There are many different benefits of using toll free phone numbers.
Despite all the advancements in technology such as video calls, texting, email, and social media, people find comfort in using the telephone when they’re in need of customer support. The ability to talk with someone, voice to voice, is reassuring. It gives the caller the ability to connect and feel empathy which can go a long way in the area of customer support.
The Value of Toll Free Phone Numbers
Let’s say you’re a small business that also operates through a website.
Visitors coming to your site almost always want to see a phone number present because it’s an item of reassurance. However, if a number looks personal (like one for your house phone) than it could deter these individuals from calling because there is a small lack of professionalism.
There are many different benefits of using toll free phone numbers:
- Appearance – A vanity/toll number can give your small business the image of being much larger than how it appears which, for some people, may be what gets them to do business with you.
- Branding – A memorable number is one that will keep your business on the minds of interested parties; the use of toll free / vanity numbers that are easy to remember, and catchy, can become the first thing people think of when considering products/services in your industry.
- Referrals – In line with branding is the ability that this number can be easily shared through word-of-mouth and other marketing ventures; it can also allow you to track campaigns because you are using a specified number that’s collecting leads.
- Credibility – As mentioned, the number gives your business a greater sense of credibility and professionalism because it doesn’t look like a number to a cell or home phone.
Putting Toll Free Phone Numbers into Action
There are many different companies which offer toll free & vanity number services. One that we’ve found to be viable for small business owners are the services provided by CustomTollFree.com.
The services include:
- Custom number
- Voicemail & fax
- Conference calling
- Call forwarding
- Call recording
And more.
Whichever service you decide to try it’s important to assess what your business needs versus wants when it comes to toll free / vanity numbers.
For basic purposes of giving your business a professional appearance a normal subscription to these services will be more than enough. Other features (like call recording) come at a higher cost but can be very beneficial to the business if the owners and associates wish to track and improve their customer service.
When you’re ready to add this item to your business:
- Update your website with the new number in all the important location (header, about us, contact page).
- Update your business cards and other marketing/promotional materials to reflect this change.
- Update advertising campaigns to utilize this new number to track the effectiveness of your campaigns through tracking and analytics.
- Update your social media profiles to include this new number.
One More Thing
Be sure to take some time to learn more about toll free phone numbers (FCC link). There are many items to consider such as the codes (800, 888, 877, etc) and whether you will utilize toll-free directory assistance (which is great for screening your calls). You’ll also want to understand what the FCC looks for when allowing toll-free and vanity numbers.
All-in-all, toll free / vanity numbers can do wonders for your business. You will create a sense of professionalism, you can utilize it in marketing, and it helps you stand out from the competition. Adding one to your business is a small price to pay or the great return on investment it rewards.
Your turn. Do you have toll free (or vanity) numbers? How has the introduction of this number changed the way your customers perceive your business?
This guest blog post was provided by Christina Moore.
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