5 Tips for Getting and Using a Phone Number for Your Small Business

As a business, even a one-person sole proprietorship, you must communicate with others, including customers, contractors, and other stakeholders. Calling is one of the fastest and most efficient methods of communication. Therefore, you should have one or several phone numbers for your small business.

The phone number you choose will probably be the main focal point of communication between your business and the world, so ensure you choose wisely. It may seem simple, but businesses often put very little consideration into their phone numbers.

The following are tips for getting and using a phone number for your small business:

Know What You Want

An excellent tip for getting a phone number for your small business is to choose one which will serve you best for the longest time, and the way to do so is to know what you want. There are three main types of phone numbers that businesses use which include toll-free numbers, local numbers, and vanity phone numbers.

Local phone numbers use local area codes and project a local presence to customers. Toll-free phone numbers charge clients nothing, and the business picks up the bill. As the name suggests, Vanity numbers are phone numbers that spell out a phrase, for example, 1-800-TAX-HELP. They make it very easy for customers to remember phone numbers.

Use an App to Let Your Mobile Phone Receive Calls to a Second Number

Businesses will use many apps, so when getting a phone number, try making it compatible with an app. More specifically, the app should allow your mobile phone to receive calls from a second number. The apps for a second phone number allow you to be reachable even though people cannot reach you on your primary number.

Therefore, the app acts as a relay system that allows your small business to have multiple numbers and appear professional despite its stature. Such an app is essential because it prevents you from losing business even when you may be far from your firm.

Use VoIP

Using technology to your advantage is best, especially as a small business competing with larger ones. Regarding communication technology, you should choose a phone number that is VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol). These phone numbers use the internet to communicate and have many advantages for small businesses.

They are incredibly cheap since you use data rates instead of call rates. They are also very secure as you can encrypt voice messages which are challenging to do with regular phone services. You can also have a wider reach as you can receive and make calls anywhere there is an internet connection which is more prevalent than a service provider’s reach.

Choose a Business Phone Plan

The phone plan you choose will often determine the phone number you get. For a business phone number, it would be best to choose a business phone plan. The plan you choose will largely depend on the size of your business. Large businesses will typically require services from large companies which can handle their scale.

On the other hand, you will use a small service for a small business. You should especially consider the phone plan concerning customer service because that is what most of your phone calls will entail. There are many options available, so the best thing to do is to know what you want, and you will make the right choice.

Study The Competition

Business is often about being better than your competitors, but your competitors will also be a great source of information. You should know which competitors have the best phone service and how they use it. Study them and discover the benefits and drawbacks of every phone service your competitors use.

You can then determine which would be the best phone number for you. You should also study other larger companies and see which phone numbers and services work best for them, particularly concerning customer service. It will give you an idea of the phone number you can get and use for your small business.

There are many factors to consider before getting a phone number for your small business. Studying the competition, choosing a business phone plan, using VoIP, knowing what you want, and using an app for your second number are tips to help you. Ensure you establish what you want to do with the phone number before you get one.