What Is NAP?
NAP stands for Name, Address, Phone Number. It is the basic contact info for a business that appears online, for example on Google Maps, local directories, and your website.
Definition
NAP is the exact and complete business name, street address, and phone number that you use everywhere on the internet. For strong local SEO, this info should be:
- Correct the real and current details
- Consistent written the same way on every site
- Easy to read clear format with no confusion
Why NAP Matters
- Trust for search engines When Google and other search engines see the same NAP everywhere, they trust that your business is real.
- Better local rankings Strong and consistent NAP helps your business show up higher in local search and map results.
- Trust for customers Clear NAP helps people call you, visit you, or check your website without getting lost or dialing the wrong number.
- Avoids confusion Different names, addresses, or phone numbers online can make Google and people unsure which info is correct.
How NAP Works
Search engines scan many websites to learn about your business. They compare your NAP on places like:
- Your website contact page
- Google Business Profile
- Online maps
- Local business directories
- Social media pages
If the NAP matches across these sites, search engines see a strong and clear signal. This helps them show your business to people searching near your location or looking for your services.
NAP vs Related Terms
NAP vs NAPW or NAPU
- NAP Name, Address, Phone Number.
- NAPW or NAPU some marketers add Website or URL to include your site link as part of your core business info.
NAP vs citation
- NAP the actual contact details.
- Citation any online mention of your NAP on another site, for example a directory listing.
Example of NAP
Here is a simple example of a good NAP:
Business Name Sunny Day Pizza
Address 123 Main Street, Springfield, IL 62701
Phone (555) 123 4567
This same NAP should appear on the website, Google Business Profile, Facebook page, and all local listings in exactly the same way.
FAQs
Q: Does punctuation in NAP matter?
A: Small changes like Street vs St are usually fine, but it is safer to keep the same style everywhere.
Q: What if my business moves?
A: Update your NAP on your website first, then on Google Business Profile, then on all directories so search engines do not see two different addresses.
Q: Can I use different phone numbers in my NAP?
A: For local SEO, use one main local phone number for all NAP listings. Extra tracking numbers can cause confusion if used as your main number.
Q: Where should I put NAP on my website?
A: Place it clearly on your Contact page and in the footer of every page, written in the same format you use on your other listings.
Q: Is NAP only for local businesses?
A: NAP is most important for local and service area businesses, but any company with a physical location benefits from clear and consistent NAP.
