The Remote Work Revolution: How to Establish Business Credibility from Home
Looking to project professionalism from your home office?
Remote work has transformed the modern business world. Nobody needs a sprawling office park just to be considered a successful professional. However…
One thing most remote workers struggle with is credibility.
Your address matters. Much more than you probably realize when communicating with clients or signing legal documents.
Potential customers and business partners see that residential address on your website and wonder. Who knows what goes through their mind when they learn you work from home.
Luckily there are well-established solutions for creating professional remote credibility quickly.
Let’s go…
Table of Contents
- Why You Should Care About Business Credibility Remotely
- The Problem With Using Your Home Address
- 5 Solutions to Establish Remote Professional Credibility
- Virtual Business Address Services
- Final Words on Remote Work Business Credibility
Why You Should Care About Business Credibility Remotely
Here’s the thing. Remote work isn’t going away.
The latest statistics reports that there were over 35.5 million teleworkers across America during Q1 of 2024. That number rises every year.
Remote work is the future.
But just because everyone is doing it doesn’t mean customers will take you seriously.
Research from Stanford confirms this displaying how 75% of website viewers make judgments about a business credibility solely based on how professional they appear.
To combat this growing remote workforce, virtual address service companies began popping up everywhere. Remote workers can now get a virtual address in Seattle or any other major city, allowing them to appear as though they have a professional office right in the heart of downtown.
Bear with me…
75% of customers are making snap judgments about the credibility of your business. Your address alone can make or break someone’s first impression of you.
The Problem With Using Your Home Address
When registering your business, you likely had to use your home address. Unfortunately, this causes several issues.
First off, privacy. Your home address becomes public record the moment you register your business. Exposing your personal address to anyone who wants to Google you.
Comfortable with the idea of complete strangers knowing where you live?
After privacy concerns, there’s the hit to your credibility. When someone sees you’re working out of your home, they may automatically think:
- You’re a solo entrepreneur or small company.
- Your business operations are “less than professional.”
- You won’t be in business tomorrow.
That’s the perception most consumers get when they see you operating out of your home. Sure you might run a multimillion-dollar business from your garage. But your address doesn’t scream “professional” to the average person.
And honestly who cares why it’s holding your business back?
The fact of the matter is customers aren’t giving you the time of day and your home address is likely the reason. That’s something you’ll never know if you don’t try to fix it.
5 Solutions to Establish Remote Professional Credibility
Moving past credibility issues can be done without renting expensive office spaces. Remote workers can establish trust and professionalism through a few smart tactics.
Get a Virtual Business Address
The easiest way to appear professional is by obtaining a virtual address.
Virtual address providers allow you to use their address as your own for business. You operate out of your home but list your virtual address on your business cards, website, and any official documents.
By using a virtual address, you get:
- A legitimate address in the business district of your choice
- Mail forwarding services
- Protection of your privacy
- The option to register your business in different locations
Virtual Address providers range from $50/month to $200/month. The average REIT rents are upwards of $2,000. That’s right, renting one.
Craft Professional Branding
Appearance has never been more important than it is today.
Your website, logo, and brand image all need to scream “professional.” If you aren’t willing to spend money crafting a stellar brand, why should your clients?
Again, this doesn’t mean break the bank. It means you care about the image you’re projecting to your customers.
Create a Professional Workspace
Did you know Skype has been around since 2003?
Yes, your clients will more than likely meet you via video call. Expecting your customers to take your business seriously when you’re calling from your couch is laughable.
Here are a few ways to ensure you’re prepared for video meetings:
- Lay some plain blue painter’s drop sheet in the background.
- Invest in good lighting.
- Purchase a quality microphone.
- Wear pants during meetings (optional).
Designate Professional Communication Channels
Setting up a professional communication system is a MUST.
What does this mean? Simply put, use a business phone number and email. (“fakebusiness@gmail.com” looks casually unprofessional.)
Also, respond to emails within a reasonable time frame. You don’t want your clients thinking you only work on weekends.
Generate Social Proof
Testimonials can go a long way for your business.
When running a remote business, you should always be collecting positive reviews. Potential customers care about other people’s opinions before doing business with you.
Satisfied customers = More credibility.
Virtual Business Address Services
I wanted to touch on virtual addresses a bit more since they’re pretty useful.
They allow you to:
- Use a real street address for your business (NO PO BOXES!)
- Stated above, mail is forwarded to your specified address.
- You get package handling.
- Many offer access to meeting rooms.
- Month-to-month contracts.
Why should you use a virtual address as a remote worker?
Simply because you can list multiple in different cities!
Running your own online business? Get an address in New York and Los Angeles to showcase you have a presence on both coasts. Clients will think you’re operating out of large fancy offices.
When looking for a virtual address provider, look for these key aspects:
- Real street addresses
- Mail scanning and forwarding.
- Package handling
- Access to meeting rooms.
- Month-to-month contracts.
Virtual Address providers are everywhere because they serve a large need for modern businesses. You can look professional without breaking the bank.
Final Words on Remote Work Business Credibility
There’s a lot that goes into appearing professional while working remotely.
Start with your address. Improve how potential customers perceive you instantly by getting a virtual business address.
Next, add on to your credibility. Polish your brand image, have a professional workspace, and compile as many testimonials as you can.
It’s a domino effect.
Professional address + sharp branding + tons of reviews = a bucket load of credibility. Every facet of your business will reinforce your customers that working from home doesn’t mean you’re amateurs.
Wrapping Up
Running a successful remote business comes down to perception.
The business world has accepted that people can work from home (thank god). But, that doesn’t mean your audience won’t hold you to high standards. Customers want to feel confident before doing business with you.
Let’s review…
- Sign up for a virtual address service to appear professional.
- Pay attention to your overall brand and make sure it’s polished.
- Create a professional workspace.
- Establish professional communication channels.
- Generate as much social proof as you can.
Remote workers have more opportunity than ever to build their dream businesses. Just remember to pay attention to your image along the way.
You got this.
