People don’t want to feel like just a number. For years, businesses have found creative ways to make phone numbers more memorable. In the 1960s, a Boston carpet cleaning company did just that. While the Marvelettes sang about Beechwood 4-5789, Adams & Swett Rug Cleaning asked Boston residents one simple question: “How many cookies did Andrew eat?”
The answer … was their phone number. Andrew 8-8000, or Andrew ate 8,000. Although exchange names are long gone, Adams & Swett still posts the jingle to their site, proof positive that their marketing not only worked but that it’s still working some 50 years later.
Andrew 8-8000 is an example of a vanity number, a memorable phone number designed to stick in people’s minds. And while it worked so well with Adams & Swett, would it be worth it for your business? What does a vanity number actually offer?
In this article, we’ll talk about 10 different reasons why getting your own vanity number is absolutely worth it for your business. Let’s start!
Vanity Phone Numbers Today
Vanity phone numbers have come a long way. Early versions like “Andrew 8-8000” may seem memorable, but they didn’t really take off until the 1980s and 1990s.
Before AT&T introduced toll-free numbers in 1967, creating a catchy phone number was tough since local numbers had to match specific area codes. Even early toll-free phone numbers had similar limits until the current system arrived in the early 1980s.
Today, things are easier. With virtual phone systems and internet-based calls, vanity numbers still offer a simple way for customers to reach you while helping you share your message clearly.
10 Reasons Why a Vanity Phone Number May Be Right For You Today
Ok, it’s not 1965 anymore, and so many new options now exist for consumers when they want to reach you. They can text you. They can contact you through any one of many social media channels. They can go to your website. They can email you. They might even just stop by.
So, why invest in a vanity phone number today? How have they remained relevant to today’s business world? Let’s discuss 10 reasons why you probably need a vanity phone number for your business.
1. People Remember Them and You
People are busy — whether heading to work, dropping kids off, or grabbing a meal. With so much to remember, like passwords and PINs, keeping track of everything can be tough.
A vanity phone number makes things easier. People can remember your number — and your business — without the hassle.
Need a package delivered? 1-800-GoFedEx. Need flowers? 1-800-FLOWERS. Running low on contacts? 1-800-CONTACTS. Got junk to toss? 1-800-GOT-JUNK.
These numbers stick because they’re simple and easy to recall. Plus, 1-800-FLOWERS, 1-800-CONTACTS, and 1-800-GOT-JUNK double as company names and website URLs, making them even easier to remember.
2. Vanity Phone Numbers Reinforce Your Brand
Imagine you’re the American Cancer Society, working to help people quit smoking. A number like 1-866-QUIT-4-LIFE is much easier to remember than a random string of digits. Plus, it reinforces your mission and strengthens your brand at the same time.
When your vanity phone number reflects what you do, it’s easier for people to remember how to reach you. Even better, they’ll remember what you offer when they need your services — and when they’re recommending you to their friends.
Another good example of building a strong brand with a vanity phone number is Cordell & Cordell, a law firm for fathers’ rights. Their number, 1-866-DADS-LAW, makes it clear what they do before you even dial. It’s simple, memorable, and tells you exactly who they help.
3. Vanity Phone Numbers Lend Credibility to Your Business
If your vanity phone number is all about flowers, junk removal, or legal advice for dads, people will know right away that you’re serious about your business. It shows that you focus on what they need, making it easier for them to trust you.
Sure, your competitors might offer similar services, but your vanity phone number tells people exactly what you do in just a few seconds.
Even better, it gives them a clear and memorable way to contact you right away.
4. Your Customer Service Improves
Things go wrong sometimes — it happens. But if people remember your number because it’s easy to recall, they’re more likely to call you first instead of venting online. That can save you from bad reviews and protect your reputation.
Best Buy understands this with their 1-888-BEST-BUY customer service line. The Boston Globe does, too — their subscribers know they can get help by calling 1-888-MY-GLOBE.
5. Even in the Age of Websites, People Still Remember Phone Numbers
Even with websites everywhere, people still remember phone numbers — especially vanity numbers. A study showed that 72% of people recalled a vanity phone number after hearing it in a short radio ad. On the other hand, only 5% remembered a random toll-free number.
Studies show that people remember vanity phone numbers better than website URLs. One study found that more than twice as many people recalled a home improvement company’s vanity number over its web address after seeing both in print.
Another study found a healthcare company’s vanity number was 126% easier to remember than its website after appearing on a billboard.
Even the government uses vanity numbers — for example, to opt out of prescreened credit offers, the FTC directs you to call 1-888-5-OPT-OUT. It’s simple, memorable, and effective.
6. Vanity Phone Numbers Broaden Your Market
Vanity phone numbers do more than attract leads — they help your business stand out nationwide. As toll-free numbers, they reach customers beyond your area and can give you an edge over local competitors. A memorable number also keeps your business top of mind when people need your services.
You might not be down the street like your local competitor, but you’re easier to reach if that consumer has your number stuck in his or her head. That almost never happens with standard randomly generated local phone numbers.
7. Your Campaigns Live On
Marketing campaigns come and go — they have a start, a middle, and an end. But vanity phone numbers can stick around for years, working across multiple campaigns. In some cases, they can even inspire new marketing ideas.
Take Andrew 8-8000, for example — while he may have finished his 8,000 cookies decades ago, people still remember the jingle today. Even though five-digit phone numbers are a thing of the past, a memorable number can leave a lasting impression.
8. Toll-Free Vanity Phone Numbers Are Mobile Now, Too
The days of toll-free numbers being tied to a call center far away are over. Now, toll-free vanity numbers can move with you, just like your business. This makes it easier for you to stay connected, no matter where you are.
With call forwarding, you can direct calls to your business anytime, anywhere. If you’ve left the office for the day, your vanity number can send calls to your home office. Out visiting clients? Forward your calls to your mobile phone. This way, you won’t miss important calls, no matter where you are.
Call forwarding helps make sure you never miss a call to your toll-free number. Your clients can reach you whenever they need to, whether you’re in the office, at home, or on the go. It can even send regular phone calls to a VoIP line, giving you more ways to stay connected.
9. Vanity Phone Numbers Expand Your Global Reach
In today’s world of virtual phone systems, where you can make calls online using a smartphone or laptop, vanity numbers have adapted, too.
As your business grows, call forwarding can grow with you. By using your vanity number as a virtual phone number, you can send customer service calls to different locations, helping you offer smooth, 24/7 support for your customers.
10. You Can Build a Whole Business Around a Vanity Phone Number
Jim McCann believed in the power of a memorable phone number. When he bought 1-800-FLOWERS for his Manhattan flower shop in 1986, he knew the name would stick with people. Today, 1-800-FLOWERS — along with its website, 1800flowers.com — is worth $1.21 billion.
1-800-GOT-JUNK started as Rubbish Boys in 1989. Nine years later, they rebranded with their now-famous vanity number and switched to a franchise model. By 2017, their parent company, O2E Brands, earned $320 million in revenue. This shows how a memorable phone number can help build a strong brand.
Useful Tips to Remember with Vanity Phone Numbers
Lots of marketing-savvy businesses have jumped on board with vanity phone numbers. So, finding your first choice can be tricky. Here are a few tips we can offer:
Brainstorm Short Words and Phrases
Think of short words or phrases that reflect your business. Since popular seven-letter words may be taken, combining two smaller words can help. For example, 1-800-GOT-JUNK uses this approach.
Include the Number Version
Not everyone dials by letter. Showing the numeric version of your vanity number in ads helps make it easier for all customers to reach you.
Keep It Simple
Avoid complicated combinations like 1-VONAGE-HELP or 1-US-RENT-A-WRECK. Clear and memorable numbers work best.
Consider Numeric Patterns
Memorable number patterns can be just as effective. Examples include 1-800-800-8000 for Super 8 and 241-0-241 for 241 Pizza. Even 867-5309 shows how numbers alone can stick with people.
Stand Out with a Custom Vanity Number from Talkroute
Get a memorable phone number that reflects your brand. With Talkroute, you can choose a custom vanity number that’s easy for customers to remember and helps your business look professional.
Here’s what Talkroute has to offer:
- Memorable custom numbers – Choose a unique number that matches your brand.
- Toll-free and local options – Select from a variety of number types to suit your business needs.
- Call forwarding and routing – Easily forward calls to your cell phone, office, or desktop app.
- Business texting – Send and receive messages using your vanity number.
- Voicemail-to-email – Get voicemail messages delivered straight to your inbox.
- Custom call menus – Route callers to the right team or department for improved customer service.
- Easy setup – Activate your vanity number quickly and start receiving calls right away.
Start building your brand identity today with a unique number from Talkroute. Sign up now!
FAQs About Vanity Numbers
What is a vanity number?
A vanity number is a custom phone number that spells out a word or includes memorable patterns like repeating digits. Businesses often use them to create an easy dial phone number that’s simple for customers to remember. These numbers can be tied to a local area code or include a toll-free prefix. They help make phone calls easier to track and manage, especially for businesses looking to stand out.
How to pick a vanity phone number?
Choose a business number that includes a word, random digits, or repeating digits. Local vanity numbers are good for nearby customers, while a toll-free prefix may suit businesses that serve larger areas. Since tens of millions of custom phone numbers exist, check availability first.
How much do vanity phone numbers cost?
Costs vary. Some local vanity phone numbers are cheap, while custom phone numbers with repeating digits or simple patterns can be pricey. Fees may depend on features like call forwarding or personal calls.
Is 555-555-5555 a real phone number?
No, 555-555-5555 is not a real existing phone number. Numbers starting with 555 are usually for TV shows or movies, not business phone numbers or personal calls.
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 200k entrepreneurs to start, run, and grow their businesses.
