There are a number of expenses that come with having a physical location for your business. Rent or a mortgage are the elements that typically cost the most. Other expenses include utilities, furnishings, and staff members. The thought of paying so many expenses every month can scare people off from the thought of starting a business. Some people still push forward but decide to run their business from home to save on costs. You make sacrifices with each option – financial sacrifices when you have a physical location and blurred lines between your professional and personal life when you run your business from home. Fortunately, you can create a level of professionalism for your business in the local market without going to the expense (or stress) of having a physical location. But, before you move forward, you may still have some questions you want answered. Common questions include: Who needs to establish a professional presence? Why does having a physical address matter for a new business? How do I control what potential clients see when they search for my company? Answering these questions can help you make a decision on which path to follow for your business.

Who needs to establish a local, professional presence?

Anyone who wants to attract local customers needs to establish a professional presence online. You must have an address associated with your business to do some of the basics related to marketing your business. If you work from home, using your home address will look unprofessional to potential clients. When someone searches for your business, they expect to see a physical location. A virtual office can provide this without requiring you to rent out a physical location. This can also help keep your home address private and create a natural separation between work and home.

Why does having a physical address matter for a new business?

Having a physical address matters for a new business because it can give you immediate credibility with the people who find you online. Being connected to a physical location can make you look like a ‘real’ company to potential clients even if you do not feel like one yet. In addition, having a physical location can help with location-based SEO that happens online.

How do I control what potential clients see when they search for my company?

You cannot control everything that potential clients see when they search for your company online. Every business owner with one negative review can attest to that fact. You can, however, make sure there are some elements included in the basic searches that potential customers do. Connecting your business to a physical address through a virtual office will help the information about your business come up whenever someone is searching for your services in your area.

Minimize your expenses while creating a professional image online with the help of a virtual office. 580 Executive Center offers a number of packages for business owners that will help you build a professional image and allow you to experience all of the benefits that come with investing in a virtual office.