Choosing a Business Phone Number: Things to Consider

Enhance your company’s reputation and expand your reach with a professional business phone number. It’s not just a means for customers to contact you; it can also instill trust and confidence in potential buyers, even for online-only businesses. Whether you opt for a toll-free 1-800 number, a local number, or a customized vanity number, a business phone number can go a long way in establishing a global presence.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to choose the right digits for your business and even provide a free business phone number. Traditional landlines, voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP), and virtual phone systems often offer monthly packages that include one or more business numbers. Depending on your provider, you may be able to select from local, 1-800, or vanity numbers. Some VoIP providers also offer bespoke toll-free or international 1-800 numbers tailored to the needs of small businesses.

Save money with a new business phone number by using virtual phone numbers. Unlike VoIP systems, virtual solutions are a separate service that forwards calls to your existing personal or business number. But both options allow you to maintain a clear separation between work and personal calls, making them ideal for business owners.

If you’re uncertain which small business phone system to choose, take our brief questionnaire to find the right fit for your needs:

Virtual phone numbers offer an affordable alternative to traditional phone lines. VoIP systems, while also cost-effective, operate by directing calls to your existing phone number. In contrast, virtual phone solutions are independent services that forward calls to your current line, allowing you to keep business and personal conversations separate. Take our quick survey to determine which small business phone system is ideal for your specific needs.

What Kind of Business Phone Service Do You Need?

Discover the differences between local, toll-free, and vanity business phone numbers, along with examples of VoIP and virtual number plans in our comprehensive guide:

Choosing the right business phone number can have a significant impact on your company’s image and reach. We’ll walk you through the differences between local, toll-free, and vanity numbers and offer insights into the various VoIP and virtual number plans available.

Whether you’re a small business owner or a startup entrepreneur, our guide will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about your business phone number.

Phone Number for a Local Business

Boost your company’s credibility with a local business phone number featuring a three-digit area code that corresponds to your city or region. Most phone plans include a free business number with unlimited calling and texting, with the option to add additional lines for a fee.

A local prefix is a popular choice for brick-and-mortar businesses seeking to establish trust with customers in the area. Meanwhile, companies without a physical storefront often choose local numbers in new markets or overseas locations to expand their reach and enhance brand recognition.

Get a free business phone number and calling plan with Google Voice, ideal for solopreneurs:

Although the basic Google Voice plan lacks advanced features like auto-attendants and intelligent call routing, it offers an easy way to separate personal and professional calls with a straightforward voicemail system. Plus, you can use your computer as a desk phone to answer calls or forward them to your cell phone.

Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or just starting your business, Google Voice can be an effective tool to manage your phone calls and keep your personal and professional life organized.

Phone Number (toll-free)

Reduce long-distance expenses for your landline calls with a toll-free number:

While a toll-free number is a great way to minimize long-distance costs for landline calls, international callers may still face higher fees than calling a local number within the United States. If your business has a global presence, it may be worth considering a second phone number in their location.

VoIP providers typically charge for inbound calls to toll-free numbers, but some systems like RingCentral offer a fixed amount of 1-800 minutes per month for corporate customers, helping to keep costs down. With the RingCentral mobile app, customers can easily make conference calls or set up call forwarding to any internet-connected device.

Discover how to select the ideal toll-free business number for your organization with our comprehensive guide to 800 numbers.

1. Get a local customer’s business number

Improve your small business’s reputation with a local business number:

Having a local business number is an effective way for small companies to showcase their physical location and build credibility. When calling potential leads, having a local phone number that appears on their caller ID can increase the likelihood of them answering your call and decrease the chance of being perceived as spammy. Keep in mind that you don’t necessarily need to choose an area code that’s specific to your region. If your business is located in a small town and you want to expand your reach, consider using a prefix from a nearby, larger city.

Learn more about the benefits of a local business number and how to choose the right area code in our comprehensive guide.

2. Include a 1-800 number to establish a national presence.

Despite the prevalence of mobile phones with unlimited minutes, toll-free numbers still offer benefits for businesses. Originally designed to eliminate pay-per-minute charges for landline calls, toll-free numbers now provide a professional touch to small businesses, making them appear larger and more established. In addition, toll-free numbers are easily recognizable and can create a sense of trust with customers. Learn more about the advantages of toll-free numbers and how they can benefit your business with our comprehensive guide.

3. Make a lasting impression Having a Vanity Number is a great way to stand out from the crowd.

“Custom vanity phone numbers offer businesses the opportunity to create a unique and memorable phone number that aligns with their brand. By using a combination of easy-to-remember numbers or phrases, businesses can create a local or toll-free prefix that stands out and is easy to recognize. These numbers are especially effective for offline marketing efforts, such as print and radio ads, where the phone number is prominently featured. However, for businesses that primarily communicate through email or chat applications, vanity numbers may be less critical. Discover how to create a custom vanity phone number that reflects your brand personality and boosts your marketing efforts with our comprehensive guide.

4. Take into account a variety of numbers for your team.

Flexible phone systems offer multiple phone numbers to cater to various business needs. You might require a dedicated phone number for technical support, or assign different numbers to team members to target specific sales regions. Grasshopper plans to provide up to five phone numbers per plan, making it a great choice for small businesses. With multiple numbers, you can streamline your communication process and enhance your brand identity by maintaining a professional image.

5. Pay Attention to Extra Fees

Adding a phone number to your VoIP mobile app account is usually straightforward, but multiple business phone lines often come with extra charges that can quickly add up. If you require multiple phone numbers, consider providers that offer multi-number plans with the right mix of features to maximize your investment. Find the ideal solution for your small business by comparing plans and prices.

Most Commonly Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best way to receive a free business phone number?

Accessing a free business phone number app with unlimited calls and texts is made easy by using mobile applications or web browsers on your PC, with services like Google Voice. Keep in mind that free calls require an internet connection and only one number can be used per line. It’s a cost-effective option for solopreneurs who are on a tight budget and require a basic communication tool.

Is it possible for me to obtain a local international business phone number?

Unlock your global potential with international phone numbers available in multiple countries through leading providers like 808 and 800. com. With a local phone number, you can boost your worldwide reach and attract potential customers without them worrying about costly international call rates. Expand your business horizon with the convenience and affordability of international phone numbers.

Is it possible to transfer providers while keeping my business phone number?

Absolutely! If you opt for a vanity or local number and want to switch VoIP providers, you can transfer your existing number. Your new business phone system will guide you through the process of transferring your number, which usually involves contacting your previous service provider and filling out paperwork. However, be aware that some providers may charge a porting fee, so it’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions before making the switch.

Bottom Line

Enhance your business image while staying connected to your customers from anywhere with VoIP services. Your ideal business phone number should meet your unique needs and budget while offering essential features like auto-attendant, voicemail, and a mobile app.

For businesses seeking a reliable toll-free number, we suggest RingCentral. Their plans include toll-free minutes, call forwarding, and call management to help you manage your calls efficiently and cost-effectively.