Contrary to what many young entrepreneurs say, the phone number is not dead. The phone number remains the most important communication tool for businesses today. Youโll find it on websites, social media, and in any local marketing materials.
Thatโs because most consumers still prefer to speak to a real person over the phone. But that brings us to the question: which type of number is best to use, a toll-free number or a local phone number?
Whatโs the Difference Between Toll Free and Local Numbers?
There are a few differences between these two types of numbers.
First, a toll-free number is completely free for a customer to call. You can spot one of these numbers as theyโre formatted differently. They use a toll-free area code, such as 1-888 or the much desired 1-800 area code. Youโll often see businesses using these numbers on TV ads, for example.
A local number is assigned by your landline provider. These are usually not customizable and itโs difficult for businesses to choose a specific number.
Itโs common for most companies to stick with whatever number their landline provider gives them.
Why Do People Prefer Calling Toll Free Numbers?
Believe it or not, your choice of phone number can send different messages to your customer.
A toll-free line is better for dealing with a wide customer base. When a customer doesnโt yet trust your brand they donโt want to risk wasting money by calling you. This can convince people to call your number and give you a shot.
Your toll-free line is also an excellent way of branding your company. These are highly customizable and thereโs a lot of competition for the best numbers.
The downside is toll free numbers are often expensive to buy. The level of competition means it can be a big investment to get the number you want.
Why a Number Tied to Your Location isnโt Always a Bad Thing
Itโs easy to dismiss the local phone number as a thing of the past. But a local number also says something about your business.
These days consumers love to support local businesses. If youโre the kind of business intending to do business primarily on a local level, a local number says to consumers that youโre just down the road from them.
This is especially the case if your business happens to be located in a town or village where everyone knows everybody.
Since local numbers are assigned, you usually donโt need to pay extra for your number. For entrepreneurs who are on a tight budget, the local option can be the better option.
So, Whatโs the Superior Option for Your Business?
It all depends on whom your business serves and its location. Not every business has a use for a more expensive toll-free line.
Local businesses and entrepreneurs with smaller budgets may want to choose the standard local line to begin with. They may have no need for a specialized number if their operations are over a small area.
On the other hand, businesses looking for a highly professional look may want to consider the toll-free option. If youโre primarily driving traffic to your phone lines, the toll-free number will give you much better results.
Either way, once you make a decision, youโre not stuck with it for the rest of your life. Plenty of local businesses have purchased a toll-free line when they decided it was the right investment for them.
What type of business number do you need to take your company to the next level?
ย
Phone Service for Office
New Posts
5 Reasons Why Hosted VoIP Will Improve Your Productivity
Like with everything in the world of business communications, the business phone system is evolving. Hosted VoIP systems are about so much more than merely connecting a call. Theyโre about improving productivity and ensuring that a business can push forward. We look...
A New Force in the California VoIP Market Emerges with Yealink Partnership
The world of VoIP is one filled with growth. By 2021, Gartner expects overall VoIP and cloud-based telephone rates to reach 40.8%. Not only does this demonstrate the potential for tremendous growth, but it also indicates how much the industry still must grow. A new...
Difference between VOIP and Regular Phone System
VoIP has revolutionized business communication around the world. While it shares a tone of similarities with traditional phone systems, it also comes with an equal measure of contrasts. Whatโs the main difference betweenย VoIP and regular phone systems? It might be the...
Compare the Top VoIP Conference Phones for 2019
When it comes to VoIP, the package you choose is about so much more than the system alone and its features. The handset you use can make or break your experience, which is why you also need to look at the different handsets offered by companies.Do they fit your needs...
How VoIP services have revolutionized business communication in 2019-2020
In the business world, it wouldnโt be wrong to say that 2019 has been the year of VoIP services so far. Whatโs more, we think 2020 will also be just as fruitful because Voice over Internet Protocol has indeed taken over business communications. VoIP is nothing but a...
How to Block Ghost Calls on VoIP
Ghost calls are an annoyance for anyone who uses VoIP phone systems. Also known as phantom calls, the handset will ring, and no message will be left. And if you pick up the phone thereโs no answer, only dead silence.Theyโre irritating and can be extremely...