Still debating whether to add your business address to your Google Business Profile? If you’re a service-based business like a plumber, painter, remodeler, or damage restoration specialist you’re not alone.
This is one of the most common questions QuaCon Marketing gets from both agency partners and business owners.
So let’s break down the myths, the risks, and what actually works based on real test data. By the end of this blog, you’ll have a clear answer and a smart path forward.
“Service Area Business (SAB) vs Storefront | What’s the Difference?”
Service Area Businesses (SABs):
These are businesses that go to the customer’s location to deliver services. Think: plumbers, landscapers, contractors. According to Google, SABs should not display an address unless they have a staffed location where clients can walk in during listed hours. Instead, they’re supposed to set “service areas” instead of showing a physical address.
Storefront Businesses:
These have a visible, staffed location like a dental clinic, salon, or auto repair shop where clients can visit. They must show their business address on GBP. They can also set service areas, but providing a physical address is mandatory.
So if you’re offering services at the customer’s location and don’t have a real commercial office, you technically qualify as an SAB.
Why Do Some Businesses Avoid Showing Their Address?
Here’s the thing, we’ve worked with hundreds of service-based businesses through our white label partnerships, and the number one reason people avoid listing their address is this:
❝They’re using their home address for the business and don’t want strangers knocking at their door.❞
And honestly, that’s fair.
Nobody wants uninvited visits, complaints, or surprises at home especially when it’s not a real storefront. Privacy is a valid concern.
But does hiding your address hurt your visibility?
Let’s get into it.
Should You Use a Service Area Profile (SAB) If You’re in a Service-Based Industry?
Here’s our honest answer:
Only use SAB if you absolutely can’t show an address.
If you can afford to rent a commercial space or if you already have one then it’s better to list listing it. Why?
Because profiles with visible addresses outperform SABs. Every. Single. Time.
But what if you don’t have a commercial address?
Not every service-based business has access to a commercial office, and that’s okay. If you’re in that boat, here are two options you can consider:
1. Use a Residential Address
You can use your home address if that’s where your business is registered, but there are trade-offs.
📉 Lower Visibility:
Residential addresses usually don’t perform as well in rankings compared to commercial ones.
🔒 Privacy Concerns:
Keep in mind, anyone can look up your address, and you might not want customers showing up unexpectedly.
2. Register a DBA with Keywords
Another approach is registering a Doing Business As (DBA) name that includes a relevant keyword. This can give you an edge in visibility and yes, it still works.
✅ Example: Instead of just “Smith Services,” you might register “Smith Plumbing of Denver” as your DBA.
This lets you include keywords in your business name legitimately, which can help your local SEO.
⚠️ Important Note: In both cases, there’s a risk of suspension or being filtered, especially if the listing doesn’t fully follow Google’s guidelines. We’ve seen it happen which is why proper setup and ongoing management are key.
We Tested It (A Lot)
We’ve run over a dozen controlled tests to compare SAB vs storefront setups.
Here’s what we saw:
📍 Our Test: Plumbing Business
After adding a commercial address to the Google Business Profile, the business’s ATGR GOT BETTER from 6.34 to just 1. That’s a big jump in visibility just by showing an address.
We’ve got more like these, but you get the idea the pattern is clear.
Why Does a Commercial Address Wins?
Here’s what we’ve learned over time:
Better Local Rankings
Google trusts visible addresses more, especially commercial ones.
More Map Pack Visibility
You’re more likely to show in map results when you have a verified location.
Avoids Suspensions
Residential addresses are riskier especially if flagged by users or Google systems.
Adds Credibility
Listings that display a physical location tend to attract more clicks, as users consider them as more reliable.
Final Thoughts
If you’re still deciding whether to add your address, here’s our take:
💬 If you have a legitimate commercial address “Show it”.
It’s worth it for visibility, trust, and results.
If you’re using a residential address and privacy is a concern, either convert to a storefront setup or work with someone (like us) who can guide you through a clean, compliant approach.
Bonus Tip
Before adding an address or changing your listing, make sure to read our full guide on How to Verify Your Google Business Profile. We’ve packed it with lessons from handling 1,000+ listings.
Need Help with the GBP SEO?
If you’re an agency owner or a local business trying to figure this out, we’ve got your back. Reach out with your questions, or drop a comment below. We’re happy to help.
Want us to take care of your Google Business Profile setup or optimization?