Google My Business is a valuable marketing tool that will bring your business to the forefront of people’s search queries. However, if you don’t have a physical address, you may have given up on the hope of using Google My Business in your marketing strategy.
We are here to tell you that there is still hope.
What is Google My Business?
Google My Business is a free tool that enables you to create a listing for your business on Google. You create a profile stating what products or services your business offers, where your business is located, your phone number, etc. If a person makes a search query and Google deems that your business offers what this person is searching for, it will bring up your business at the top of its business listings results.
For example, if Anne is looking for an ice cream shop in Toronto, she would search “ice cream shop Toronto” into the search bar, and Google would bring up all the different ice cream shops closest to her.
This tool will make it easier for your customers and potential customers to find your business in Google Search and Google Maps.
There are billions of searches on Google daily, and almost half of these searches are for local businesses. When someone searches for a local business, Google will include business listings on its SERP (search engine results page). This means that if you have a listing, you get a lot more visibility for your business.
Think of it this way, if you don’t have a Google listing, then people would need to scroll through potentially hundreds of pages before they see your business, therefore significantly decreasing your visibility.
Google My Business offers all business owners the opportunity to connect with existing customers, attract new customers, and see how people are interacting with their business.
However, the question remains – what if you do not have a physical location? Will you still be able to experience all the benefits of using Google My Business if you work remotely? The answer to this question is yes you can. However there are some tricks to it, you will want to avoid using your home address or PO box in your profile. If you don’t have a physical store or office location, your best solution is to use a virtual address when you set up your account.
Should I Use My Home Address for My Business
If you work from home, you’ve probably considered using your home address for your business profile. This is not necessarily a terrible idea, but it’s certainly not the best. Putting your home address on Google My Business means that countless people will now know where you live, which could be concerning in terms of privacy regulations.
Additionally, your home address might not be in a location that attracts the demographic you are trying to reach. So if you put your home address on your profile, you will probably start targeting the wrong people.
Can I Use a PO Box for Google My Business?
A PO box is not an acceptable address for your Google My Business account because Google considers it a “false address listing”. So if you use a PO box, your business will not come up as a searchable location listing on Google.
What Is a Virtual Business Address?
A virtual business address or virtual mailbox is when you purchase the right to use a physical location’s (typically an office building) address as your personal business address. If you work remotely, this option provides you with a professional business address, instead of your using your kitchen table.
With Telsec, you will be able to get a prestigious Downtown Toronto address, without needing to pay Toronto rent prices. Additionally, our services will forward your mail to your home (or wherever you choose) to add extra convenience.
Why Use a Virtual Business Address?
A virtual address will ensure that you get as many eyes on your business as possible while safely remaining within Google’s Business Profile regulations.
Now, let’s dive a little deeper into the 4 main benefits of having a virtual address and how they can enhance your business.
SEO Ranking
If you don’t have a physical location, having a virtual address will enable you to create a Google My Business profile. It will therefore be a great addition to your SEO location strategy. With your business showing up on location listings in Google you’ll get more views and increase your chances of winning new customers or clients.
Additionally, you will be able to target specific demographics based on the location of your virtual address. For example, if you want to attract people from a busy downtown area, you can choose a virtual address in a major city. This way, whenever someone who is in that city searches for a product or service that you offer, your business will come up on the SERP.
Improved Professionalism
Telsec’s virtual office services provide you with a virtual address in the heart of Toronto’s Financial District. This prestigious location will improve your business’s image by adding a degree of professionalism. After all, a sophisticated and busy location will inevitably attract more people.
Customer Acquisition and Retention
Customer acquisition and retention come from presence and reputation – people trust businesses that have a strong and reputable online presence. By having a virtual address and adding it to your Google account, you will be able to build up your reputation and presence at a quicker rate. This is because more people will be able to see your business, leave reviews, and interact with it in a virtual space.
Improved Communication
With Telsec’s virtual office you get an array of services that will improve communication between you and your clients. Such features include a telephone answering service and mail service arrangement that provides you with personalized telephone answering coverage by including your dedicated business number on our telephone system. As well as a professional business address in the heart of downtown Toronto’s financial district – 18 King Street East, Suite 1400 – for $75 per month. Contact us today to get started.