There are many benefits to coworking spaces because they provide a creative environment for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Even though you have a space to work, does that location qualify for the guidelines set for Google local listings?

According to the guidelines, “Properly utilized coworking spaces can be eligible for Google My Business inclusion.” But, there are still a few criteria that need to be considered. Here are a few tips to increase the success of your Google local listing using a coworking address:

1. Physical Occupancy in the Office: Are you spending time in the office space? If customers can walk through the door during regular business hours, then you have physical occupancy in the office space.
2. Dedicated Business Phone Number: Even though there is a number for the receptionist, it is better to list a phone number that is dedicated to your company. Having a dedicated line establishes trust in the online citations. Even if it’s a cell phone, make sure always to answer the phone with your business name.
3. Mailing Address: Can you receive mail at your coworking office? Google My Business will send a postcard to verify the location. So, you need to be sure that you can receive letters and packages that come through the postal service.
4. Multiple Suite Numbers: Even if you have multiple rooms within the coworking space, don’t make the mistake of creating multiple listings. Create only one listing for your business.
5. Different Goods or Services: Another situation to consider is if you offer multiple services or products. It might seem logical to create a Google My Business listing for each service that is provided. But, the rule is that only one listing should be created for each company. Keep your services consolidated under the same listing.
6. Accuracy for Business Hours: Set certain office hours for your business and make sure that you maintain consistency with the hours that you are spending in the office. The hours of operation on your Google My Business listing needs to coincide with your actual business hours.
7. Location Where Business is Conducted: Do you rarely meet clients in your office because you are usually visiting the clients at their office location? This business model is known as a Service Area Business (SAB). In this situation, Google has asked that you hide the address in the Google My Business dashboard to stay compliant with the guidelines.
8. Walk-In Traffic: Another reason that you might need to hide your address is if you don’t accept walk-in traffic during regular business hours. If your business model is to meet people by appointment only, then you should hide your address in your Google My Business listing.

Virtual Offices Do NOT Meet Google’s Requirements

Keep in mind that there is a difference between a virtual office and a physical coworking location. A virtual office is a mailing address used by a business, but the company is not physically located in the office. Most virtual offices offer the services of a receptionist for communication, a voicemail, and even the option to rent conference rooms or desk space for a few hours at a time.

There are several points in the Google guidelines that are not met by a virtual office space. So, if you would like to setup a Google local listing, then it is essential that you use a coworking space instead of a virtual office. The coworking office will give you space where you can be located physically, instead of simply a phone number and a receptionist.

Minimizing Risks of Local Listings with Coworking/Shared Office Space

Even if you follow the guidelines, there are risks to using a coworking space on a Google local listing. For example, you might run into problems with listings that merge since they share similar details. The best way to avoid potential problems is by working with an experienced team that understands the nuances of Google My Business services and local search results. Talk with our team at Ring Ring Marketing to ensure that your listing is created with accuracy!