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Re: Google+, Client Get Mailbox Rental Instead Of Home Address?

by LastWarrior
9 replies
  • SEO
    • |
This pertains to the Google 7-pack, aka Google Places. The area specified markers A thru G at the SERP's. Results for Local search.

Should a client who has a service business, but mostly does all his work in the nearest big city, have an address in that city for better G. Places results? He thinks because if he gets his Google+ page of his home-based service business, which is several miles away, he feels not only will people will not want to call him because he's out of town, he also won't do well in the 7-pack because his address-zip code is not the same.(or worst yet, not even show in the 7-pack) He thought of getting a postal mail box, then thought of a mailbox rental place with a real street address and box number.

In this scenario with him getting his Google+ page, what do you think he should do to have the best results?

What will happen if he does go the rental box method?

What will happen if he goes with his home-based service business listed with his address and info that shows city, zip and info not being from that area?

(other info: He hardly even advertises in his area because it's rural and that's why he focuses on doing his work and ads in that bigger city mentioned above)

LastWarrior
#address #client #google #home #mailbox #rental
  • Profile picture of the author paulgl
    The problem is this. You need a real, physical address for a variety
    of reasons. Not sure if google can smell out every fake box location,
    but I'm sure they have ways. I don't believe those are even allowed.

    What if someone shows up at that address to get in touch with you?

    Forget local and try and rank a website.

    Or better still, advertise in the local paper, yellow pages, etc.

    Ditch the "SEO" mentality.

    Another option, open up a real location in the city. (I know, what
    a concept, right)

    Paul
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    If you were disappointed in your results today, lower your standards tomorrow.

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    • Profile picture of the author LastWarrior
      Originally Posted by paulgl View Post

      The problem is this. You need a real, physical address for a variety
      of reasons. Not sure if google can smell out every fake box location,
      but I'm sure they have ways. I don't believe those are even allowed.

      What if someone shows up at that address to get in touch with you?

      Forget local and try and rank a website.

      Or better still, advertise in the local paper, yellow pages, etc.

      Ditch the "SEO" mentality.

      Another option, open up a real location in the city. (I know, what
      a concept, right)

      Paul
      That doesn't really address his concerns. He's fine where he is at and living or transferring his business there won't help one bit except for him to save gas I suppose. This isn't about SEO or advertising elsewhere. Google Places "allows" post office boxes. How do I know? I've seen it in the listings. This is strictly about a Google Places listing with his info.

      And it's not a fake box location. It's a rental box service. And yeah, there may be concerns if G knows about that address or not, but there's no way to tell how many businesses are in a particular building, is there? So I'm leaning towards it's ok and then some, but I don't want to give my opinion yet until I hear a few more opinions. Your reply is correct on many levels, but not necessarily the issue of Google Places listing.

      No one's going to show up there to try and reach him.(he thinks) He has a service business that goes out to people's houses and he isn't going to give the address to anyone. The service will fax, email or mail any mail he gets there, if indeed he does. What little mail he gets won't be a big concern as he will be notified when mail arrives there.

      With every reply I'll tally up what I find. Thanks for your reply.

      LastWarrior
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      • Profile picture of the author ADVERTHEORY
        Originally Posted by LastWarrior View Post

        ... Google Places "allows" post office boxes. How do I know? I've seen it in the listings. This is strictly about a Google Places listing with his info.

        And it's not a fake box location. It's a rental box service. And yeah, there may be concerns if G knows about that address or not, but there's no way to tell how many businesses are in a particular building, is there? So I'm leaning towards it's ok and then some, but I don't want to give my opinion yet until I hear a few more opinions. Your reply is correct on many levels, but not necessarily the issue of Google Places listing.

        No one's going to show up there to try and reach him.(he thinks) He has a service business that goes out to people's houses and he isn't going to give the address to anyone. The service will fax, email or mail any mail he gets there, if indeed he does. What little mail he gets won't be a big concern as he will be notified when mail arrives there.

        With every reply I'll tally up what I find. Thanks for your reply.



        https://support.google.com/places/answer/107528?hl=en
        ...Business Location: Use a precise, accurate address to describe your business location.

        Do not create a listing or place your pin marker at a location where the business does not physically exist. P.O. Boxes are not considered accurate physical locations.Your business location should be staffed during its stated hours...


        USER GUIDE Service areas
        https://support.google.com/places/answer/177103?hl=en
        Not all local businesses serve their customers from a brick-and-mortar storefront. For example, some businesses operate from a home address. Others are mobile and have no central location.

        If a local business serves customers at their locations, it can list its service area - the area it's willing to serve - on Google. Users searching Google and Google Maps will then be able to find businesses that serve them.
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  • Profile picture of the author yukon
    Banned
    You can get a virtual office with a physical location in most US cities.
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    • Profile picture of the author LastWarrior
      Originally Posted by yukon View Post

      You can get a virtual office with a physical location in most US cities.
      :p

      Thanks. I'll look into it.

      ============================

      I also see first position, A, at Google Places for no address at all. Only city and state.

      LastWarrior
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      • Profile picture of the author LastWarrior
        Prior to my post I knew of one mail box service. I did some checking earlier and wanted to keep some of my findings reserved until later. Not knowing how many replies will come, I'll share this now. Like I said earlier I saw excellent results without an address, but also have seen good results with no name at all, just business, city and state.(zip too)

        I also found that there are 2 businesses in the same building with the exact same address, with no separating designation, like a suite or box number. One is the mailbox service in question. They are different businesses, yet each has the 1st or A position in Google Places.

        LastWarrior
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  • Profile picture of the author MikeFriedman
    A virtual office or a mailbox will either not work or be a temporary solution. Many companies were using UPS for a long time for that. Google caught on and I have not seen anyone with a UPS mailbox in the Places listings in over a year now. Same goes for a lot of other providers of PO boxes.

    As Google finds them, they are removing them. Now you might get lucky and not be found for 2 years or so. Or you might get found in 2 weeks. No way to know.

    For the most part, we can blame the locksmith industry for this. They were the worse offenders and ruined it for everyone else
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    • Profile picture of the author yukon
      Banned
      Originally Posted by MikeFriedman View Post

      A virtual office or a mailbox will either not work or be a temporary solution. Many companies were using UPS for a long time for that. Google caught on and I have not seen anyone with a UPS mailbox in the Places listings in over a year now. Same goes for a lot of other providers of PO boxes.

      As Google finds them, they are removing them. Now you might get lucky and not be found for 2 years or so. Or you might get found in 2 weeks. No way to know.

      For the most part, we can blame the locksmith industry for this. They were the worse offenders and ruined it for everyone else
      How are they going to figure out a virtual office? I see them advertised with an address, phone, office use per month, even package signing & receptionist that answers the phone in your business name.

      I don't see how Google could figure that out from a huge office building with a mix of multiple business types. That's no different than any regular offline business.

      A PO Box is obvious.
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  • Profile picture of the author MikeFriedman
    Virtual office will work better. But it is not hard for Google to find the location of virtual offices either. Might take more time and effort.

    It's just like anything else. If they feel it is something that is being overly abused, they will find a way to do something about it.
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