Keep your home address private with a virtual office

The best impression

When setting up a professional business website you wouldn’t consider using your house name or number as the URL nor would you typically use an email address that didn’t include your business name. Instead, business owners need to create the best impression with creative website names, designer logos and engaging social media content.

Add together the rise in business owners now opting to set up working from home or from a remote location so, why would you choose to use your home residence as the legal entity for your business?

Not only is this unprofessional it also means that your house location is no longer kept private and instead it will become public used on your website and all your incoming and outgoing mail. Plus, it wouldn’t look very impressive if your client searched online for your business to reveal a map showing you live in a different place to where you are effectively stating you are doing business.

So, what are the alternatives? The best solution is to utilise a professional virtual office.

What is a registered address?

A registered address is usually offered as part of a virtual office solution giving you access to a prestigious location of your choice using another company’s official address. This is perfect for any business of any size regardless of budget looking to keep their home address separate from their business. This is beneficial because you are only purchasing the address which means you don’t need to worry about the extra costs associated with purchasing a building, office rentals and other associated elements such as energy bills. It is also a much cheaper option than considering purchasing a home in the area where you want to do business. Plus, the address is also used to register your business on Companies House and in communication with HMRC and will be public to everyone.

Why use a professional address?

It’s all about perception, a registered address can help to make your business standout giving you the competitive edge and provide the right impression to clients. Effectively this address will always remain the same giving your business the assurance it needs to stay consistent. Whereas a home address is temporary and if you decided to move you would need to go through the hassle of getting the details changed on your website, business cards and other legal areas of your business.

How does it work?

Let’s say that you live in a small county village, but your clients are typically found in cities around the UK, by using a registered address you can place your business in the best location suited to attract the right customers. Most serviced office companies offer a virtual office solution, and this is generally a painless way to set-up with a monthly recurring fee.

What is included in a virtual office?

A virtual office typically combines other services giving you more than just an address for your money. This might include mail forwarding, telephone answering in your company name, call screening and message taking. Some even include the access to meeting rooms at your registered address so when you need a space to meet with clients you will be able to do so while creating the best impression. Plus, having access to other virtual office services such as mail forwarding conveniently frees you up from tasks associated with office admin and having a professional voice answering your calls will boost your reputation.

Other reasons why you shouldn’t use a home address?

Using your home address to register a formal business might not be accepted by your landlord, insurance or mortgage company and therefore may invalidate any standing contract you have with them. Plus, you will receive an abundance of illicit junk mail which can be frustrating and more importantly you are opening yourself up to disgruntled customers you will know exactly where you live. For the cost of a virtual office solution, it is worth ensuring that your business remains legal and stress free.

Summary

It’s clear to see that opting for a virtual office incorporating a registered address is a no brainer when wanting to create the right impression for your business. Not only does this keep your residential address private it also boosts your brand.

Virtual offices are designed especially for business owners offering a convenient way to save money and with additional incentives incorporated within your package you will benefit in a multitude of ways making this a win win for all.