Summary
1. Why is it mandatory to enter an address when setting up my project?
Entering your address during the onboarding process is mandatory to activate key features and to generate accurate reports. Here's why this step is essential:
Target the right region: rankingCoach uses your address to determine your target region. Optimizations and reports are location specific, meaning they only apply to the country associated with your address. For example, if your company is based in the US, but you want to optimize your online presence in the UK, you must register a UK address to use rankingCoach for the UK market.
Get accurate keyword reports: Your location helps generate region-specific keyword suggestions and performance insights, ensuring alignment with local search behavior.
Find relevant competitors: rankingCoach identifies competitors near your business and keeps you updated on their online activities through the RADAR Newsfeed.
Verify online directory presence: Your address is used to verify which online directories (such as Google Business Profile, Bing Places, or Apple Maps) list your business with accurate information.
Don't have a business address? You can still use rankingCoach by selecting the option to hide your address. Jump to chapter 3 for details.
2. Why a correct business address is important for your online presence
Your business address is critical to your credibility and visibility. Here's how it affects your online presence:
NAP Consistency: Consistent name, address, and phone number (NAP) data across platforms assures search engines that your business information is reliable. This improves SEO rankings and reduces customer confusion.
Local SEO: Accurate address data enhances your visibility in local search results and increases your chances of appearing in Google’s Local Pack, which prominently displays local businesses in search results.
Customer accessibility: An up-to-date address makes it easy for customers to find your location, building trust and increasing foot traffic.
Incorrect or missing address information can confuse customers, damage trust, and lead to missed opportunities to connect with local customers. However, if you don't have a physical address, you can adjust your profile as explained in the next chapter.
3. How to set up your business type with or without a physical location
Whether you operate from a storefront or offer services remotely, rankingCoach offers the flexibility to meet your needs. During the onboarding process, you can choose whether your business operates with or without a physical location.
If you choose the "Without physical location" option, such as online stores, mobile services like plumbers, or freelancers, you can simply enter your home address, as your address will be hidden when synchronized with the Google Business Profile and online directories. It's important to note, however, that choosing this option may limit the number of directories where your business can be listed, as some require a visible address to create a listing. The address you enter will still be used internally for regional targeting, competitive analysis, and accurate reporting.
If you select the "With physical location" option, such as stores, service locations, or offices, and you have a 360 subscription, you can publish your business profile with your address in all directories and on your Google Business Profile, ensuring that customers can find your physical location. If your address is not accepted by the system, it means that the location is not recognized by Google Maps. In this case, rankingCoach allows you to pinpoint your exact location on the map - drag and drop the red pin to your exact location and click "Save" when you're done. Enter your complete address, including street, city and postal code. In address line 2, you can add additional details such as the business park, building name, or floor to further clarify your location.
Important: Once your business type is synchronized with Google Business Profile or directories, it cannot be changed due to technical limitations. To adapt your business type, you would need to delete your project and start the onboarding process all over again.
4. How do I update my business address in rankingCoach?
Keeping your business address up-to-date is essential for maintaining a consistent online presence and ensuring NAP consistency. Here's how to change your address in your rankingCoach account:
Go to "Settings" in the left menu of your dashboard or click here, if you are already logged in.
Click the pen icon next to "Business Type".
Update your address information as needed. Note that while you can update your address, changing your business type or country requires deleting your project and starting the onboarding process from scratch.
Don't forget to click “Save” for your changes to be applied.
After updating your address, you’ll see a banner notification prompting you to re-synchronize your profile. Failing to update your listings could result in outdated information being displayed online, potentially harming your online presence. If you need to update your billing address instead, you can do so in your Personal Data section. Click on the profile icon in the top right corner of your rankingCoach account and select "Personal Data" to make the necessary changes.
Accurately entering and maintaining your business address is foundational for building trust, optimizing local SEO, and ensuring consistent representation across directories. rankingCoach simplifies this process, allowing you to focus on growing your business.
If you have any questions or are having trouble updating or entering your address, please contact our support team - we're here to help!
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