In today’s environment, many people work from home. This includes business owners, whether they sell services, education, or products. In fact, the ecommerce market hit $4.2 trillion worldwide in 2021.
However, most people don’t want to list their home address as their business location. It isn’t safe and you need to protect your business and your privacy. How do you get a business address when you don’t have a physical store?
The answer is a virtual business address. Here’s what you need to know.
What is a Virtual Business Address?
A virtual business address is a real, physical location that you can use as the address for your company. The building can receive mail and packages for your business in a secure location, giving you the ability to protect your privacy while adding legitimacy to your business.
A PO Box can seem sketchy to many customers who will then wonder if you’re a real company. Also, some online directories — most importantly, Google Business — do not allow businesses to list a PO Box as their address. You also need a physical address to handle legal paperwork if your business is registered as an LLC or corporation.
When Do You Need a Virtual Business Address?
There are a lot of situations where you’d want to use a virtual address rather than using your home address or a PO Box. Here are just a few.
When You’re Building Credibility Online
A virtual address is generally located in a commercial area of your city and helps you be more credible with customers and Google online. This address is something that can be printed on letterhead, business cards, and listed on your Google Business profile. Whether you’re just getting started or are looking to grow, credibility is essential.
You Can Receive All Kinds of Mail
A PO Box can only receive mail from the USPS, and your home address may be vulnerable to thieves. A virtual business address gives you the opportunity to receive mail from UPS, FedEx, or any other sender in a secure location. This address is perfect for registering your business with the city or state and gives you a consistent way to communicate with business partners and customers. You never have to worry about gaps in communication if you move your personal home to a new address because your virtual address handles your business mail.
Privacy
You’d be amazed at the number of places you’ll be asked to put your physical business address. For example, you are required to list it at the bottom of all email marketing, and your letterhead and business cards often include it as well. You’ll be putting your company address on social media, Google, and your website.
When you’re using your home address for work, this can raise serious privacy and safety concerns. You simply don’t want your personal home listed all over the internet. That’s why having a virtual business address is strongly recommended if you work from home.
Grow Your Business Safely
As you can see, there are a lot of great reasons to get a virtual business address. It helps boost your credibility, protects your privacy, and expands your mailing options.
If you’d like more help growing your business, we’re here for you. We offer business marketing consulting and can help you create a plan to attract more customers and improve your bottom line. Schedule an appointment today!
