Types of custom phone numbers
A custom telephone number is available through many VoIP service providers such as RingCentral. The first step you need to take before purchasing a phone number is deciding what type of custom phone number you want. You want to consider what you and your customers need in your business number.
Toll-free numbers
A Toll-free phone number allows your customers to call you free of charge. You can choose phone numbers between the following prefixes:
- 800
- 877
- 866
- 855
- 844
Vanity numbers
Vanity phone numbers are custom numbers that are easy to remember and act as an effective marketing strategy. These numbers use a word or phrase that customers enter into their keypad after a local or toll-free prefix (also known as vanity toll-free numbers).
For example, you may have heard of 1-800-FLOWERS. This is a business phone number that’s easy to remember and could give your business better brand recognition and higher conversions. It tells your customers who you are, what you do, and how to contact you. Whether you choose a toll-free or local vanity phone number, you will start on the path to higher conversions.
Easy dial phone numbers
Another way to make a memorable phone number is with easy dial numbers, which are available with toll-free and local prefixes. These are easy for your customers to remember and make it easy to market your contact details to prospects.
For example, if you’re a small business that only operates in your local area, you may opt for a local number. This may look like (612) 555-5555.
If you’re a business with regional offices, you may decide to use the same number with different area codes to reflect each office. For example, one office may have the number (712) 555-5555, while another has (906) 555-5555.
Calls can be routed to one location through a local phone number. This means you can have a single call center managing calls for multiple locations.
