If you’re looking to attract more leads or establish a more professional image for your business, consider getting an 800 number.
Email, online forms, online chat, and social media have become the most common points of contact between businesses and customers. However, plenty of business communications still rely heavily on phone calls.
Using 800 numbers gives your business a way to stay connected with customers, no matter what occurs in the future of your business. If you move to a new location or expand your operations, you can continue using the same number.
How Do 800 Numbers Work?
When a customer calls a 1-800 number, the call is routed through a cloud telephone provider & redirected to the phone number of your choice. For example, you can route calls from the toll-free number to the landline at your business, your mobile phone, or a virtual phone number.
An 800 number is a toll-free number, which means that the telephone number is billed for incoming calls instead of charging the caller. Toll-free numbers allow customers to call a business from anywhere in the country without getting charged.
Saving callers from getting charged is less of a benefit today compared to the pre-internet days. The overall cost of long-distance and international calling has become significantly cheaper due to Internet-based services and platforms. However, toll-free numbers are still an effective business tool for a wide range of reasons.
In this post, we’ll explore the various ways that an 800 number can help your business stand out from the competition.
800 Numbers Boost Your Credibility
An 800 number presents a more professional image. It can lend credibility to your business, as people tend to associate toll-free numbers with established businesses. This creates a greater sense of trust.
Another benefit of 800 numbers is make your business more accessible, which adds to your credibility. Potential customers may feel more comfortable knowing that they can contact your business when they need to.
They Are Easier to Remember
Getting a toll-free number allows you to choose something memorable, especially if you decide on a vanity number. A vanity number is a set of phone number digits that spell out a word related to your business.
The word is typically easier to remember compared to a set of digits. For example, “COMPUTE” is easier to remember than “266-7883.”
If a potential customer remembers your business number but forgets your competition’s number, you’re more likely to gain a new customer.
Use 800 Numbers to Increase Customer Service
Choosing a memorable number may also lead to improved customer service. Customers may grow frustrated if they struggle to find the contact info for a business.
By choosing a number that is easy to remember, you make it easier for customers to reach you.
You can also forward calls to any other phone. This ensures that you’re always available to receive a customer’s call or message. For example, you could forward calls from the toll-free number to your mobile phone or a specific member of your team.
800 Numbers May Increase Brand Recognition
Using a memorable phone number or a consistent phone number helps with brand recognition. People associate your number with your business, especially when you choose a catchy word.
You can also use an 800 number to unify your brand. For example, if your business has multiple locations or departments, you can add an extension for each location or department while using the same toll-free number.
Every business needs a strong web presence and choosing a toll-free number may help. A survey of 1000 consumers found that people are more likely to remember a vanity number compared to a URL for a website. Prominently displaying your toll-free number in advertising and marketing content may help customers remember your business.
Expand Your Business with Toll-Free Numbers
If you want to increase your presence in other regions or countries, a toll-free number allows you to quickly establish an extension for a new office or sales team. You can start marketing to a large customer base while continuing to use the same easily identifiable phone number.
Your Toll-Free Number Provides Consistency
If you move to a new location or switch telephone providers, you occasionally need to switch phone numbers. Not all phone providers allow you to take your existing number with you (But Talkroute does!).
Toll-free numbers provide a more effective solution, as you can continue using the same number indefinitely. Whether you switch offices or phone services, you redirect your 800 number to any other phone. Using the same number eliminates many hassles, such as notifying clients of the new number and updating websites and marketing material.
Getting a toll-free number is a great way to extend the benefits of a virtual phone system, as most 800 number providers can route calls to virtual phone numbers. Integrating your 800 number with a cloud phone solution provides access to a wider range of features, such as a call screening service or group forwarding.
800 Numbers Are More Affordable Than You Think
Many small business owners overlook the value of toll-free numbers due to their perceived cost. However, getting a toll-free number is likely to be more affordable than you imagine, especially when using a virtual phone system.
Toll-free numbers are available with monthly plans & flexible subscription options to suit your budget.
In the end, getting an 800 number is a cost-effective way to expand your presence and stay connected with your customers. Whether you’re running a local brick-and-mortar store or a multinational company, getting one offers many advantages. You can boost customer satisfaction and the credibility of your business, helping you stand out and leave a lasting impression.
Based on the benefits discussed, we hope you consider getting a toll-free number for your business- because it really can propel your business!
Stephanie
Stephanie is the Marketing Director at Talkroute and has been featured in Forbes, Inc, and Entrepreneur as a leading authority on business and telecommunications.
Stephanie is also the chief editor and contributing author for the Talkroute blog helping more than 100k entrepreneurs to start, run, and grow their businesses.