Citations emphasize business identity
Structured citations usually store the business name, address, phone, category, and other profile data. Their maintenance challenge is accuracy and consistency.
Some citations include a link to the business website; others may not.
Backlinks emphasize web relationships
A backlink connects one web page to another. Relevant editorial, local, association, partner, and resource links can support discoverability and authority beyond the business-data role of citations.
Links vary widely in editorial quality and context.
How acquisition differs
Structured citations are often created through claims, submissions, verification, or data distribution. Good editorial backlinks are more often earned through useful resources, partnerships, PR, sponsorship, expertise, or genuinely link-worthy content.
Trying to treat every directory submission as a link-building tactic can encourage low-quality choices.
Use both for different reasons
Maintain accurate business listings for local identity and discovery, while building genuine web authority through relevant links and content.