How to Text From Business Phone Number (Two-Way SMS Guide)

A business phone number helps companies stay professional when communicating with customers, partners, and employees. It builds trust, keeps things organized, and makes customer support simpler than using a personal number.

This guide covers everything you need to know about text messaging via dedicated business phone numbers.

Types of Business Phone Numbers

A business phone number is a dedicated phone number used by a company or organization for professional communication. It helps businesses manage calls from customers, clients, and partners.

Businesses use texting to communicate with customers, employees, volunteers, and subscribers through SMS and MMS. It’s useful for both individual chats and mass messaging, including:

• Outbound texts: The business sends a message to a contact.
• Inbound texts: A contact messages the business.
• Automated texts: A contact’s action triggers a message from the business.

Let’s discuss these types of business phone numbers in detail below:

Local Business Phone Numbers

A local business phone number is tied to a specific area code, making it ideal for businesses that serve a particular city or region. Customers often feel more comfortable calling a local number, especially when looking for nearby services.

Here are some reasons why businesses use local numbers:

• Creates a strong local presence: Customers trust businesses with a number that matches their area code.
• Encourages customer engagement: People are more likely to call a number that doesn’t seem distant.
• Affordable option: Local numbers are often cheaper than toll-free or international numbers.

Toll-Free Business Phone Numbers

A toll-free number lets customers call a business without being charged. These numbers usually start with 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, or 844 and are commonly used by larger companies or businesses with nationwide services.

Toll-free numbers offer several key benefits. First, they eliminate cost concerns for customers, making them more likely to call since they don’t have to pay.

They help businesses build a national presence, making companies that serve multiple states appear more accessible. Lastly, a toll-free number enhances professional branding, giving a business a larger and more established appearance.

Vanity Business Phone Numbers

A vanity number is a custom business phone number that spells out a word or phrase related to the business. These numbers are easy to remember and can help with branding.

Examples of vanity numbers:

• 1-800-FLOWERS (flower delivery)
• 1-800-CONTACTS (eyewear retailer)
• 1-888-NEW-CARS (car dealership)

Why vanity numbers are useful:

• Easy to remember: Customers recall a phone number faster when it spells a recognizable word.
• Improves marketing effectiveness: Ads with vanity numbers get more responses.
• Reinforces brand identity: The number becomes part of the company’s branding.

VoIP Business Phone Numbers

A VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) number allows businesses to make and receive calls over the Internet instead of a traditional phone line. This option is becoming increasingly popular because it offers more features, lower costs, and greater flexibility than traditional phone systems.

VoIP business numbers offer several advantages. They reduce costs since they are generally cheaper than traditional landlines. Calls can be made from a computer, mobile phone, or desk phone, providing flexibility across devices.

Employees can answer calls from anywhere with an internet connection, making remote work more accessible. Features like call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, video conferencing, and call recording enhance communication efficiency.

Virtual Business Phone Numbers

A virtual phone number is similar to a VoIP number but is specifically designed to work on multiple devices without being tied to a physical location. Many small businesses and freelancers use virtual numbers to maintain a professional presence while working remotely.

Key benefits of virtual numbers:

• Keeps personal and work calls separate: Business owners can have a dedicated number for work without using their personal phones.
• Works across multiple devices: Calls can be answered on a mobile phone, laptop, or desktop, offering flexibility.
• Supports SMS and app-based communication: Businesses can send and receive text messages through mobile or web apps.
• Quick and easy setup: Setting up a virtual number takes minutes, unlike traditional phone lines that require physical installation.

Start texting from your business phone number today and keep your customers engaged. Book our live demo today!

How a Business Phone Number Differs From a Personal Number

Simply put, a personal number is used for private calls, while a business number is meant for work-related communication. A business number can be accessed

Here’s a simple comparison:

Feature	Personal Number	Business Number
Purpose	Personal use	Business communication
Professionalism	Less professional	Builds credibility
Call Management	Basic features	Voicemail, call routing, analytics
Scalability	Single user	Supports multiple users and extensions
Privacy	Mixed personal and work calls	Keeps work and personal calls separate

Benefits of a Dedicated Phone Number for Business Texting

Many customers prefer to communicate through texts instead of phone calls. A dedicated business number makes it easier to send and receive messages professionally while keeping personal and business communications separate.

Builds Trust and Credibility

Customers feel more comfortable texting a business when they see a professional phone number instead of a personal number. A local business number makes companies look more accessible, while a toll-free number shows that a company is well-established and ready to serve customers nationwide.

When businesses use a personal number to text customers, they may hesitate to respond, fearing scams or unprofessional service. A dedicated business texting number removes this doubt, making customers feel safe about interacting through text.

• Customers are more likely to reply: A professional number reassures customers that they are messaging a legitimate company.
• Reduces the risk of being marked as spam: Some carriers block personal numbers sending business messages. A verified business number avoids this problem.
• Encourages two-way conversations: Customers are more likely to ask questions, book services, or request support when they can text a dedicated number.

Better Message Management and Customer Engagement

A business phone number for texting is not just about sending messages—it helps companies organize communication and respond quickly.

Several texting features enhance customer interactions. Automated responses provide instant replies to common inquiries, reducing wait times. Message scheduling ensures texts are sent at optimal times for engagement, such as appointment reminders or promotions.

Two-way texting allows customers to ask questions without waiting on hold during a call. Message tracking lets businesses see which messages were received, read, or ignored, improving communication efficiency.

Keeping Work and Personal Messages Separate

Many business owners start by texting customers from their personal phone numbers. While this seems easy at first, it quickly becomes a problem. Customers may text at all hours, important messages may get lost in personal conversations, and there’s no way to track or manage texts professionally.

Using a personal number for business texts comes with several challenges. Mixing personal and business messages makes it easy to lose track of customer conversations. Without message automation, there’s no option for scheduled texts or instant replies.

A personal device also limits access, preventing employees from seeing past conversations. Sharing a personal number with customers raises privacy concerns, increasing the risk of spam and unwanted messages.

A virtual business phone number lets business owners send and receive texts from a separate number while still using their mobile phone.

Supports Business Growth Through SMS Marketing

Texting isn’t just for customer service—it’s also a powerful marketing tool. Businesses can send promotions, updates, and special offers to customers, keeping them engaged and increasing sales.

Businesses use text messaging for marketing in several ways. Exclusive promotions keep loyal customers engaged by offering discount codes and limited-time deals.

Event reminders help drive attendance by notifying customers about upcoming sales or store events. Follow-ups maintain customer relationships by checking in after purchases or service appointments.

Review requests encourage feedback by prompting customers to share their experiences after a positive interaction.

A Business Phone Number for Texting Can Save Money

Businesses that rely only on calls or emails often spend more time and money on customer communication. Texting is a faster and more affordable way to stay in touch with customers.

Why business texting saves money:

• Reduces customer support costs: Texting is cheaper than hiring extra staff to answer phones.
• Prevents missed sales opportunities: Customers who don’t answer calls often reply to texts.
• Saves time for employees: Automating text responses eliminates the need to answer common questions manually.

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Does Every Business Need a Dedicated Phone Number?

Not every company needs a traditional business phone system, but most can benefit from having a dedicated number.

Businesses that benefit the most from a professional phone number include:

Local Businesses

Restaurants, law firms, medical clinics, and other local businesses need a phone number customers can easily remember. Many businesses use a vanity number or local area code to make it simple for customers to call.

E-Commerce Stores

Even though e-commerce businesses operate online, customer support is still essential. A dedicated phone number gives customers an easy way to ask about orders, returns, or product details. Some customers prefer to call rather than email or chat.

Service-Based Businesses

Marketing agencies, consulting firms, IT support companies, and other service-based businesses often need a professional number to handle client inquiries. Having a separate business line makes it easier to stay organized and maintain a professional image.

Companies With Multiple Employees

Businesses with several employees or departments can use a phone system with call-routing features. This ensures that calls go to the right person, improving efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Ways to Set Up Your Business Text Number

Introducing your business phone number for texting is a great way to connect with your customers. Here are the best ways to set up and promote your business text number so customers start using it right away.

Add Your Business Text Number to Your Website

Your website is one of the first places customers look for contact information. Make sure your business text number is clearly visible on key pages.

Where to display it:

• Header or footer: Keep it at the top or bottom of every page.
• Contact page: List your phone number with a note that texting is available.
• Live chat widget: Include a message like: “Need help? Text us at [your number]!”
• Pop-ups or banners: Promote your text number with a short call to action.

Example: “Text us at (123) 456-7890 for quick support!”

Promote It on Social Media

Many customers prefer reaching businesses through Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter). Let them know they can text your business by adding your business text number to your profiles.

Ways to promote it:

• Instagram bio: “Text us at (123) 456-7890 for faster responses!”
• Facebook posts: “Need help? Send us a text at (123) 456-7890.”
• Pinned tweet: Keep a tweet at the top of your profile with your number.
• Stories and reels: Create short videos announcing your new texting option.

Include It in Email Signatures

Every email your business sends is an opportunity to introduce your business text number.

How to add it:

• In your email signature:“Have a question? Text us at (123) 456-7890.”
• In newsletters:“Prefer texting? Our support team is available at (123) 456-7890.”
• In automated responses:“If you need urgent help, text us anytime at (123) 456-7890.”

Use SMS to Invite Customers to Text You

If you already have a customer database with phone numbers, send a short text inviting them to start using your business text number.

Here’s an example message you can try out:

“Hi [First Name], you can now text us for quick support! Save our number (123) 456-7890 and reach us anytime.”

Print It on Business Cards and Marketing Materials

Customers often check business cards and flyers for contact details. Adding your business text number makes it easier for them to reach you.

Where to add it:

• Business cards: “Call or text us at (123) 456-7890.”
• Flyers and posters: “Text us for a quote at (123) 456-7890.”
• Receipts and invoices: Add a small note: “Need help? Text (123) 456-7890.”

Train Your Team to Mention It

Make sure employees mention your business text number in customer conversations. If customers call, email, or visit in person, let them know texting is an option.

Ways to introduce it:

• During phone calls: “Did you know you can also text us at (123) 456-7890?”
• At checkout: “We’ll send order updates by text. Save our number!”
• In customer service emails: “For a faster response, text us at (123) 456-7890.”

Offer Exclusive Deals via Text

One way to encourage customers to use your business text number is to offer exclusive promotions.

Example:

“Join our text list and get 10% off your next order! Text ‘DISCOUNT’ to (123) 456-7890.”

Other ways to use text promotions:

• Flash sales: “Today only! Get free shipping. Text ‘SHIP’ to (123) 456-7890.”
• VIP access: “Text ‘VIP’ for early access to our holiday sale.”
• Appointment reminders: “Don’t forget your appointment tomorrow! Text us at (123) 456-7890 if you need to reschedule.”

Place It on Your Google Business Profile

Customers searching for your business on Google often check the contact section. Adding your business text number to your Google listing makes it easy for them to reach you.

Steps to add it:

1. Go to Google Business Profile Manager.
2. Click “Info” and scroll to the contact details section.
3. Add your business phone number and select “Accept SMS”.
4. Save changes.

This way, when customers search for your business, they’ll see an option to call or text.

Recommended reading:

5 Best Virtual Phone Number Services for Small Business & Enterprise

11 Reasons You Need a Separate Work Phone Number for Your Business

Make Every Message Count With Talkroute

Turn your business phone number into a powerful communication tool with Talkroute’s business text messaging feature. Send and receive texts from your toll-free, local, vanity number, or mobile phone, all in one place.

Text From Your Business Number

Keep your communication professional by sending and receiving SMS and MMS messages from your business phone number. Whether you’re using a toll-free, local, or vanity number, Talkroute lets you text from a number your customers recognize and trust.

Manage Messages Anywhere

Stay connected no matter where you are. With Talkroute’s desktop, web, and mobile apps, you can access and respond to messages from any device. Whether you’re in the office or on the go, it’s easy to keep up with customer communication.

Never Miss a Message

Get real-time text-to-email notifications so you’re always in the loop. Whenever a customer sends a message, you’ll receive an email with the full text and sender details. This makes it simple to respond quickly and keep conversations moving.

Team Collaboration Made Simple

Give your team the right level of access to business text messaging. Assign permissions based on roles, allowing employees to view, manage, or reply to messages for specific phone numbers. Keep conversations organized while making sure the right people handle the right messages.

Start texting from your business phone number. Sign up for a free trial today!

FAQs About Text from Business Phone Number

What is a business phone number for text messages?

A business phone number for text messages is a number that companies use to send and receive texts from customers. It can be a local number, a toll-free number, or even an existing business number that supports SMS messaging. Businesses use these numbers for customer support, promotions, and general business communications.

Can a business text you without permission?

Businesses usually need permission before sending text messages. Most business texting services follow SMS marketing rules, which require customers to opt in before receiving messages. Some exceptions exist, like transactional updates or responses to customer inquiries. If a company sends unwanted business SMS messages, you can usually opt out by replying “STOP.”

What is business text messaging?

Business text messaging is when companies use SMS messaging to connect with customers. Instead of relying only on phone calls or emails, businesses use text messages for customer support, promotions, and appointment reminders. A business text messaging service helps manage these conversations, making it easier to send automated or real-time messages from a mobile device, desktop, or mobile app.

How to send texts from a business number?

Businesses can send texts from an existing business number by using a business texting service. These services allow companies to send business SMS messages through a mobile app, web platform, or integration with a CRM. Some businesses use toll-free numbers or dedicated SMS marketing tools to send bulk messages. Whether for customer support or promotions, business SMS makes it easy to reach customers quickly and directly.