Are you a small business owner who is looking for a comprehensive guide on business phone numbers? If so, you have come to the right place. In this blog post, we will provide you with all of the information that you need to know about business phone numbers. We will discuss what they are, how to choose the best one for your business, and how to use them effectively. So, whether you are just starting and need a phone number for your new business, or you are looking to switch providers and want to learn more about the options available to you, read on!
Why Does My Business Need a Phone Number?
In the age of the Internet, many small businesses make the mistake of thinking that a phone number is no longer necessary. After all, customers can reach you through email or social media, right? While it’s true that most people communicate online these days, there are still plenty of good reasons to have a dedicated business phone system.
For one thing, it makes your business look more professional. Having a toll-free number or a local number with a recognizable area code can increase your company’s credibility, which is always important when trying to win over new customers. In addition, having a phone number gives your customers another way to reach you if they ever have any questions or problems. And if you have an eCommerce business, then giving customers the option to call and speak to a real person can increase sales and customer satisfaction.
In short, there are many good reasons to have a business phone number, even in the digital age. So if you don’t have one yet, now is the time to get on board.
Types of Business Numbers
Businesses have different options when it comes to choosing a business contact number. The most common options available to a small business phone line, a toll-free number, or a vanity number. Each option has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the right one for your business.
Toll-free 0800 Numbers
0800 toll-free numbers are business phone numbers that customers can dial free of charge. They are commonly used by businesses that want to offer customer service or support, as they allow customers to reach a business without incurring any charges. Small businesses can use 0800 toll-free numbers to create a professional image and improve their customer service offering. In addition, 0800 numbers can help businesses save money on their phone bills, as they are not charged for calls made to these numbers.
As a result, small businesses can benefit greatly from using 0800 toll-free numbers.
The O3 Numbers
0300 or 0330 numbers are not-for-profit. These numbers have the same cost to call as a standard landline, regardless of whether the caller uses a mobile phone or landline. Although 03 and 030 numbers are similar, they actually have different purposes.
03 numbers are intended for small businesses, while 030 numbers are reserved for charities and other non-profit organisations. However, both types of numbers can be used for customer service lines, so it’s important to choose the right one for your business. 03 numbers typically are less expensive to call than 030 numbers, so they may be a better choice for businesses that want to offer their customers a low-cost option. On the other hand, 030 numbers often convey a sense of social responsibility, so they may be a better fit for charities or other non-profit organisations.
0845 Numbers
0845 numbers are telephone numbers which charge a small per-minute rate to callers, typically between 5p and 10p. The called party also benefits from the caller paying for the call, as they receive a small payment for every minute that the caller stays on the line. This can be a valuable source of revenue for small businesses, which is why 0845 numbers are often used by companies that offer customer service or technical support. In addition to generating revenue, 0845 numbers can also help to manage call volume and reduce the cost of providing customer service. By routing calls through an 0845 number, businesses can ensure that they only have to pay for the minutes that customers spend speaking to a representative. As a result, 0845 numbers can provide a cost-effective way for businesses to provide quality customer service.
Local Telephone Numbers Explained (UK)
Every geographic telephone number in the UK starts with an area code that is tied to the location of the caller. Businesses in a specific region can use these codes to make their company appear local and build trust with customers. For instance, 0118 is the area code for Reading, which is perfect for businesses that aim to target customers in Berkshire and the Thames Valley. 01295 is the code for Banbury, which is ideal for businesses that operate in North Oxfordshire. 01235 is the code for Abington, which helps businesses strengthen their local presence in Oxfordshire and the surrounding areas. Having a geographically relevant number can help businesses build trust with customers and provide them with peace of mind that the company is based in the same community as them.
London Numbers For Businesses
bOnline lets you get an 020 number if you want your company to seem like it is based in London. Regardless of whether your business is located in London, if you want the credibility of being able to list a London contact number, having an 020 number from bOnline gives you a solid and recognisable identity in the UK.
Benefits of Choosing a Business Phone Number
Having a business phone number separates personal and work communication, which will increase your credibility and professionalism. Your customers will also appreciate having a business line rather than a personal phone number. VoIP phone numbers also allow calls to be routed to different phones, which is convenient if you work at different locations. You can analyze the call activity for a number to know how well your marketing campaigns are performing. Having an actual business phone number allows you to keep your private number… private.
How to Choose a Business Phone Number
Choosing a business number is easy when you follow these steps:
- Choose your number to be regional, national, or toll-free.
- Think about your number preference and how it will impact your target audience.
- Your phone number should be simple and catchy.
- Your geographic numbers, 0800, and 0333 phone numbers may have different costs, so check for cost
- Make sure your number is able to have call forwarding, voicemail, and other VoIP services.
- Make sure you will be able to keep your number if you switch providers.
- Memorable numbers may be hard to get, so check their availability as soon as possible.
How to Get a Business Phone Number in the UK
Getting a business phone number in the UK is a simple process with a provider such as bOnline. Selecting local ring codes, national 0333 numbers, toll-free 0800 numbers, and porting existing numbers is easy with bOnline and other VoIP/telecom services. Number activation and call routing to a desk, mobile, or computer creates a professional phone appearance without needing physical office hardware.
How Can My Business Get a Virtual Number?
A small business can get a virtual number to help with its customer base. This type of number is not associated with a specific location, so it can be used by businesses that have customers in multiple states or countries. Virtual numbers can also be useful for businesses that want to keep their local number private. There are a few different ways to get a virtual number, including through a VoIP provider. Once you have a virtual number, you can give it out to customers and use it for customer service or marketing purposes.
What Are the Benefits of Business VoIP Phone Systems?
Business VoIP phone systems provide small businesses with several advantages over traditional landline systems.
Cost Savings
VoIP phone systems are typically much cheaper to maintain than traditional systems. This is because VoIP uses your existing internet connection to make and receive calls, so you don’t have to pay for separate phone lines or long-distance calls. And because VoIP is hosted in the cloud, there’s no need to worry about expensive repairs or maintenance.
Flexibility
VoIP systems are very flexible and can be easily expanded as your business grows. You can also add features such as call forwarding and voicemail without incurring additional costs.
Improved Call Quality
VoIP calls are generally clearer and more reliable than traditional calls. This is because the signal is not affected by things like bad weather or interference from other devices on the same line.
Increased Productivity
VoIP systems often come with features that can help increase productivity, such as call recording and caller ID. This means that you can quickly access important information about customers and clients, which can save time in the long run.
Overall, investing in a VoIP phone system can be a great way to save money and improve efficiency for small businesses. With its many benefits, it’s no wonder that VoIP systems are becoming increasingly popular for businesses of all sizes.
Get a Virtual Business Phone Number
At bOnline, we understand that small businesses have unique communication needs. That’s why we offer a variety of virtual business phone plans that can be customised to fit your specific requirements. Whether you’re looking for a VoIP non-geographic or geographic number, we have a plan that’s right for you. Our award-winning service is affordable and easy to use, so you can focus on running your business, not managing your communication services.
Get started today and see the difference a virtual business phone number can make for your small business
