According to the US Census Bureau, there were three times as many people working from home than in 2019. Apart from corporate workers, many of these people are running small home-based businesses.
If you're one of these entrepreneurs, you're probably constantly searching for ways to compete with more conventional operations. Finding the best virtual address for your business can give you the edge.
Keep reading to find out how a virtual address can help, and how to go about finding the best one for your needs.
What Is a Virtual Address?
A virtual address is an address you can use as a mailing address, even though it's in a different location.
For instance, if you live in one of NYC's suburbs, you can choose a virtual address in a busy hub, like downtown Main Street. You can use this address to receive and manage incoming mail, as well as register your business.
You can also print this address on your business cards, letterheads, website, and email correspondence.
If you live in the USA and move overseas for a time, you can still receive mail via your US-based virtual address. You can easily access these documents on your smartphone or computer.
Your virtual address provider receives any snail mail addressed to you, scans it, and uploads it into your cloud-based virtual mailbox. At your request, they can also shred any sensitive documents received in this way.
If you need a physical copy of the document, they can ship it to you at discounted rates.
Benefits of a Virtual Address
A virtual address located in an area that's known as a hotspot of your industry can do much to heighten your credibility. It looks a lot more professional than a home street address and creates a favorable impression on clients.
Prestigious addresses engender trust in your customers. Many potential clients are put off by businesses that only list a cell phone number and no address.
Virtual addresses protect your privacy since no one will know your real home address. They're much cheaper than the costs associated with running a brick-and-mortar office, especially in high-profile business districts.
Virtual Address Guide for Business Owners
When you opt for a virtual address, you have a choice of locations, so it's worth considering your options carefully before you decide.
These are the things to consider when choosing a virtual address:
A Location That Serves Your Needs
One of the best virtual address tips is to choose a location that appeals to your existing and potential customers. If you're targeting a specific demographic with a precise location, you can virtually place your business in the midst of them.
People can relate to businesses located close to them, and many of them prefer to support a local business above others.
Picking an address at the heart of your chosen target market can help them discover your business faster.
According to PhysicalAddress, you don't need to confine yourself to only one address. You can set up addresses in all your most profitable markets.
Decide on Your Needs
You can only choose a suitable virtual address, once you're familiar with what you want.
There are a few important factors to consider when choosing a virtual address. You must consider your present and future needs when selecting a virtual office location.
Consider the type of business you're running, your products and services, and whether you need access to some facilities associated with a physical office, like meeting rooms.
Keep your future growth in mind from the outset. You don't want to end up with a virtual address provider who can't accommodate your business needs as it grows.
Compare What's On Offer
Every virtual address provider offers a variety of services and many of them price these services on a sliding scale.
Remember, a more expensive quote can be a sign of better service. Be sure to compare what you're paying for with what you need.
- Do you offer technical and administrative support?
- How many staff members do you employ?
- How long have you been in business?
- What services do you offer?
- How much does a virtual address cost?
If you aren't clear about what you need, you can ask for a consultation with one of the virtual address company's representatives. This will give you a chance to discuss your needs and find a package that suits you best.
Consider the Available Extras
Apart from a convenient, cloud-based mailing address, a virtual address service may offer extra services like a telephone number and answering service.
Other additional services may include:
- Telephone answering service
- Live virtual receptionists
- Office space and meeting rooms
Although you might not need these services now, it's good to know they're available as your business grows. The last thing you want is to sign up with a company that doesn't serve your long-term goals.
Don't Neglect to Read the Reviews
Most businesses nowadays have websites filled with positive customer reviews. Don't discount these, but you should also look a little further.
Search online for independent review sites. These can offer excellent insights into what it's like to work with a particular virtual address service.
The Best Virtual Address Guarantees Privacy
Data security is one of the most important things to consider when choosing a virtual address.
Your virtual address provider has access to sensitive data at times. So, it's important to know that have excellent data security measures in place.
The best methods involve encrypting your data before uploading it. This keeps your information safe from hackers.
Move Your Business Into the Future
Working from home offers substantial cost and time savings, and the best virtual address is the final piece of the puzzle when it comes to this business setup.
Are you keen to discover more ways to boost your home-based business and put it ahead of the competition? Bookmark our website and check in regularly for the best modern-day business solutions.
