Running an online business is exciting.
But there’s one thing that trips up a lot of business owners early on…
Their business address.
Your reputation. Your legal compliance. At stake without the correct address.
Whether you’re registering an LLC, claiming your Google Business Profile or just wanting to look legit to customers — having an address is important than most think.
What’s Inside:
- Why Every Online Business Needs a Proper Address
- The Problem With Using Your Home Address
- The 3 Types of Business Addresses Available
- How to Choose the Right One
- How to Verify a Business Address
Why Every Online Business Needs a Proper Address
Here’s something a lot of new business owners don’t think about…
Every legitimate business (online or otherwise) must have a physical address they can be reached at. You need one to:
- Registering a business entity (LLC, sole trader, or corporation)
- Setting up a Google Business Profile
- Opening a business bank account
- Receiving mail and important legal documents
- Building trust with customers and suppliers
When you need an address for your online business, good news is that it’s never been easier or cheaper to obtain one. Services offering virtual addresses will give you a legitimate, confirmed street address — as opposed to a PO box — that can work for all of these touchpoints right away.
Need for this type of solution is increasing rapidly as well. Approximately 1/4 of US businesses operate with fully flexible remote work models, so there are more business owners than ever looking for an unlisted business address separate from a physical location.
Makes sense, right?
Truth is… skipping this step won’t speed things up. It just blows things up later.
The Problem With Using Your Home Address
Here’s the thing…
A home address seems like the best option when you first start. It’s easy and most importantly, free. However, this option can lead to some huge disadvantages you may not discover until it may be too late.
The biggest one? Privacy.
When you register your home address as a business address it becomes public record. State databases, business databases, and direct marketing lists pull their information automatically from public records. There is almost no way to take it out.
Approximately half of all US businesses operate out of their home. This means that millions of Americans are inadvertently sharing their personal address with the internet daily.
There are other risks as well. Freelancers and small business owners have encountered unsolicited visitors and even harassment after someone found their home address in a public records search or domain registration WHOIS search. You don’t want to take that risk.
Then there’s the credibility problem.
Having a home address listed on your website, invoice or proposal telegraphs a message to prospective clients before you ever speak to them. Statistics show that 78% of professionals feel more credible when they have a dedicated business address. That’s a huge disadvantage to working against if you’re still using your home address.
Pretty simple fix though…
The 3 Types of Business Addresses Available
When you think of business addresses there are a few options. Here’s a quick overview of the most common:
1. Virtual Business Address
An actual street address at a business location. i.e. Office building or coworking space. Mail is received, scanned, and handled for you. Far and away the most popular choice for online entrepreneurs.
Virtual address providers grant you access to thousands of actual street addresses all over the US. Prices start at less than $15/month. Learn how little it costs for real privacy and legitimacy….
2. Registered Agent Service
Registered agent is a business entity or person who is appointed to receive legal papers and government communications on behalf of a company. Most states mandate that LLCs and corporations have one. Certain virtual address services offer this as part of their package — saving you even more money.
3. Coworking Space Address
Renting a desk/workspace or private office means you have a real commercial address. Great if you run a business that requires access to meeting rooms/shared workspace occasionally as well. Typically the most expensive out of the three options.
How to Choose the Right Address
Deciding where to register your online business address is simple. Just ask yourself these questions:
- What state is this business registered in? Address must be in proper state.
- Does it need a recognisable location? Offices in New York / Los Angeles will gain instant credibility in some sectors.
- Is mail handling and scanning needed? A large majority of virtual addresses offer this — but be sure to know exactly what you’re paying for before committing.
- Need to meet clients in person occasionally? Availability of meeting rooms might matter then.
For most online business owners, a virtual business address ticks all the boxes.
It’s inexpensive, professional and maintains your personal privacy. It also scales easily — many services allow you to add addresses in different cities as your business expands.
How to Verify a Business Address
After selecting your address, ensuring that it’s checked on all appropriate platforms is essential. Here’s a step-by-step guide to doing just that:
- Google Business Profile — Provide the address to be verified. Google will send you a postcard with a verification code. Usually takes 5-14 days.
- State Business Registration — File the new address with your state’s Secretary of State website.
- Bank and Funding Accounts — Update your address with your business bank and any payment processors you use.
- Website and Invoices — Ensure new address is reflected everywhere it is publicly displayed, including website footer, contact page, and on all invoice templates.
- Register your domain name — Change WHOIS information to show your business address not a personal one.
This process requires some effort initially. However, it only has to be done once and it keeps everything you do compliant and consistent across all platforms.
The Final Word
Obtaining a legitimate business address. One of the biggest things people fail to do when starting an internet business.
When executed correctly, it safeguards privacy, enhances credibility, and ensures everything is above board legally. Executed incorrectly — or not at all — it unnecessarily endangers the business and the owner’s personal safety.
Office space isn’t cheap. Today there are choices that allow you to operate completely office space free. Choose your preferred type of address, verify your documents and get back to doing what you love:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do online businesses legally need a physical address?
Yes. Almost all internet businesses need to provide a physical address to register their business, for tax purposes, and for correspondence. A virtual business address fulfills that need and keeps your information confidential.
Can a PO box be used as a business address?
No. Banks, Google Business Profile and most state forms of registration will ask for a physical street address. Get a virtual business address instead.
What is the most affordable way to get a business address?
Virtual address services are by far the cheapest, with plans starting at less than $15/month. Mail scanning and forwarding is typically included.
How long does business address verification take?
Google Business Profile verification through postcard can take anywhere from 5-14 days. State registrations generally take a few business days, depending on the state.
