Thinking about using a virtual office for your service-based business? It can seem like a great way to project professionalism without the expenses of a physical office. But before you decide—especially if you want to use a virtual office for your Google Business Profile (GBP)—there are some crucial things you need to know.
What Is a Virtual Office?
First things first, let’s understand what we’re talking about here. A virtual office is a physical space that provides a mailing address and access to services like mail handling and phone reception, without requiring you to rent or maintain a traditional office. For businesses trying to save on costs, it sounds like a win-win.
When it comes to GBP, using a virtual office gets tricky though. Here’s why.
Can You Use a Virtual Office with Google Business Profile?
As you may know, if you’re a service-area business, like a plumber or electrician, you should not show your home address on GBP. Instead, you can list your service area. But what about virtual offices? Can you use them?
The honest answer is: “It depends.” It’s not always a good idea and in many cases, it’s not possible at all. Google’s rules are clear and specific about this.
For a virtual office to qualify for GBP, it must:
- Allow customers to visit the facility without a scheduled appointment and not require entry assistance from reception or security.
- Exist at a listed address at a real location, with someone representing the business—not just an empty mailbox.
- Be staffed during business hours—meaning there needs to be a dedicated, on-site staff member able to serve customers.
- Display clear, proper and permanent signage on the outside of the building with your business name.
The above is no joke. At Olly Olly, we’ve seen businesses whose profiles were suspended for months because they didn’t have proper signage at their business location. They had to go through a tedious verification process to prove the address was legitimate, all while losing valuable business from potential customers who couldn’t find them online.
Why Does Google Care?
It’s simple: Google’s mission is to provide accurate, reliable information to users and match people with local businesses that meet their needs. They want to make sure that every business listed on their platform reflects a real, accessible location, giving the best experience to the people searching. If two businesses have similar offerings, Google will prioritize the one that’s physically closest to the searcher to offer a smoother, faster experience.
This is why Google is cautious with virtual offices. If a company claims it’s a brick-and-mortar business but is in a shared office space with no real roots in the community, it can seem less credible and harder to trust…
How Can a Virtual Office Hurt Your Business Profile?
Sure, this virtual office may seem convenient, but is it really worth the cost if it causes you:
- Verification issues: Google will ask you to prove your business has a real presence at the listed address. If your virtual office doesn’t meet Google’s standards (such as being staffed during business hours), you’ll have a hard time getting verified.
- Risk of suspension: Even worse, if Google discovers your virtual office is empty or only staffed occasionally, they could suspend your listing. This means your business would disappear from Google Maps and search results, making it nearly impossible for potential customers to find you. And getting reinstated after a suspension can be a long, frustrating process…
But I See a Lot of Businesses That Would Technically Be in Violation… How Are They Getting Around It?
We get this question a lot. The truth is, Google is suspending millions of listings a year, but some businesses still slip through. Why? This is often because of the sheer volume of businesses listed on Google.
Some may have gotten in back when all you needed was a postcard verification to show you could receive mail at the address. Today though, Google is stepping up its game with video verifications—a much more thorough process.
This change is specifically to catch businesses that aren’t following the guidelines and make as certain as possible that listings are reliable for local customers. But, as you may have noticed, it’s still not perfect..
So, Should You Use a Virtual Office?
Again, it depends. If you run a service-area business and customers don’t need to visit your physical location, it’s probably safer to list your service area and skip the office address entirely. That way, you stay within Google’s guidelines and avoid the risks of verification issues.
But if you feel a virtual office is absolutely essential, make sure it’s staffed during business hours, has a phone line and is fully verifiable by Google. Also, make sure the office has clear signage with your business name, as Google is thorough in its checks.
What Are the Alternatives?
If you’re concerned about the risks of using a virtual office, here are a couple of alternatives:
- Service-area business listing: For service businesses, you can list your service areas on GBP without including an office address. This is the simplest way to stay compliant with Google’s rules and avoid unnecessary headaches.
- Co-working spaces: They almost go hand in hand with virtual offices as far as Google is concerned. If the co-working space provides a fully staffed reception desk and you can meet the verification criteria (such as maintaining clear signage, being able to receive customers at the location and being staffed by your business staff during business hours), it can be a good way to meet Google’s requirements.
We’re Here to Help
At Olly Olly, we understand that small businesses have a lot to juggle, especially when it comes to maintaining a strong online presence. Whether you need advice about virtual offices or help managing your Google Business Profile, we’ve got you covered. Just give your account manager a call and we’ll help you navigate the best options for your business.
Not an SEO client yet? If you need help with your Google Business Profile, reach out to us today at 877-Olly-Olly. We’d love to help you get found by more of the right local customers!
Our Commitment to You
At Olly Olly, we believe in ethical SEO practices that lead to sustainable growth. Fighting spam and keeping your business compliant with Google’s guidelines are just some of the ways we help you stand out for the right reasons. We’re committed to making sure your business gets found—and stays found.
We’re not looking for shortcuts. We’re not trying to overcharge you. And we never will.
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