Telephone Numbers For Business: The Lowdown

By Emma Lewis, bOnline

When it comes to business, image is everything. Whether you’re just starting up as a sole trader or managing a large corporation, having a reliable, professional telephone number is essential. We’re not just talking about staying connected either; it’s about building a seamless experience for customers that puts your brand and reputation in the best light.

Why Does My Business Number Matter?

You always want your business to make a good impression. When a potential customer decides to reach out, your telephone number is often their first point of contact. A professional number can make your business seem more reliable and credible, helping customers feel reassured that they’re dealing with someone who is established and legit. 

So why else does your business number matter?

1. Branding: Custom numbers (for example ones where a particular number is repeated) can reinforce your brand. Many taxi and transport firms do this to make their number stick in your head
2. Accessibility: A dedicated business number means customers can easily get hold of you. This accessibility can enhance customer satisfaction and build loyalty. A random mobile number doesn’t always look super professional
3. Scalability: As your business grows, your communication needs will grow too. A dedicated business number can scale with you, especially with VoIP digital phone systems that include features like call forwarding, voice mail, hold music and more

What Types of Business Numbers Are There?

When it comes to choosing a telephone number for your business, there are quite a few options available. Each one has its own set of advantages, so it’s well worth thinking about your specific needs and preferences.

1. Local Numbers: These numbers are specific to a particular geographic area. They’re ideal for businesses looking to attract customers from a particular location or community. People often prefer calling local numbers because they seem more  accessible and personal. Plus, don’t forget that with a VoIP digital phone system you can typically choose a specific area code even if your business isn’t actually located there. For example, you may go for an 020 London area code to attract London-based customers, even if you’re nowhere near London
2. Freephone Numbers: Freephone numbers, like 0800 numbers, mean that people can call your business without any charges. These numbers are great for customer service lines and can make your business appear larger and more established
3. Virtual VoIP Numbers: Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) numbers use the internet to make and receive calls. They offer flexibility, lower costs, and advanced features like call forwarding, voicemail to email, and more. They’re perfect for businesses that work remotely or on the go, plus you’ll avoid any worries about the impending landline shutdown
4. Vanity Numbers: These are custom numbers that spell out a word or name related to your business, like 0208-FLOWERS. They’re easy to remember and can be a catchy way of marketing your business

How Do I Choose the Right Number For My Business?

With so many options available, how do you know which telephone number is right for your business? Here are some things to think about:  

1. Nature of Your Business: If your business mainly serves a local market, a local number might be the best choice. For nationwide or international businesses, a freephone or VoIP number might be better
2. Branding Opportunities: Vanity numbers can be a brilliant way to reinforce your brand. If you can find a number that’s easy to remember and aligns with your business name or services, it can be a valuable marketing tool
3. What You’re Willing to Spend: With the landline switch-off fast approaching, you can no longer secure a traditional landline in the UK. This means that to get a business number now, it will need to be a virtual one using a VoIP digital phone system. There are many providers out there (bOnline for example has won several awards and specifically works with small businesses and startups. Their fixed price packages start at only £7 a month too). All you need is a reliable internet connection (Wifi, 4G or 5G)
4. Scalability: You’ll (hopefully!) grow your small business over time. This is again why a VoIP phone system can be just what’s needed. As these systems are cloud-based, you can simply log on to make and receive calls from anywhere with an internet connection. Then if you employ more people later, simply give them the log on details and away they go. No more expensive second (or more) phone lines

How Do I Set Up My Business Telephone System?

Once you know what type of phone number you want for your business, you’ll then need to set up your new phone system. Get started by:

1. Choosing a Reliable Provider: If you do decide to go down the VoIP route, it’s worth doing your homework and choosing a provider that suits your needs and your budget. Look for reviews, compare features and make sure they give good customer support
2. Thinking What Additional Features You’ll Need: Modern digital phone systems come with a range of features that can make a big difference to your business communication. These include voicemail, call forwarding, call recording, access to call analytics and more. Once you have decided which features you really need, your decision should become clearer
3. Setting Up a Professional Voicemail: A professional voicemail greeting should clearly state your business name and give the caller options, like reaching a specific department or leaving a message
4. Training Your Staff: If you employ people, make sure they know how to use the new phone system effectively. This includes answering calls professionally, transferring calls in the right way, and using features like mute and hold
5. Getting Feedback: Regularly review your call data and customer feedback, as well as getting feedback from any staff. This can help you spot any issues and make any improvements to the way calls are handled

It’s Worth Getting Your Business Phone Number Right

Remember, communication is what pushes your business forward. That’s why it’s important to choose a phone number that not only ticks the right boxes now, but supports the growth of your business into the future too.

By being available and responsive you’ll miss fewer calls and fewer potential revenue-generating customers. It’s also a great way to look more professional, setting your business apart from the competition going forward.