A three-person software consultancy works fully remote, with team members in Ohio, Oregon, and Texas. The founder tries to create a Google Business Profile so clients can find the company, but the setup asks for an address where customers visit or a service area where the team travels. Neither fits.
Many modern businesses operate entirely online. They still need clients to find and trust them, but some local visibility tools were not built for them.
Know Which Tools Fit Your Business
Google’s guidelines say a business must make in-person contact with customers during its stated hours to qualify for a Business Profile. Online-only businesses, like many SaaS companies and remote consultancies, generally do not meet that rule. Creating a profile at a home address or virtual office to get around it can lead to suspension.
If your team does visit clients on site, such as installing hardware or setting up networks, you may qualify as a service-area business. Be honest about how you actually work. Remote companies that fake a local address risk losing the profile and their reviews along with it.
Build Visibility Where Remote Businesses Belong
Your website does most of the work. Publish detailed service pages, case studies, and pricing information or ranges. Add Organization structured data with links to your official profiles. Write content that answers the questions your ideal clients search for.
Claim profiles on platforms where buyers research vendors, such as LinkedIn, software review sites, and industry marketplaces. Software and IT firms often find clients through partner directories run by vendors they work with, such as certified partner listings for major cloud or software platforms. Speaking at virtual industry events also creates mentions.
Use Business Directories Thoughtfully
General business directories can still help remote companies, especially those that allow listings without a public street address. They add another consistent description of your company, which supports how search engines and AI tools understand your brand.
Software and hardware service providers can list in the Hardware and Software Services category on A New Directory, describing their services, industries, and the regions they support. Use the same company name, description, and website on A New Directory as on LinkedIn and your site, so buyers see one consistent identity.
Build Visibility That Matches How You Work
Remote and online-only businesses need a different visibility plan than storefronts. Follow Google’s eligibility rules, put strong content and case studies on your website, claim profiles on platforms your buyers use, and add consistent directory listings like A New Directory. Clear, honest information helps clients trust a company they may never visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an online-only business have a Google Business Profile?
Generally no. Google's guidelines require businesses to make in-person contact with customers during stated hours. Businesses that operate only online usually do not qualify. Service-area businesses that visit customers may qualify. Check the current guidelines before creating a profile. Read them once a year.
Can I use my home address for a remote business profile?
Only if your business qualifies and you follow Google's rules, such as hiding your address as a service-area business. Using a home address just to appear on maps when you do not serve customers in person can violate the guidelines.
Where should a remote software company list itself?
Start with your website, LinkedIn, and software review or marketplace sites relevant to your product. Add vendor partner directories if you hold certifications. General business directories that allow listings without a public address can add consistent mentions of your brand.
Does a virtual office address help a remote company appear locally?
Google's guidelines say virtual offices are not eligible unless staffed during business hours. Using one solely for map visibility risks suspension. Focus on content, reviews, and profiles on platforms where your buyers look. Honest setups are safer over the long term.