12 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
12 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Local Search: How To Set "Fake" Company Address?

by slynch1
10 replies
  • SEO
    • |
I'm looking to strengthen my local search by keeping all the addresses and phone numbers I use on my websites and any other database site I use.

I'm a videographer with no office. I travel to my clients or work with them over the phone for projects. I'm also still currently living with my parents (I'm 23) and will be moving soon. The area I really want to target would be Albany and Saratoga Springs, NY.

I live in Glens Falls, NY which is far too small to invest any local search data in. When I move, I may be moving closer to Saratoga Springs but that might still cut me out of the Albany market.

As far as creating a company address for myself for Google, what are some alternatives I can do. Make up an address? Specific addresses I can use?

Anyone solve a similar issue?
#address #company #fake #local #search #set
  • Profile picture of the author MikeFriedman
    You cannot just make up an address. Google sends a postcard with a PIN number to the address to confirm it.

    You can try virtual offices or a PO Box, but Google has been catching on to that too.

    You do not necessarily need a local address to rank a website locally in the organic results, but it is impossible to show up in the Google Local listings without one.
    Signature

    For SEO news, discussions, tactics, and more.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10144088].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author slynch1
      So would you suggest just using my Glens Falls address to get the ball rolling? Or wait until im in more of a permanent location?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10144157].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author MikeFriedman
    You can always change addresses.

    If you are moving in the next few weeks or even in a month, I probably would wait. You are going to have to log back into every account you setup in directories to change your address after moving.

    If it is months down the road, then I would get started now.
    Signature

    For SEO news, discussions, tactics, and more.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10144189].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author firstomatic
    Hi slynch1,

    your NAP (Name, address & phone) is one of the most important things for local seo, I suggest you use something called a "virtual office". Basically you pay a company for the right to use their address and they forward your mail.

    When you finally move out just update your listings, social media, etc.

    J.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10144340].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author yukon
    Banned
    I would keep it simple & just aim to rank your page as a regular organic search listing.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10144347].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author paulgl
      Originally Posted by yukon View Post

      I would keep it simple & just aim to rank your page as a regular organic search listing.
      Either that or revert back to the tried and true methods that real business use,
      advertising, yellow pages, word of mouth, freebies, coupons,...

      I would also imagine that most videographers/photographers work out the home.

      Wait until you move, or start one now, and a new one later. That way you now have a location in glens falls.
      https://support.google.com/business/.../6002002?hl=en

      Paul
      Signature

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

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10144367].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author slynch1
        Thanks everyone, this helps out. I think I'll just wait until I get my apartment in a month or so and then focus on making everything the same then.

        This isn't the only way I'm marketing myself online but it's definitely something important to invest in now as I continue to grow my organic reach.

        My site has only been online for a couple months now so plenty of maturing time left
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10144478].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author paulgl
          Why wait? You have the ability right now to be there for your current address.
          Then, when you move, add a second location. You seem to be only moving
          a relatively short distance. You will then have 2 locations for people to
          find you. Most people do not have this opportunity, or just don't think
          about it. You can add up to 10 locations. You are now serving a larger
          area.

          Paul
          Signature

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

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10144678].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author alvinchua91
    Most countries have virtual offices, it's different from a PO. Why don't you try that option out? (or you could just use your apartment in one month's time unless you plan to move, then I would recommend using a virtual office instead).
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10144923].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
      Originally Posted by firstomatic View Post

      Hi slynch1,

      your NAP (Name, address & phone) is one of the most important things for local seo, I suggest you use something called a "virtual office". Basically you pay a company for the right to use their address and they forward your mail.

      When you finally move out just update your listings, social media, etc.

      J.
      NAP is actually not very important in local search. Citations haven't been the "big thing" since 2012. Virtual offices directly conflict with the information you just gave, considering how many other people will also have conflicting NAP lol.

      There's a couple ways to do this...

      1.) Get a friend in the city you're targeting, use their address + Suite A.
      2.) Get a domain name similar to GMB title of an existing business, blast a bunch of citations with YOUR domain that is redirected to your website, and then make a suggested edit on the page.... 4 out of 5 times Google ends up changing the website, of even a verified GMB page. A little blackhat, and a bit dirty but it works.
      3.) PO Box... Yes, they're removing listings with PO boxes, but not the listings you get manually verified. It requires calling in and requesting a manual verification for lack of mail delivery on your street. It works, you just can't display your address with a PO box.
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10145138].message }}

Trending Topics