Can You List a Coworking Space on Google My Business?
The short answer is it’s complicated. While Google’s guidelines don’t explicitly forbid listing coworking spaces, they do emphasize the importance of having a physical, customer-facing location. This is where the challenge lies. Since multiple businesses operate within a single coworking space, accurately representing your business while adhering to GMB guidelines requires careful consideration.
Understanding the Rules:
· Physical Address: Your coworking space must have a clear, designated street address. PO Boxes or virtual offices aren’t acceptable.
· Serviced Offices: If your coworking space offers private, lockable offices, these can often be listed individually on GMB under the respective business names, assuming they meet all other requirements.
· Shared Workspaces: Listing a shared workspace under the coworking space’s brand name is possible, but requires careful adherence to GMB’s guidelines.
· Transparency: Transparency is key. Clearly state on your GMB profile that it’s located in a coworking space. This avoids confusion for potential customers looking for specific businesses.
Risks and Considerations:
· Misrepresentation: Don’t list your coworking space as a specific business unless it genuinely represents that business’s primary location.
· Address Conflicts: Ensure each business operating within the coworking space uses its unique suite number (if applicable) or utilizes a virtual office service with a separate address for their GMB listing.
Best Practices for Listing Your Coworking Space:
· Accurate Information: Provide accurate and up-to-date information about your coworking space, including hours of operation, amenities, and contact details.
· High-Quality Photos: Showcase your space with attractive, professional photos highlighting the workspace environment, amenities, and community atmosphere. At the Commons we have a library of high-quality images to pick from, just ask us and we’re happy to share with our members.
· Regular Updates: Keep your GMB profile fresh with regular updates, posts, and responses to reviews.
· Category Selection: Choose relevant categories such as “Coworking space,” “Shared workspace,” or “Office space rental.”
· Virtual Office Considerations: If offering virtual office services, consider using a separate address or partnering with a virtual office provider that manages GMB listings.
· Local Citations: Ensure your coworking space is listed consistently across other online directories.
Successfully listing your business on Google My Business requires a strategic approach that balances promoting your space while adhering to GMB’s guidelines. By following these best practices and understanding the potential risks, you can leverage GMB to connect with potential new members, clients and grow your coworking community. Need help navigating the complexities of GMB for your coworking space?
Reach out to the experts! Contact our team at: 636-493-0307 or email us at: info@commonsgroup.co Create, collaborate, and celebrate your business.
