1. Advertisement is only the beginning
It might be tempting, when you start your new business, to save money by using your old phone number. However, this could be a costly error. It’s not as simple as you think to change your phone number.
Reprinting documents like letterheads and business cards with your number can be expensive. It’s also necessary to update all advertisements that include your phone number. This includes billboards, commercials, and even company vehicles.
You should also consider the impact that changing your phone number will have on clients. They may think you have closed your business if they call your old number.
2. Consider all your options before committing
You have more options to choose a business number than you do when adding a cell phone line.
3. Set your goals and objectives for the number
Think about your goals before you choose a number:
- Consider a local phone number if you want to demonstrate that you’re a member of the community.
- A toll-free phone number is the most effective way to establish credibility and a national presence.
- Want to increase brand awareness through your number? Consider a vanity or fictitious number.
4. What features do you need?
You don’t need to choose a number, advertise it and then discover it lacks key features that your business requires.
You should consider how you plan to use your business phone number. Do you require the ability to make conference calls? Voicemail? Extensions? The features that you require may influence the type of business telephone number you choose.
5. Simple is best
No matter what kind of number you select, choose the simplest one you can. Take advantage of the fact that our brains are hardwired to remember patterns. Choose a phone number which repeats numbers or has a certain pattern. For example, the number 555-5555 only has one digit, while 555-1234 can be easily remembered because it is a count-up.
6. Choose an area code that corresponds to a nearby city
Ask for a number that has the area code of the city where your business is located. This will make people think that your business is close to them, and they are more likely call you rather than calling a number with an unfamiliar area code.
7. Other toll-free codes are available
Since the late 1960s there have only been a few 1-800 numbers available. Other toll-free numbers have been added over time. These include 833, 844 855,866,877,888,
If the 1-800 number that you are looking for is not available, then ask your service provider if there is another toll-free code.
8. Create your own vanity number
Many of the vanity numbers you desire may be taken because businesses are aware of their positive impact. It may be necessary to think outside the box to locate a vanity number.
If you own a law firm, for example, the vanity number 1-800-LAWHELP may be what you want, but is not available. Instead, consider creative options like 1-800-OHMYLAW.
9. Register your phone number for your business
Spam Calls have increased in number, and people are more reliant than ever on technology to block them. Your business number could be mislabeled as spam if it is not in the contact list of the person who you are calling. This means that your client will never hear from your company.
10. Test your number before sharing it
Don’t print your new phone number as soon as your new business card is available.
Give your number to someone you trust and ask them call. Ask them to test any features that you have signed up for. For example, a voicemail feature, call recording or conferencing. If you find any problems, contact your service provider.
Start advertising once you are sure that everything is working!
11. Find out who will answer your phone
Have you considered who will answer the phone when it rings? This is a much bigger decision than it seems, as this will often be the first time a customer contacts your business. should be a professional.
