## **🔍 Why Citation Numbers May Drop or Look Incorrect**

After purchasing a data aggregator submission, it is normal to see your citation count temporarily decrease or display inaccurate information. This happens because aggregators actively audit and clean up existing listings before pushing your updated business data. During this process, duplicate, incomplete, or conflicting citations are removed, which can cause the count to dip before new, accurate citations are created.

In short: a temporary decrease is a sign the system is working, not a sign something has gone wrong.

## **⏱️ How Long Syncing Takes**

Citation data from third-party aggregators does not update instantly. The typical sync timeline looks like this:

- **Initial submission confirmation:** 24–48 hours after purchase.
- **Aggregator processing and distribution:** 2–6 weeks for data to propagate across major directories.
- **Full citation count stabilisation:** Up to 8–12 weeks in some cases, depending on the number of directories and the aggregator used.

During this window, counts and details shown in your Local Citations dashboard may fluctuate. This is expected behaviour.

## **🗺️ How to Check Your Citation Status in Search Atlas**

You can monitor your citation data at any time directly inside the platform. Follow these steps:

1. In the left sidebar, click **Local**.
2. Select **Local Citations** from the sub-menu.
3. Review the citations listed, noting their source, status, and the business information displayed.
4. Cross-reference the Name, Address, and Phone (NAP) details shown against the information you submitted during setup.

If a citation shows outdated or incorrect details, check whether the submission is still within the propagation window before raising a concern.

## **✅ How to Verify Your Setup Is Correct**

To confirm that your aggregator submission was configured accurately, check the following:

- **NAP consistency:** Your business name, address, and phone number must be identical across every source. Even minor differences — such as "St." versus "Street" — can cause mismatches.
- **Submission details:** Review the information you entered at the time of purchase. Any typo or outdated detail will be distributed to all directories as submitted.
- **Business category:** Confirm the correct primary category was selected, as this affects which directories accept your listing.
- **Website URL:** Ensure the URL submitted is live and redirects correctly.

## **🛠️ What to Do If Discrepancies Persist**

If incorrect information remains visible after 12 weeks, or if your citation count has not recovered to at least its pre-submission level, take these steps:

1. Navigate to **Local → Local Citations** and note which specific citations show errors.
2. Record the incorrect field (e.g., wrong phone number, old address) and the source directory.
3. Check whether the same error exists on the directory's website directly, as some platforms cache data longer than others.
4. If the issue is confirmed and persists beyond the expected sync window, contact support through the platform chat.

## **💡 Tips to Prevent Future Discrepancies**

- Always audit your NAP details before purchasing any aggregator submission — corrections after the fact require re-submission and restart the sync clock.
- Avoid making changes to your Google Business Profile address or phone number during the aggregator sync window, as this can create conflicting signals.
- Use the **Local → Overview** (GBP Profile Completion) page to keep a single source of truth for your business information inside Search Atlas.

## **🆘 Still Need Help?**

If you need further assistance, open the chat widget in the bottom-right corner of the platform and type **human teammate** to be connected with a member of our team.