van Koophandel) registration is accurate and updated. Google cross-checks this info.
Bonus: International directories
If you’re targeting expats or international developers, platforms like Houzz or ArchDaily can give your visibility an extra lift.
Consistency is king
Listen carefully, because this is where most businesses—even well-established firms—mess up. Your NAP needs to be identical across all platforms. That means:
- No changing your business name from “Studio van Dijk Architectuur” to “Van Dijk Studio” on Facebook.
- No listing your mobile number in one place and your office landline somewhere else.
- No skipping the postal code in one listing and including it in another.
Even small inconsistencies can confuse Google—and a confused Google means lower rankings for you.
Plus, with AI shaking up how Google interprets and ranks local searches, getting your basics right has never been more critical. If you want to understand how AI is impacting SEO and what that means for your architecture firm, check out our deep dive here: The AI Impact on SEO and Google Search: What SMEs Need to Know and How to Adapt.
How to build citations (without pulling your hair out)
Let’s walk through how to actually get your firm listed in all the right places:
Option 1: DIY (time-consuming but free)
Roll up your sleeves and start claiming and updating your listings manually. It’s a bit of a slog, but it gives you total control. Here’s your checklist:
- Make a spreadsheet of all the sites you want to target.
- Note your official business name, address, and phone number.
- Add bonus details like your email, opening hours, services, and logo.
- Start submitting, one by one.
Pro tip: start with Google Business Profile and build out from there.
Option 2: Use a local citation tool
If you’d rather not spend your evenings filling out online forms, tools like Whitespark, Moz Local, or BrightLocal can do the heavy lifting. You plug in your info once, and they push it out to dozens (or hundreds) of directories.
Just make sure they cover Dutch platforms—many tools focus primarily on US listings, so check first.
Option 3: Hire a local SEO pro (hey, that’s us 👋)
At House of Brands Media, we help architecture firms in the Netherlands and Belgium build strong local visibility. That includes researching your industry-specific directories, auditing your existing citations, and fixing any inconsistencies. If you’d rather focus on design and let someone else worry about data accuracy, we’ve got you.
Bonus tip: Add unstructured citations too
Not every mention of your business needs to be on a directory. Mentions in blog posts, news articles, event listings, and awards pages also count—especially if they include your firm’s name and city.
Examples:
- A local newspaper writing about your latest sustainable housing project
- A university linking to your guest lecture
- A real estate site mentioning your collaboration on a new development
These are called unstructured citations, and they build both authority and SEO juice.
Quick checklist for your citation success
Here’s a no-nonsense checklist to get your local citation game on point:
- Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile
- List your business on major Dutch directories
- Submit to industry-specific platforms
- Ensure your NAP is consistent everywhere
- Include extra info like services, hours, and logo
- Use a citation audit tool or pro to spot duplicates or errors
- Pursue unstructured citations (PR, events, blogs)
- Monitor and update regularly—don’t “set and forget”
Final thoughts
Local citations might not be the sexiest part of your marketing strategy—but they’re quietly powerful. Especially for locally orientated businesses like architectural firms, real estate agents, or construction companies who often work in a specific area around their office address or major city, citations help you show up where it matters most: right in front of your ideal client’s eyeballs.
Whether you’re designing for the skyline of Rotterdam or a cozy woonhuis in Haarlem, your future clients are out there searching. Make it easy for them to find you.
And hey, while you’re making sure your firm gets found, don’t forget your website’s role in sealing the deal. A well-designed site that speaks your brand and converts visitors into clients is just as crucial. Want some solid tips on that? Check out our guide to Web Design Strategies That Actually Work—tailored for architecture firms and creative SMEs.
Want help building your local SEO foundation?
Send us an email with the word Citation Rapport and we’ll hook you up with a free report. If you still need a hand after that, we’re just one click, phone call, or message away.
Curious how your domain name can give your local SEO a serious edge? We broke it down here: Why Your Domain Name Could Be the Secret Weapon in Local Marketing.
Give it a read and get ready to own your neighborhood—not just on the map, but in your customers’ minds too.