How To Choose A GBP Location and Office Space

In today’s competitive digital landscape, establishing a robust online presence is essential for local service-based businesses.

One of the most powerful tools to boost your visibility and attract new customers is by creating a Google Business Profile (GBP).

At Rotate Digital, we specialize in integrating organic SERP rankings, a strong website, and Google Business Profiles to deliver exceptional results.

GBPs prominently appear in the search result map pack, where 70% of buying decisions are made, making it easier for potential customers to find you, request a quote, and book your services.

With over 200 moving companies trusting our expertise, we have successfully helped our clients expand their reach to nearby suburbs and cities by setting up additional GBPs.

Our focus on increasing market share and visibility ensures that our clients dominate their local service area and secure a top 3 spot in the map pack, outshining their competitors.

In the previous post, we discussed the benefits and risks of setting up a Google Business Profile (GBP) for your service-based business.

This blog post will focus on part 2 which will help you navigate the process of choosing the right location and office space for your next Google Business Profile (GBP).

Whether you’re expanding your existing business or setting up a new one, selecting the appropriate address is crucial for a successful verification and long-term growth.

We have broken down the major topics around Google Business Profiles into a series of posts for you. This is part 2; to find the other parts of the blog post, click the links below.

• Part 1: Why Set Up a Google Business Profile: Benefits and Risks 
• Part 2: How To Choose A GBP Location And Office Space (You are here)
• Part 3: A Step-by-Step Guide To Set Up Your Next GBP
• Part 4: Grow GBP Review Quantity And Star Ratings
• Part 5: How To Reinstate Your GBP If It Has Been Suspended

When is your right time to open up a new location?

In simple words, if your Google Business Profile is maxed out and you can’t expand further due to Google’s limitations, it’s a good time to look for a new location.

What does that look like in real life?

When you own more than 70% of the available market share that Google allows you to and your GBP is in the top 2-3 against your competitors in the map pack for both review quantity and star rating. 

There are a few options you have available to you when choosing a location. These include:

• Physical storefront address
• Shared office space
• Your home address
• Friend or family member’s address
• Virtual office spaces

However, the most straightforward and widely accepted option for setting up a GBP is to go with a physical storefront address. 

There is a good amount of research that you will need to conduct to make sure you are making the best decision for your business by considering your competitors, demographics, industrial and commercial zones, residential area details, future growth potential, and cost implications of your chosen location. 

Once you have made your decision on location, you will need to get a few things in order before setting up your GBP.

You will need to support multiple phone numbers for any new locations, secure and set up the office space before the verification process, and plan out your marketing strategy.

We have helped over 200 moving companies and are experts at adding additional GBPs to your business portfolio, so be sure to reach out to us for any questions and assistance by filling out the contact form below. 

When To Open A New Location vs. Keep Adding Reviews

One question and decision we have helped our clients make is to decide at what point in their GBP ranking does it make sense to open a new location vs. continuing to add reviews to their existing locations.

Let’s dig into a few details on that to get you all the information you need to make that decision. 

If there are 4-6 companies you compete with for the available market share of the GBP, you should compare your reviews with theirs.

Aim to be in the top 2-3 in both review quantity and star rating.

Higher-rated and more-reviewed businesses tend to get more calls, similar to how buyers choose highly-rated products on Amazon.

Do you own 70% or more of the available market share that Google allows you? If not, it’s often more beneficial to focus on increasing your market share in your current location.

Expanding before reaching this threshold might mean missing out on significant revenue opportunities within your existing market.

However, if your business is growing rapidly, opening a new location might still be a viable option.

Essentially, if you are meeting or exceeding the metrics in the two points above for a current area, then it’s time to start looking where to expand.

This is because your current locations are in the position you want to hold and are ready for expansion.

If one of your existing locations does not meet that criteria above, then you should continue working on the gaps in your current market to move you to the 70% or more available market share with the top 2-3 rankings for reviews in both quality and star rating so you can get the exposure and leads you want.

Once that is achieved,you can start researching new markets for competition and potential.

Choosing the right type of address for your Google Business Profile (GBP) is crucial for successful verification and long-term business growth.

Here’s a detailed look at the different types of addresses you can use, along with their benefits, tips, and potential risks.

Physical Storefront Address

A physical storefront address is the most straightforward and widely accepted option for setting up a GBP.

This involves having a legitimate physical office where customers can visit you.

It’s essential to ensure that the address is accurate and represents a real storefront with proper business signage.

Having a physical storefront not only boosts your business’s credibility but also enhances customer trust, as clients feel more comfortable dealing with a business that has a visible, tangible presence.

However, using an address that doesn’t correspond to a legitimate physical location can lead to account suspension or removal from Google Maps.

Therefore, it’s vital to make sure the business name matches the physical signage and the address is correctly listed and easy to find.

Shared Office Space

If your business operates from a shared office space, you can use the specific address of your dedicated section within that space for your GBP.

This option requires that you have a separate entrance, proper signage, and a unique phone number for your business, different from the main co-working space.

Shared office spaces offer cost efficiency and flexibility, making them an attractive choice for many small businesses.

However, Google is more suspicious of these types of listings, which can make your business more susceptible to suspension.

According to Google Guidelines, businesses can’t list an office at a co-working space unless that office maintains clear signage, receives customers at the location during business hours, and is staffed during business hours by your business staff.

Additionally, shared office spaces may require additional verification steps to confirm the legitimacy of your address.

Home Address

For home-based businesses, using your home address for your GBP can be a viable option.

You can set it as either a Service Area Business (SAB), where the address is hidden, or as a Physical Storefront, where the address is shown.

To make a home address acceptable to Google, it should have a separate entrance and signage for your business that distinguishes it from your residential area.

This option significantly reduces costs and offers flexibility, but it comes with privacy concerns as your personal address will be publicly displayed if set as a Physical Storefront.

Additionally, customers might perceive a home-based business as less professional compared to one with a dedicated commercial location.

Google may also require additional verification steps, such as a phone call or postcard to confirm your address’s legitimacy.

Friend/Family Address

Using a friend or family member’s address can be a potential temporary solution for setting up your GBP.

This option involves ensuring that the address has a separate entrance and signage for your business to distinguish it from the residential area.

While this can save costs and offer flexibility, it comes with significant risks.

Privacy concerns for your friend or family member, potential instability if they move or ask you to stop using their address, and the need to ensure that using such an address aligns with Google’s guidelines are critical factors to consider.

This should be viewed as a temporary solution, with a more stable, dedicated business address being the goal for long-term growth.

Virtual Office Address

Virtual office addresses provide a professional-looking address in recognized business districts, enhancing your company’s image while keeping your home address private.

This option is generally less expensive than renting a physical office space.

However, Google aims to provide accurate information to users, and virtual office addresses might not accurately represent your business’s physical presence.

Verification issues are common, and dependence on the virtual office provider can pose challenges if they go out of business or significantly increase rates.

For a virtual office address to be compliant with Google guidelines, it must be staffed during working hours.

P.O. Box Address

Google does not allow the use of P.O. Box addresses for Google Business Profiles.

This is because P.O. Boxes misrepresent a business’s physical presence, which goes against Google’s objective of providing accurate information to users.

Businesses using a P.O. Box address for their GBP are likely to face verification issues, and Google typically does not verify these addresses.

Craigslist Address

Paying someone on platforms like Craigslist to accept a postcard for verification at a particular address is a highly risky option.

While it might offer location flexibility and cost-efficiency, it comes with significant drawbacks.

Depending on an unknown person to handle your business mail can be unreliable, and there is a high risk of scams.

Google may also require additional verification steps, such as a phone call or video verification, to confirm the address’s legitimacy.

Using someone else’s address without their permission or misrepresenting your business location is against Google’s policies and can lead to suspension of your listing.

Each of these address options comes with its unique set of benefits and risks.

Carefully considering which type of address best suits your business needs and ensuring compliance with Google’s guidelines can help you set up a successful Google Business Profile that enhances your visibility and attracts more customers.

Selecting the right location for your Google Business Profile (GBP) is a critical decision that can significantly impact your business’s success.

Several factors should be taken into account to ensure that the location you choose maximizes your business potential and aligns with your strategic goals.

Competitor Analysis

Before deciding on a location, it’s essential to analyze the competitive landscape.

Look at the number and quality of competitors in the area. Areas with fewer competitors often offer better visibility and more opportunities to capture market share.

However, a healthy level of competition can also indicate strong demand for services, which can be beneficial. Identifying your top competitors, understanding their service offerings, and their marketing strategies can help you position your business more effectively.

Demographics

Understanding the demographics of the area is crucial.

Look for neighborhoods or regions with a high demand for your services and a suitable target market.

Factors such as median household income, age distribution, and population density can influence the success of your business in a particular location.

Higher-income areas may be more willing to pay premium prices for your services, while densely populated regions can provide a steady stream of potential customers.

Industrial/Commercial Zones

Proximity to industrial or commercial zones can generate more business opportunities, especially if you provide services to other businesses.

Being close to these zones can reduce travel time and costs, making your operations more efficient.

Additionally, businesses in these areas often require moving services for offices, equipment, and inventory, which can lead to repeat business and long-term contracts.

Residential Areas

Targeting high-density residential areas can be highly beneficial for service-based businesses.

People frequently move within or into these areas, creating a steady demand for moving services.

Additionally, residential customers often prefer local businesses for their convenience and quick response times.

Establishing your GBP in such areas can help you build a strong local presence and customer base.

Future Growth Potential

Consider areas with potential for future growth and development.

Look for regions with upcoming real estate projects, infrastructure improvements, and positive economic indicators.

Areas poised for growth can provide long-term benefits as the population and demand for services increase over time.

Investing in a location with strong growth potential can position your business for sustained success and expansion.

Cost Implications

Financial viability is a crucial factor when choosing a location.

Assess all cost implications, including rent, taxes, utilities, and other expenses.

High-rent areas may offer more business opportunities but can also strain your budget.

It’s important to balance potential revenue with operational costs to ensure profitability.

Additionally, consider the cost of renovations, signage, and other setup expenses that may be required to make the location suitable for your business needs.

Local Market Trends

Stay informed about local market trends and economic conditions.

Understanding the economic health of the area can help you predict future demand for your services.

Areas with strong job markets, low unemployment rates, and robust local economies are typically better suited for business expansion.

Conversely, areas experiencing economic decline may present challenges in attracting and retaining customers.

Accessibility and Convenience

The accessibility of your location for both customers and employees is important.

Ensure that the location is easily reachable by major roads and public transportation.

Adequate parking and convenient access can enhance customer satisfaction and make it easier for your employees to commute.

A location that is difficult to access can deter potential customers and complicate logistics.

Community and Local Culture

Finally, consider the community and local culture of the area.

Establishing your business in a community that aligns with your brand values and target audience can enhance your reputation and customer loyalty.

Participating in local events, supporting community initiatives, and building relationships with local residents can create a positive image for your business and foster a loyal customer base.

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can choose a location that not only meets your business needs but also supports your long-term growth and success.

Making an informed decision will help you set up a Google Business Profile that maximizes visibility, attracts customers, and drives business growth.

I’m Ready To Pick My Location!

Once you have conducted your research and asked some key critical questions such as determining the median household income in the new area, analyzing top competitors, and evaluating the suitability of the location for your business, you are ready to set up your GBP!

We cover a step-by-step guide in part three of our blog post series, “Part 3: A step by step instruction guide on how to set up your next GBP”, so be sure to read that next!

We believe utilizing Google Business Profiles is a game-changer for local service-based businesses.

If you would like to take advantage of the benefits of GBPs for your business we are here to help!

Having served over 200 moving businesses and deployed these techniques, we are the leading experts on leveraging organic SERPs, optimized websites, and GBPs working synergistically to maximize your businesses results.

We focus on growing our clients market share and visibility so that they can dominate their local service area and beat out their competitors to show up in the top 3 spots of the map pack.

If you would like to learn more about Rotate Digital and how we can help, reach out to us below!

We would be happy to assist you with some of the more challenging questions such as:

• How can I get the best return on investment for a new location?
• How can I prepare for initial losses when starting up a location?
• How do I choose where my next location should be?
• How do I actually set up a GBP and get it verified?
• This process worked for me once, how can I repeat it again and again to continue surpassing my revenue goals this next year?

We Can Help You Answer All Your Questions. Get In Touch Today!