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When choosing a business phone number, there are two main factors that can affect your decision. Price and features. The cost of the company’s rate plan may skyrocket if you choose an expensive or popular area code like 555-1234 which has become synonymous with prostitution in some cities due to high traffic for these services.
A business phone number is a special type of telephone number that is used exclusively for business purposes. Business numbers are typically assigned by the country’s regulatory body. With this in mind, it’s important to note that the process of choosing a business phone number can be quite complicated.
A company phone number is more than just a method for customers to contact you. It improves your company’s reputation and aids in the establishment of a local, national, or global presence. Furthermore, even for online-only companies, having a company phone number may boost buyer confidence. Toll-free 1-800 numbers, local numbers, and customized vanity numbers are all examples of business numbers.
Options for Business Phone Numbers
With a monthly package, traditional landlines, voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP), and virtual phone systems often include one or more business numbers. You may be able to pick between local, 1-800, or vanity numbers, depending on your provider. Some VoIP providers for small businesses provide bespoke toll-free numbers or international 1-800 numbers.
Because you get a new business phone number, virtual phone numbers are less costly. VoIP systems are separate services, while it directs calls to your current personal or business number. Both VoIP and virtual solutions, on the other hand, allow you to keep work and personal conversations distinct, making them both good options for company owners.
Phone Number for a Local Business
A Phone Number for a Local Business begins with a three-digit area code that corresponds to a city or region. Most phone service plans come with a free business phone number and offer unlimited minutes and text messaging. You can also add extra phone numbers for an additional fee.
To create confidence with area clients, brick-and-mortar businesses use a local prefix. Companies, even if they don’t have a physical shop, choose local numbers in other cities or overseas locations to break into new markets and enhance brand awareness.
Google Voice provides a free business phone number and calling plan to solopreneurs. The solo phone system lacks capabilities such as an auto-attendant and intelligent call routing that are available with premium services. Google Voice, on the other hand, is a straightforward way to rapidly divide personal and professional conversations and includes voicemail. You may also use your computer as a desk phone to answer calls or receive calls on your own mobile phone.
Phone Number (toll-free)
Despite the fact that many cell phone users enjoy unlimited countrywide calling, a toll-free number with a 1-800 prefix gives a professional appearance. It’s becoming more difficult to get a real 1-800 number these days, although other toll-free prefixes such as 888, 877, 866, 855, and 844 are still accessible.
A toll-free number reduces long-distance expenses for landline calls. International callers, on the other hand, may pay more to dial a toll-free number than a local number in the United States. It may be worthwhile to have a second phone number in their location if you have a worldwide presence.
Inbound calls to a toll-free number are frequently charged by VoIP providers, unlike local business numbers. Some systems, such as RingCentral, allocate a fixed amount of 1-800 minutes per month to corporate customers, which helps minimize expenses. Customers may conduct conference calls or set up call forwarding to any internet-connected device using the RingCentral mobile app.
Imaginative Phone Number
Imaginative Phone Numbers are easy to remember and work as a great marketing tool for print or digital advertisements. The most memorable business numbers include 1-800-FLOWERS and 1-800-CONTACTS. But you can also buy a local vanity number with a regional area code and custom digits, such as 309-FLORIST.
For an additional fee, some VoIP and virtual phone number providers allow you to choose a vanity number. Others, such as Grasshopper, provide vanity numbers for free with the purchase of a package. Install the mobile app on your personal phone, and you’ll be able to make and receive limitless business calls and text messages without the need for a separate device. A virtual receptionist, voicemail-to-email, and call management capabilities are all included in the Grasshopper services.
5 Points to Consider When Choosing a Business Phone Number
You may select between VoIP and virtual phone number providers if you require a second phone number for business calls or a small company phone system. You may, however, have concerns about picking the right area codes or the number of users who may receive calls.
Some providers provide consumers with a single line and phone number, while others provide plans with several phone lines regardless of the number of users. Use the tips below to figure out which business phone number is best for your firm.
1. Get a local customer’s business number
A local business number is beneficial to small companies looking to enhance their reputation and showcase their physical location. This is particularly true when phoning leads since your local phone number appears on their caller ID and seems less spammy than other numbers. However, you do not need to choose area codes that are specific to your region. Consider using a prefix from a neighboring, bigger city if your business is in a small town and you want to reach more people.
2. Include a 1-800 number to establish a national presence.
Toll-free numbers were created to allow callers to access businesses without having to pay-per-minute rates via landline services. Many clients nowadays use a mobile phone with limitless minutes, thus this is no longer an issue. Toll-free numbers, on the other hand, seem professional and may give small firms the illusion of being bigger.
3. Use a Vanity Number to Make a Memorable Impression
Imaginative Phone Numbers can have a local or toll-free prefix using a custom combination of digits. You can pick a word or simply find an easy-to-remember number, such as 833-345-6789 or 844-444-5555. Vanity numbers work well for digital, radio, and print marketing campaigns where your number is prominent. It’s less important for online companies that handle most communications via messaging apps or email.
4. Take into account a variety of numbers for your team.
Some phone systems have many phone numbers that may be used for various commercial purposes. For example, you could want a distinct phone number for current customers’ technical help. You may also assign each team member a number that corresponds to their sales area to appeal to a variety of local markets. Small companies will appreciate the fact that Grasshopper plans provide one to five phone lines per plan.
5. Pay Attention to Extra Fees
Users may add a phone number to their accounts in most VoIP mobile applications. However, companies charge extra costs for additional business phone lines, which may rapidly mount up. If you need more than one phone number, check for companies that provide multi-number plans with the correct balance of features to get the most bang for your buck.
Most Commonly Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best way to receive a free business phone number?
When you utilize mobile applications or a web browser on your PC, services like Google Voice provide a free business phone number app as well as unlimited phone calls and text messages. Free calling needs an internet connection and only allows you to have one number per line.
Is it possible for me to get a local international business phone number?
Yes. Local numbers in dozens of countries are available via providers such as 808 and 800.com. An international phone number may help you expand your worldwide reach and encourage clients to contact you without having to worry about per-minute charges.
Can I switch services & keep my business phone number?
Yes. You may transfer your current number if you choose a vanity or local number and wish to switch VoIP providers. Your new business phone system will provide instructions for transferring your number, which normally entails calling your previous provider and completing paperwork. Some providers, however, demand a porting fee, so read the small print.
Conclusion
VoIP services allow you and your staff to take calls from any location without jeopardizing your professional image. The greatest business phone number for your business is one that meets your demands and fits your budget. It should also have essential features like an auto-attendant, voicemail, and a mobile app.
We suggest RingCentral to companies searching for a toll-free number. Toll-free minutes, call forwarding, and call management are included in all plans.
