Top Tips For Choosing A Business Phone Number

In such a highly competitive UK business landscape, effective communication is key for success. By choosing a professional business phone number, UK-based organisations can establish credibility, build customer trust, and guarantee seamless communication with stakeholders.

However, it can often be tricky to select the right business phone number due to the number of options available.

Consider Your Options

Before committing to a business phone number, it can be beneficial to consider all the available options and find one that works best for your communications. In the UK, the two main phone numbers are geographic, also known as local numbers, and non-geographic. Geographic numbers are linked to specific regions and include the respective area codes such as 020 for London or 0161 for Manchester.

Whereas, non-geographic numbers, including toll-free numbers starting with 0800 or 0808, provide a national presence and are free for callers. There is also the option for virtual phone numbers which may work for remote companies. Be sure to consider your target audience and business goals to determine which type of number aligns best with your requirements.

Lauren Davies of bOnline comments: “There are so many options when it comes to virtual phones and thus, it is so important that when you are evaluating your options that you consider the advantages and disadvantages for you and your specific circumstances. Make sure to check things like the small print as well as any terms and conditions before you enter into any new contract or contract renewal.”

Identify Your Goals

Before finalising a business phone number, it’s crucial to identify your goals. Are you looking to expand your customer base nationally or focus on a specific region? Do you want to project a local presence or emphasise your nationwide reach?

By clarifying your goals, you can choose a phone number that aligns with your business strategy. For example, if you’re targeting a specific region, a geographic number with the corresponding area code can create a sense of familiarity and trust among local customers.

Assess Which Features You Need

Different business phone numbers can come with a range of features and capabilities. Assess your business requirements to determine the features you need. Some essential business phone features to consider include call forwarding, voicemail, call routing, IVR (Interactive Voice Response) menus, and call analytics.

Plus, if you expect a high volume of incoming calls, look for features like call queuing and call recording. Choosing a reliable UK phone number provider that offers these features can enhance your organisation’s communication capabilities and improve overall customer experience.

Register The Number To Your Business

Once you’ve selected a UK business phone number, it’s essential to register it for your business. Registering the number ensures that it is associated with your company and that you have complete control over its usage.

This can be done by contacting Ofcom, the UK telecommunications regulatory authority, or consulting with a reputable telecom service provider to register your chosen number. Registering the number not only adds a layer of professionalism but also protects your business from potential misuse or unauthorised porting.

Add A Divert Number

To ensure you don’t miss any important calls, consider adding a divert number to your business phone number. A divert number allows incoming calls to be forwarded to another phone or location of your choice. This feature is especially useful if you have a mobile team or if you need to redirect calls to a different office during specific hours.

With a divert number in place, you can maintain accessibility and ensure that your business phone number is always reachable, regardless of your location or business hours.

Test Your New Business Number

Before launching your new UK business phone number, it’s important to thoroughly test it and check that everything is functioning as expected.

Make test calls from various devices and locations to verify call quality, routing accuracy, and the functioning of additional features. You should also test your voicemail, call forwarding, and any other functionality specific to your business needs. By conducting comprehensive tests, it is possible to identify and rectify any issues or glitches before your customers and clients start using the number.

Choosing a professional UK business phone number is a significant step towards establishing a strong communication infrastructure for your business.

By taking time to assess your options, you can ensure that your chosen business phone number aligns with your objectives and enhances your business’s professional image. Invest the time and effort in selecting the right number, and you’ll reap the rewards of improved communication and customer satisfaction.