The Great Debate: Physical Location vs. Service Area Businesses in 2025
As the digital landscape evolves, many businesses grapple with a crucial question: is having a physical location still a significant advantage in the realm of Google My Business (GMB) listings, particularly as we head into 2025?
I run a painting company, and I’ve noticed that several of my competitors are consistently outperforming me on search rankings, even though they operate from shared or virtual offices. My business is classified as a Service Area Business (SAB), and while I’ve established a good ranking in a smaller area of the city, I’m struggling to gain traction in a larger target city where I aspire to expand.
Currently, I have the chance to lease a dedicated office space for approximately $700, which comes with the appeal of permanent signage. Alternatively, there are options for low-cost or free office space; however, they wouldn’t allow me to list a physical address. While this flexibility might benefit other aspects of our operations, including team meetings, the potential impact on our online visibility and search rankings is a significant consideration.
Given my observations, it seems that while SABs can achieve respectable rankings, competitors with physical addresses consistently secure better placements in local search results. This leads me to ponder: will investing in a physical office space translate into a noticeable enhancement of our online presence and ultimately justify the cost?
I’d greatly appreciate any insights or experiences you may have regarding this dilemma. Has anyone here navigated a similar decision, and what were the results? Your input could be invaluable as I weigh this potential lease and its impact on my business’s growth.
Thank you for your help!