Should you have a virtual office to look good?
A virtual office provides the benefits of all the facilities that big companies pay for, without the costs or commitments.
If you're running a business without a fixed office, or looking to expand to new markets but don't want to invest in permanent offices, a virtual office could provide a good way to 'look established" without the costs of expansion. If you are currently using your home as a registered address, then a virtual office separates your personal life from your company, and that will help your business to look more established.
Look for these services
A virtual office provides the benefits of all the facilities that big companies pay for, without the costs or commitments. These are different to shared working spaces, which provide the seats and wifi but not any of the other useful services like receptionist, mailing address, call answering, virtual phone numbers and company registration.
At a glance
| Aspect | How It Helps Your Brand |
|---|---|
| Professional Image | A prime city address (e.g. London, Singapore, Sydney) gives the impression of credibility and scale. |
| Global Presence | You can appear multinational or regionally accessible without physical expansion costs. |
| Agility & Innovation | Shows you're modern, lean, and tech-savvy—especially if you're in tech, media, or consultancy. |
| Cost Efficiency | Redirects budget from rent to brand building, R&D, or customer experience. |
| Privacy Protection | Keeps home addresses off public records for sole traders and directors. |
| Consistency | A stable address even if your team is remote or you’re frequently travelling. |
A Better Address Makes a Stronger Impression
Let’s say your website footer shows an address in a well-known part of London, Sydney, or Amsterdam. Straight away, that puts you on a different footing than using a home address or leaving it blank. If you are selling online, then an office address is infinitely better than a home address to that consumer who is considering if they can trust the anonymous vendor.
People still look at where a business is based. A recognised commercial location — even if it’s virtual — adds credibility. It shows you’ve thought about how your business is presented, and that you’re not hiding in the shadows.
If you are using Google my business, then having an office address is a good investment.
More affordable than you think
To have your company registered in London at New Cavendish Street for example, with Alliance Virtual Offices, will cost only US$100 / GBP72 per month. If you are expanding overseas, or live outside the main cities, then in effect your company looks well established for a very low monthly fee; plus you get to go and use the facilities.
Investors will be happy.
Using a virtual office says you’re being sensible with your funds. You’re not paying for an office you don’t need. You’re focused on your product, your service, your clients — not investing funds in expensive office fit outs.
And that matters. Whether you're a coach, a consultant, or building a SaaS product — investors will be pleased that you're not upgrading the offices of the landlord at their expense!
It Keeps Business and Personal Separate
If you’re a sole trader or a small team, your home address might be your legal base — but that doesn’t mean you want it on your website or invoices.
A virtual office gives you a clean, professional front without blurring the lines between work and home. It also keeps your details off public records, which is useful if you're registered as a director.
It Helps You Expand Without Moving
If you're looking to grow into new regions or serve clients abroad, a virtual office gives you a simple way to show presence. It doesn’t mean you need to pretend you have a full team there — but it does show you’re accessible and thinking locally.
Some clients like knowing they’re working with a business that “has a base” in their area — even if most meetings are still on Zoom.
It Supports a Professional Setup
Most virtual office providers offer more than just an address. You can add things like mail handling, phone answering, or access to meeting rooms when needed.
This can help when someone Googles your business or checks your contact page. A decent address, matched with a business email and proper phone line, all add up to something people take more seriously.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
Using a virtual office works well — but only if the rest of your brand holds up too.
- Make sure your company name, phone number, and address match across your website and listings.
- Don’t use cheap or disreputable addresses — they can harm more than help.
- Be clear with clients about where you actually work from, if it comes up. There's no need to pretend. Just be transparent and professional.
A feature comparison
| Feature | Virtual Office (e.g.. Virtual Alliance) | Serviced Office (e.g., Landmark, Bruntwood) | WeWork & Similar Coworking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Space | No permanent desk; meeting rooms on demand | Private desks/offices included | Hot desks, dedicated desks, private suites |
| Mail & Calls | Mail forwarding, scanning, optional phone line | Included or optional; reception/co-working amenities | Similar to serviced offices |
| Flexibility | Highly flexible, low-cost | Medium‑term, flexible terms | Flexible plans, community focus |
| Cost | Lowest; from ~£10–£25/month | Mid-range; vary by location and services | Higher; includes workspace usage |
| Community & Networking | Minimal | Some community events & shared facilities | Strong focus on networking & events |
| Legal Address Use | Registered office acceptable | Yes; fully equipped for company registration | Yes, though focus on workspace |
Final thoughts
A virtual office won’t build your business for you — but it will help support the image you’re trying to create. For a small monthly fee, you can set a more professional tone, protect your privacy, and give clients one more reason to feel confident working with you.
Register your business at Alliance Virtual Offices.
