Guidelines & Best Practices to Use a Virtual Office for Google My Business

Google My Business (GMB) remains a quintessential source for any business interested in carving a niche for itself online, boosting local SEO, and grabbing further clientele. It helps businesses gain visibility on Google Search and Maps, providing an easier way for prospective clients to find them. But one huge quandary for any business that works remotely or doesn’t have a physical address is whether GMB allows them to use a virtual office address.

What this guide will tackle are policies delineated by Google, the best possible way in using a virtual office for GMB, and alternative means through which one could ensure compliance and mitigation against penalties.

Understanding Google My Business Address Policies

To keep GMB free from confusion and mainly credible, Google enforces strict guidelines on the users concerning address types. Here are major ones worth noticing:

1. Physical Presence Requirement

Google insists that businesses indicate a physical location where potential clients can visit in business hours. A virtual office address will not pass the requirements unless the stakeholders meet some criteria.

2. Service Area Business (SAB) Listing

Your business probably does not operate from a fixed physical location but provides its services at customer locations, including, but not limited to, home services and consultancy. For that reason, use the Service Area Business (SAB) listing. This way, Google will hide your address from clients, but you still appear in local search results.

3. Avoid P.O. Boxes and Shared Spaces

Google outrightly prohibits the use of P.O. boxes or shared office spaces for businesses that have not established a dedicated and verifiable presence.

4. Address Verification Process

To verify addresses, Google sends a postcard containing a verification code. Your listing may be rejected if you cannot receive that mail at your virtual office address.

GMB-Virtual Office Best Practices.

1. Choose a Virtual Office with Client Interaction 

While giving yourself the benefit of a virtual office address, it is highly pertinent that you can have some client interaction there and can showcase some form of business signage. Google may ask for some form of proof evidencing the existence of having a business operating in that specific location. 

2. Creating an SAB Listing in the Absence of a Physical Office

If you serve customers at their location rather than an office, do not list a virtual office address. Create a service area listing in compliance instead.

3. The Address Should Be Real and Not Shared By Other Businesses

Shared coworking spaces often have multiple businesses using the same address. This will red-flag your listing on Google. Choose a virtual office provider that will give you a unique suite number to your business.

4. Never Mislead Google

Some companies set a GMB office online just to create different online listings for GMB to gain leverage in the eyes of search engine optimisation. This violates Google’s guidelines and risks being suspended. 

5. Other Ways to Optimize the GMB for Convenience of Search

To facilitate a better ranking in local search results, other details must be found on the GMB

1. Active business hours
2. Verified phone number
3. Quality images
4. A business description with keywords
5. Good reviews from customers

6. Maintain Uniform Business Information Across Platforms

Google audits the information it has on your business against those it receives from various other Internet directories. Ensure that your NAP (Name, Address, Phone) is consistent on all platforms: your website, social media profiles, and local directories.

Description of Generally Avoidable Mistakes Related to Using a Virtual Office for GMB

To avoid listing suspension, do not:

1. List a fake or unverifiable address: Google audits such cases and marks suspicious listings.
2. List multiple businesses at the same address: Commonly shared addresses are blacklisted by Google. 
3. Failed verification of your address: If you cannot receive the verification postcard, you are likely not to get your listing approved.
4. Listing a virtual office without operating from the said location: Google may require you to submit proof of operating from this location. 

Alternatives to a Virtual Office for GMB Compliance

Consider alternatives that may comply with GMB criteria:

1. Utilise a Home Office Address (if allowed): If local regulations permit, you can use your home address to verify GMB listing and hide it from public view.
2. Rent a Dedicated Office Space for the Business: If you need a physical address, consider a dedicated office for rent or coworking space that allows company branding and customer engagement.
3. List a Warehouse or Storefront Location, If Available: If your business has a warehouse, make it your address for compliance for GMB.

Verified GMB Listing and Its Contribution to Local SEO

A correctly optimised and verified GMB listing can aid your local SEO rankings, allowing you to do the following:

1: Increase the chances of appearing in the Google Local Pack

2: Drive traffic to the website

3: Get more inquiries from customers

4: Enhance credibility and trust

5: Improve customer engagement through reviews and updates

To leverage these advantages to the max, ensure that your business information is always complete, accurate, and regularly updated.

Case Studies- Success and Failure for Virtual Office Listings

Success: A Consulting Firm with a Service Area Business Model

An initial digital marketing consultant GMB listing using its virtual office address was flagged by Google, causing the switch to a Service Area Business Model that allowed the location to rank locally without listing an address. The results: gaining leads with no risk of suspension.

Failure: An Attempted Fake Multi Location Business Listing

A real estate agency attempted to create multiple GMB listings using virtual office addresses. Google spotted the trend, flagged the listings, and eventually suspended the whole account. As a result, the business lost valuable online visibility and had to regenerate its reputation.

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While truly difficult to set up a Google My Business listing using a virtual office, it is possible under certain conditions, given that Google has strict address policies. Businesses need to comply with the following guidelines:

1: Use a virtual office only when there is customer interaction at that location.

2: If working remotely, choose a Service Area Business listing.

3: Ensure that its address is unique and verifiable.

4: Make sure that it follows the guidelines of Google to stay away from penalties.

By following the above best practices, businesses can have an online presence and stay in line with Google’s regulations.

If you are in search of a professional virtual office solution as per Google’s requirements, kindly visit Liscard business centre for more information.

Need expert help in optimizing your Google My Business profile? Check our Service Page now!