Choosing a Business Phone Number: Things to Consider

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 can boost buyer confidence. Toll-free 1-800 numbers, local numbers, and customized vanity numbers are all examples of business numbers.

By HAMDI BASKIA

Learn how to choose new digits for your business and how to receive a free business phone number with this guide:

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 expensive. VoIP systems are separate services, whereas 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.
If you’re not sure which small company phone system is right for you, take our quick questionnaire to find out:

What Kind of Business Phone Service Do You Need?

We explain the distinctions between local, toll-free, and vanity business phone numbers, as well as present examples of VoIP and virtual number plans.

Phone Number for a Local Business

A three-digit area code that belongs to a city or region precedes a local business phone number. The majority of phone plans include a free business phone number as well as unlimited minutes and text messaging. You may also add other phone numbers for a charge.

To create confidence with area clients, brick-and-mortar businesses choose 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 cell phone.

Phone Number (toll-free)

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 make conference calls or set up call forwarding to any internet-connected device using the RingCentral mobile app.

Check out our guide to 800 numbers to learn how to choose the ideal toll-free business number for your organization.

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 especially true when phoning leads because your local phone number appears on their caller ID and appears less spammy than other numbers. However, you do not need to select area codes that are specific to your region. Consider using a prefix from a nearby, larger 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 through 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 can give small firms the illusion of being larger.

3. Make a lasting impression Having a Vanity Number is a great way to stand out from the crowd.

A bespoke combination of digits can be used to create a local or toll-free prefix for vanity phone numbers. You can choose a phrase or a number that is simple to remember, such as 833-345-6789 or 844-444-5555. Vanity numbers are ideal for internet, radio, and print promotions in which your phone number is prominent. It’s less critical for internet businesses that communicate mostly through chat applications or email.

4. Take into account a variety of numbers for your team.

Some phone systems have many phone numbers that can be used for various commercial purposes. For example, you could want a distinct phone number for current clients’ technical help. You may also assign each team member a number that corresponds to their sales region to appeal to a variety of local markets. Small companies will appreciate the fact that Grasshopper plans provide one to five phone numbers per plan.

5. Pay Attention to Extra Fees

Users may add a phone number to their accounts in most VoIP mobile apps. 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 obtain a local international business phone number?

Yes. Local numbers in dozens of countries are available through 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.

Is it possible to transfer providers while keeping my business phone number?

Yes. You can transfer your existing 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 service and completing paperwork. Some providers, however, demand a porting fee, so read the fine print.

Bottom Line:

VoIP services enable you and your staff to take calls from wherever 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 recommend RingCentral to companies searching for a toll-free number. Toll-free minutes, call forwarding, and call management is included in all plans.