Google lets you have a business listing without a public address. It is called a service-area business, and it is meant for people who work at the customer's home and do not receive anyone at their own premises.
When it applies
- You work at customers' homes: plumbing, electrics, building work, cleaning, gardens, pools.
- You work from home and do not want your address public.
- You teach or provide a service at the client's place.
If customers come to a shop or office, the address has to be visible.
How to set it up
- When creating the listing, say you do not have a location customers visit.
- Enter your address anyway: Google needs it to verify you, but does not show it.
- Add the areas you cover: towns, cities or postcodes.
- Choose the main category carefully. It matters more than anything else.
Google allows up to 20 service areas. List the ones you really cover; adding half the province does not make you appear there.
How verification works
These days it is usually a short video recorded on your phone. Google wants to see where you are, your tools or work vehicle, and something that shows the business is yours, such as a document or the sign on your van.
Mistakes that get listings suspended
- Using a fake address or a business centre to appear in another town.
- Adding the town or keywords to the business name.
- Leaving the listing empty, with no photos or services.
On the Costa Blanca
Many customers search in English and without naming a town: «plumber near me», «pool cleaning Quesada». Write the description and services in both languages, collect reviews from English-speaking customers and link to a website that says which towns you cover.