5 reasons why a business address is important for start-ups
Establishing a start-up business is challenging, particularly in the early days when finances are limited and renting office space is not at the top of priority lists.
Start-up businesses are often established at home to help reduce overheads, particularly if there are only one or two employees. It’s not uncommon, therefore, for start-ups to use their home address to register their business. This isn’t always ideal due to security and privacy issues and credibility purposes.
Whilst budget might not allow for investing in bricks and mortar or rented office space just yet, building a strong, professional presence is still key for start-up businesses.
Investing in a business address is just one simple way to keep overheads low but still maintain a professional appearance for leads and prospects.
Check out these five reasons why having a business address is important for start-up businesses:
Enhances professionalism:
Having a physical business address creates an impression of professionalism and legitimacy. It demonstrates that your business means business.
A proper address instils confidence in potential customers, reassuring them that they are dealing with a genuine company that takes its operations seriously.
Builds trust and credibility:
A business address lends credibility to your start-up by offering a sense of permanence and stability. It shows that you have invested in establishing a physical location, which reassures customers that you are here for the long run.
Trust is a vital component in converting potential customers into loyal patrons and a business address plays a crucial role in building that trust. Customers are more likely to engage with a business they perceive as trustworthy, and a verifiable address adds an element of authenticity to your brand.
Local SEO benefits:
For start-ups targeting local markets, having a business address is essential for search engine optimisation (SEO) purposes. Search engines rely heavily on location-based signals when delivering search results to users.
By having a physical business address, you improve your chances of appearing in local search results when potential customers are looking for products or services in your area. This can significantly increase your visibility and drive targeted traffic to your website.
Facilitates communication and accessibility:
It provides a fixed point of contact for customers, suppliers and partners to reach your start-up, whether it’s displayed on your website, e-mail signature, business cards or letterheads. It enables you to receive physical mail, packages and other correspondence.
In addition, there may be the option to have a business phone number that customers can call, further enhancing your accessibility and customer service when you may be busy or having much needed ‘time out’.
Separates work life from home life:
It goes without saying that there are potential security and privacy risks if you use your home address as your business address. Once your company has been registered, your home address will appear on public records, meaning anyone can find out where you live, particularly if they are creditors, vendors or unhappy clients.
By having a professional business address, you can keep family and work life separate, increase your security and protect your privacy.
Where to register your business address
There are many organisations that allow you to register your business using their address, at the 3M BIC it’s through our membership. You can take advantage of having the address on your website and have post and parcels delivered here.
Often these organisations boast other services, such as post and call-forwarding, access to meeting and event space and co-working areas – all added bonuses allowing you to spend more time on building leads and growing your business.
It is more than just a location; it is a powerful tool for start-ups to build credibility, trust and visibility. By investing in a physical address, you enhance your professionalism, improve your local SEO efforts, establish a solid foundation for communication with customers, as well as protect your privacy and personal life.
If you would like to register your start-up business using the 3M BIC as your business address, as well as benefit from discounts on our meeting and event space and post and call forwarding add-ons, join our membership today for just £220 + VAT per year.
