A toll-free number can be a powerful tool for your business. It not only allows customers to call you without being charged but also builds your professional image.
Businesses use toll-free telephone numbers to increase trust, boost customer satisfaction, and make it easier for clients to reach out.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about toll-free numbers and how you can get toll-free numbers assigned to your business with Talkroute! Let’s go!
What Is a Toll-Free Number?
A toll-free number lets customers call a business without being charged. The business covers the cost of incoming calls, making it a hassle-free option for customers.
When someone calls a toll-free number, the call is routed to the business’s phone system or forwarding service. Businesses can choose where the calls are directed—this could be to a specific phone line, a call center, or even a mobile device.
Toll-free numbers are widely recognized by their distinct prefixes, starting with the most popular 800 prefix. Other toll-free prefixes like 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, and 833 were eventually introduced to meet growing demand.
Recommended reading:
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Get a Virtual Phone Number in 2025 – The Ultimate Guide
How Toll-Free Numbers Differ from Local Numbers
Here’s a short explanation of the difference between these two numbers:
- Toll-free numbers: Free for the caller, create a nationwide presence, and are ideal for businesses that operate across multiple regions.
- Local numbers: Limited to a specific area code, best suited for businesses targeting local customers, and generally less expensive to maintain.
How to Get A Toll Free Number for Your Business With Talkroute
Talkroute offers all toll-free area codes—800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, and 833—ready for instant registration.
Getting a Number on Sign-up
Step 1: After setting your email and password, you’ll be directed to this page, where you can pick your new business number. Choose the “New Toll Free” option.
Step 2: After clicking, you’ll be redirected to this page, where we suggest your very new toll-free number. You can choose to select this number or try getting yourself a vanity number.
If you need to get a toll-free number with a different prefix, please select “More Options.” You’ll be redirected to this page, where you can see more suggested numbers. Pressing “All” shows the other prefixes you can choose.
Step 3: After selecting a toll-free number, you need to select the type of plan you want to opt for based on your budget. Complete the sign-up process and your number is ready to go!
Getting Additional Toll-Free Numbers
If you want to get more toll-free numbers for your business, here’s an easy step-by-step process on how to get toll-free numbers via the Talkroute menu.
Step 1: Access your account. Select the “Add/Port Phone Number” option.
Step 2: In the “Manage Your Account” tab, select the “Search for New Number” option.
Selecting this tab opens this window. Select “New Toll Free” option.
Step 3: After clicking the “New Toll Free” option, this window containing a sample toll-free number will show up. You can also search for vanity numbers in this window. If you’re looking to use other toll-free prefixes, select “More Options.”
The “More Options” opens this window where you can see more numbers to choose from. Click “All” to see other prefixes available.
Step 4: Confirm the number you chose by pressing the “Add Number” button.
Once confirmed, you’ll see this number under your “Virtual Phone Numbers” tab. We will send you an email once the number is ready.
You can also choose to add a description and a default hold audio for this number. You can also set whether to turn call recording on or off for this number.
Want to explore more of our innovative features? See how Talkroute works with our demo!
Benefits of Toll-Free Numbers for Businesses
A toll-free number is more than just a way for customers to call your business. Let’s explore some key benefits of having a toll-free number.
Professional Image
Toll-free numbers create a sense of professionalism and trust for your business. Customers associate these numbers with established companies that care about accessibility.
Because toll-free numbers are free for callers, they encourage more people to reach out, reinforcing your reputation as a customer-friendly business.
Additionally, having a toll-free number gives your company a nationwide presence, removing any geographic restrictions and making your business appear more capable of serving customers on a larger scale.
Increase Brand Recognition
Vanity toll-free numbers are customizable phone numbers that can spell out specific words or phrases, like 1-800-FLOWERS or 1-888-PIZZA. These numbers are easy to remember and tie directly to your brand, which helps you maintain consistency across all your marketing efforts.
A vanity number also enhances your business’s credibility by giving it a professional appearance that inspires customer confidence. By choosing a memorable number that reflects your business, you can make a lasting impression on potential customers.
Pair Toll-Free Numbers with Local Numbers
With toll-free numbers, you don’t have to sacrifice your local presence. Pairing a toll-free number with a local number allows you to establish both a nationwide and community-based connection.
For example, a toll-free number ensures that customers across the country can easily reach you, while a local number helps you maintain ties with your local customer base.
This dual approach ensures that you’re catering to different audiences without compromising your business’s flexibility or image.
Easy to Remember Numbers
Toll-free numbers can also be selected for their memorability. Options like 1-800-222-4444 are easy for customers to recall and dial, which improves accessibility.
Providers like Talkroute offer an exclusive inventory of such numbers across major toll-free area codes, including 800, 888, 877, and more.
A memorable number reduces the risk of potential customers forgetting how to contact your business, making it a valuable tool for customer retention and outreach.
Toll-Free Text Messaging
Toll-free numbers aren’t just for calls; they also support SMS and MMS messaging. Many customers now prefer texting businesses over making phone calls, and toll-free text messaging allows you to meet this demand.
With this feature, you can send and receive texts on your toll-free number, ensuring that no customer messages go unanswered. This capability also makes communication faster, more convenient, and more accessible, especially for customers who prefer digital interactions.
Boost Marketing Campaigns
Including a toll-free number in your marketing campaigns can significantly improve their effectiveness.
Customers feel more inclined to respond to ads when they see a toll-free option, as it suggests accessibility and professionalism. Businesses can also register multiple toll-free numbers and assign each one to specific campaigns.
This not only enhances your marketing efforts but also allows you to track which ads are driving the most customer engagement. Whether your campaigns are online or offline, toll-free numbers serve as a reliable tool to boost performance and encourage customer calls.
Enjoy the benefits of toll-free numbers with Talkroute. Explore our flexible plans now!
Build Your Brand With a Professional Toll-Free Number From Talkroute
Give your business a nationwide presence and a professional edge with Talkroute’s toll-free numbers. Whether you need a memorable 1-800 number or a custom vanity number, we have all the toll-free area codes (800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, and 833) ready for you!
- Custom vanity numbers: Choose a number that spells out your brand, making it easy to remember and reinforcing brand trust.
- Pair with local numbers: Build both a local and national presence to stay connected with your community while growing your reach.
- Toll-free text messaging: Communicate with customers via SMS and MMS directly from your toll-free number.
- Easy-to-use interface: Talkroute provides a simple and intuitive platform for managing all your business communications.
- Unlimited calling: Make and receive unlimited business calls without worrying about call limits or additional fees.
- Multi-device compatibility: Use Talkroute on your existing devices like smartphones, laptops, and desktops.
- Scalability: Add as many numbers, extensions, or team members as your business grows.
Don’t miss out on creating a stronger connection with your customers! Schedule your live demo today!
FAQs About Getting a Toll-Free Number for Business
How do you get a number for your business?
To get a phone number for your business, you can start by contacting a business phone system provider or a toll-free number service. The Federal Communications Commission oversees how available toll-free numbers are assigned, so you’ll need to go through a service provider that can help you register a new toll-free number for your business.
Can I get a free phone number for my business?
Yes, some service providers offer free options for setting up a business phone system, but these usually have limitations. While toll-free phone numbers themselves aren’t typically free, you may find free plans for virtual numbers that work over a cell phone or desktop app. Keep in mind that toll-free calls made to your business may still incur charges based on the toll-free service you choose. For a truly professional setup, investing in a vanity toll-free number or toll-free business number might be worth considering.
How much does it cost to get a 1800 number?
The cost of a 1-800 number depends on the toll-free service provider you choose. Some companies offer basic plans for as little as $10 to $20 a month, while others may charge more depending on the features included, such as call recording or additional extensions. Toll-free numbers cost more if you receive a high volume of toll-free calls. A vanity toll-free number may also come at a premium price, especially if it includes a custom word or pattern that matches your brand.
What is the difference between a hotline and a toll-free number?
The main difference between a hotline and a toll-free number is their purpose and accessibility. A hotline is typically set up for a specific service or purpose, such as customer support, emergency assistance, or specific inquiries. On the other hand, toll-free phone numbers are designed to let customers call businesses without being charged for the call. Toll-free numbers work by routing the charges to the business rather than the caller. While a hotline can also be a toll-free business number, not all hotlines are toll-free. Additionally, toll-free prefixes like 800 or 888 are associated with toll-free numbers, making them recognizable as free-to-call options.
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.
