Business phone numbers can help you build credibility and maintain a professional image. In addition, they offer several advanced features that personal phones need to improve. Local business phone numbers are available from most service providers, which provide more than 200 area codes. These numbers are independent of your location, allowing you to boost your local presence without changing your address.
Decide on a Number
A business phone number is a great way to boost your company’s credibility and ensure that work and personal calls stay separate. A dedicated line also helps you provide a better customer experience and enhances your work/life balance. But how to get a business phone number? The first step in getting a business number is to decide what type you want. You can choose between local, toll-free, vanity, and international numbers. Once you’ve decided on the type, consider how it will impact your customers and whether it aligns with your brand message. Depending on your choice of business phone number, you’ll also have to determine the best features for your business. For example, sales calls are typically tied to toll-free numbers, while customer service calls are best handled with a locally familiar area code. Consider call parking, which lets you put a caller on hold and let any team member pick it up, ensuring that calls are answered promptly.
Select a Service Provider
A dedicated business number is a must-have for businesses. It helps them build a professional image, establish authority and credibility, and boost brand recall. In addition to this, it helps them maintain a work-life balance by keeping personal and professional calls and messages separate. Moreover, these numbers help them save time and money by offering them an alternative to expensive calling plans. Typically, they come with a suite of tools like a virtual receptionist that helps them provide a better call experience to their customers. Getting a dedicated business phone number is simple and can be completed in less than a day. All you need to do is find the right service provider to offer you a local, toll-free or vanity number and activate it. Then, you can use it from any location and device. Most providers offer a free trial, which you can use to try out their services. Then, you can choose your plan and pay every month.
Set Up Your Number
Using your personal phone number for work can be convenient, but it can also make it harder to keep business and personal calls separate. Getting a business phone number is a simple way to prevent this problem and give your business a professional edge. You can choose from local, toll-free, or vanity numbers, depending on your needs. You can also find services that offer business VoIP plans, which feature a suite of call management features designed for small businesses. Before selecting a business phone number provider, ensure the solution accommodates your unique business needs. For example, if you’re a healthcare provider, you must provide the business phone number service you select that can comply with HIPAA regulations. In addition, if you need to manage large volumes of incoming calls, look for a solution that includes ring groups, virtual extensions, and company directories. Ideally, this will allow you to effectively direct and route calls based on the buzz your business receives.
Test Your Number
Phone calls are still a critical way for businesses to connect with customers. Many customers prefer to call companies, especially if they have questions or concerns that can’t be easily addressed through other channels such as email, live chat or FAQs. Before you go live, test your number to ensure it works correctly. You can do this by calling yourself or asking a friend. Have them listen to the main menu greeting and extensions and provide feedback. Dedicated business phone numbers offer several advantages for small businesses. They can improve customer service, establish a professional image and help build brand recognition. They’re available through many business phone providers, including VoIP solutions that pack various advanced features. Other providers offer a robust business phone solution that provides one app with toll-free and local numbers, messaging, video meetings, and contact management.