Can You List Your Business on Google Maps with a Virtual Office?
Using a virtual office address to list your business on Google Maps can be tricky, as Google has strict guidelines regarding virtual and co-working spaces. Google wants to ensure that business locations listed on Maps are legitimate, staffed, and offer a real-world location where customers can interact with the business.
If your business address is purely virtual—that is, used solely for mail handling and administrative purposes without on-site presence—you are typically not allowed to list it on Google Maps. Google requires a staffed, customer-facing location to appear on Maps. This means if no one from your business is physically present at the location during regular business hours, it’s not eligible to be listed.
For businesses operating from a co-working space, there’s an opportunity to list the address on Google Maps, but certain conditions must be met. Your business must have an actual, dedicated space within the co-working facility, such as a private desk or office. Additionally, your business should be staffed during the hours posted on Google, ensuring that customers can visit and interact with your business directly.
To qualify for a Google Maps listing from a co-working space, make sure your business follows these guidelines:
Physical Presence: Your business should have a permanent, designated space within the co-working facility, staffed during normal business hours.
Direct Contact Number: Use a phone number unique to your business that connects directly to your team, not the main number of the co-working space.
Accurate Address: Include any suite or office number associated with your space, avoiding any vague or invented address details.
Visible Signage: Google prefers businesses with visible signage, even within a co-working environment, as it reinforces the legitimacy of your listing.
By meeting these criteria, businesses based in co-working spaces—like The Hoxton Mix—can maintain a compliant Google Maps presence. However, purely virtual offices without on-site business activity should avoid attempting to list on Google Maps, as this could lead to removal or suspension of the listing.
Please refer to The Google My Business guidelines.
Google’s Rules for Virtual Office Addresses
If your business address is purely virtual—that is, used solely for mail handling and administrative purposes without on-site presence—you are typically not allowed to list it on Google Maps. Google requires a staffed, customer-facing location to appear on Maps. This means if no one from your business is physically present at the location during regular business hours, it’s not eligible to be listed.
When a Co-Working Space May Be Eligible
For businesses operating from a co-working space, there’s an opportunity to list the address on Google Maps, but certain conditions must be met. Your business must have an actual, dedicated space within the co-working facility, such as a private desk or office. Additionally, your business should be staffed during the hours posted on Google, ensuring that customers can visit and interact with your business directly.
Key Requirements for Listing a Co-Working Space on Google Maps
To qualify for a Google Maps listing from a co-working space, make sure your business follows these guidelines:
Physical Presence: Your business should have a permanent, designated space within the co-working facility, staffed during normal business hours.
Direct Contact Number: Use a phone number unique to your business that connects directly to your team, not the main number of the co-working space.
Accurate Address: Include any suite or office number associated with your space, avoiding any vague or invented address details.
Visible Signage: Google prefers businesses with visible signage, even within a co-working environment, as it reinforces the legitimacy of your listing.
By meeting these criteria, businesses based in co-working spaces—like The Hoxton Mix—can maintain a compliant Google Maps presence. However, purely virtual offices without on-site business activity should avoid attempting to list on Google Maps, as this could lead to removal or suspension of the listing.
Please refer to The Google My Business guidelines.
Updated on: 07/11/2024
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