Is Your Google Business Profile still up?

A colleague shared an article with me and told me that attorneys using a "virtual" office in D.C. are having their Google Business Profiles removed by Google? This does not make sense and should be a concern for lawyers whether they are using a "co-working" or "virtual" office. (Remember, these workplaces could not exist if not for today's advanced technology). Apparently, "co-working" workplaces share similar "requirements" with "virtual" offices. Given many lawyers are transitioning to (as well as those who already doing) the "co-working/virtual/remote office - work-from-home lifestyle" since the start of the COVID pandemic, they don't want to be left out of the very powerful marketing tool that Google offers.

Google's terms are fairly straightforward. In order for your "office" to be listed, you need to meet three requirements. Basically, your business has clear signage at the "office" location, is a place where clients can meet you during normal business hours, and is staffed by your business staff during normal business hours. Many/most "co-working" and "virtual" offices provide (at a cost) desks, offices, front desk staff, administrative staff, conference, and your office's name in the directory, etc. These amenities clearly seem to meet Google's terms.

If your “virtual” office is just a Post-Office Box, your office may not be qualified to be listed on Google My Business.

Unless your "office" is simply a glorified (if not actual) post-office box where your mail sits and offers no other amenities then you should be good to go. Through the "co-working" or "virtual" office, your office name is in the building directory, you have "staff" working at the office, and you can meet people at the office. So, I am not sure what the problem is? Just be careful and you may want to double-check your GBP.

I'd think the last thing anyone would want to do is piss off a bunch of lawyers nationwide (for not following their own terms)? 🙃

MTC

Happy Lawyering!!!