Virtual office alternatives?

[PrimeSource1]

I manage a custom apparel and promotional product distributor website. It provides products and services entirely online, and does not serve at any physical location. I am aware that setting up virtual offices to rank locally in cities is against Google guidelines. Other than ranking organically as a normal search result, are there any alternatives to virtual offices which may be more efficient and risk free?

[MiriamEllis]

Hi PrimeSource1!

Thanks for asking a good and important question. Because your business model is solely digital, you would not qualify for Google My Business optimization, with or without an office. Google's guidelines not only exclude the use of virtual offices, but they also prohibit participation by brands that don't meet face-to-face with their customers. So, in this case, it sounds like your funding will be better invested in organic SEO, PPC and Social rather than local SEO.

When a business does have face-to-face interactions with its customers, but doesn't have a dedicated physical address, two alternatives to explore are:

1. Using your home address for a single location (not using a bunch of home addresses for multiple locations, though)

2. In some cases, the use of co-working spaces.

But, with a digital-only model like yours, these aren't helpful. Rather, if you're hoping to gain a presence in particular regions of the country, you'll need to do so with content, linkbuilding, on-page optimization, social outreach, PR, and, likely, paid advertising. Hope this helps!