Local Search For Mobile Businesses

Need help ranking a mobile business in the local search box.

[Mike423]

I have a client that runs an ice cream truck and was recently knocked out of the google local search box. I'm not sure if this is because of the recent issues with google only showing one business, or if it's because she doesn't want to show her address online. She does not want customers coming to her house so she won't put her address in, which is understandable.

So my question is, are there any issues with not showing a physical address in the LBC? Or is it more likely, since she used to be there, that the issue is with google only showing one business in the local search box?

Any suggestions for ranking mobile businesses in the local search box would be greatly appreciated.

[Robert Charlton]

If it's a truck that's never parked in one location, the utility of appearing in Google Local is questionable.

Maybe she needs to get a Twitter following... seriously. Mobile vendors are a niche in Twitter, as they can tweet their expected locations as a day goes on.

[Mike423]

Yeah that's a great idea, I'll definitely recommend that. But she also caters birthday parties and events so being found in local search is good for business as well. Thanks for the reply.

[Robert Charlton]

Mike - My apologies for not welcoming you to WebmasterWorld. Since I've taken the thread slightly off topic, here's your question again....

So my question is, are there any issues with not showing a physical address in the LBC?

I've always assumed the address was necessary, but I've never tried a business without one. If Google hasn't started rejecting mail drop addresses, that might be a possible way to go, using "Suite" rather than "Box" in the address.

Google Local does keep a list of businesses at a given street number, so you'd probably want to pick a mail drop service that's not in a tiny building. Such an address and a mobile phone number might suffice; again, it's a strategy I haven't tried personally.

[Mike423]

It let her put in "Mobile - We come to you" in the address field, but I think now that there is competition that does have a physical address, it booted her and is only showing her competition. I will have to convince her to use an address. Thanks!