How To Buy A Business Phone Number: The Do's and Don'ts

In this article, we'll highlight the common mistakes to avoid when buying a business phone number. From not considering scalability and future growth to overlooking features and pricing, we'll help you steer clear of potential pitfalls.

So, whether you're a startup or an established business, this article will equip you with the knowledge you need to confidently purchase a business phone number that enhances your company's professional image and fosters effective communication.

The importance of a business phone number

When it comes to running a business, effective communication is key. A business phone number plays a crucial role in establishing and maintaining professional connections with your customers, clients, and partners. It provides a dedicated line for inbound and outbound calls that are separate from your personal phone number.

Having a business phone number creates a sense of credibility and trustworthiness for your brand. It shows that you are a legitimate business entity. Customers are more likely to trust and engage with businesses that have a dedicated phone number for their inquiries and support needs. It also allows you to keep your personal and professional communications separate, ensuring a better work-life balance.

Furthermore, a business phone number gives you the flexibility to manage your calls effectively. You can set up call forwarding, automated greetings, and voicemail features to ensure that no call goes unanswered. This level of professionalism enhances your customer service and helps you stay connected with your target audience, ultimately leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Tips for choosing the right business phone number

Consider Your Target Audience:

Think about who your target audience is and what phone number they are more likely to respond to. If your customer base is local, a local phone number can create a sense of familiarity and trust. If you have a national or international customer base, a toll-free number might be more appealing.

Memorability and Ease of Use:

A memorable phone number is more likely to be recalled by your customers. Look for numbers with repeating or sequential digits that are easy to remember. Avoid numbers with confusing patterns or hard-to-remember combinations. Keep it simple and straightforward.

Scalability and Future Growth:

Consider your business's scalability and future growth plans when choosing a phone number. Will the number still be relevant and suitable as your business expands? Think long-term and choose a number that can grow with your company.

Check Availability:

Once you have a few options in mind, check the availability of the phone numbers you are interested in. Some providers allow you to search for available numbers online. Make sure the number you choose is not already in use. Your telecoms provider will be able to check this for you.

Now that you have a good understanding of the basics when it comes to buying a business phone number, let's explore some common mistakes to avoid.

Do's and don'ts of buying a business phone number

Do's:

Do Research Phone Number Providers:

Take the time to research different phone number providers and compare their offerings. Look for reputable providers with a track record of reliability and excellent customer service. Read reviews and testimonials to get a better understanding of their reputation.

Do Compare Pricing and Features:

Compare the pricing and features offered by different providers. Look for transparent pricing plans that fit your budget and offer the features you need. Consider factors such as call forwarding, voicemail, call recording, and integration capabilities with other business tools.

Do Your Best To Help Your Provider Set Up:

Once you have chosen a provider and purchased your business phone number, it's time for your provider to set it up and activate it. Follow the provider's instructions to configure your phone number, set up greetings and voicemail, and customise call routing options. If you have chosen a reliable telecom provider, they should handle this process for you during and onboarding period. 

Don'ts:

Don't Overlook Features and Pricing:

Don't make the mistake of solely focusing on the price when choosing a business phone number. While affordability is important, it's equally crucial to consider the features and capabilities that come with the number. Opting for the cheapest option without considering the features you need can lead to limitations and inefficiencies in your communication system.

Don't Forget to Integrate with Other Communication Tools:

Your business phone number should seamlessly integrate with your existing communication tools, such as your CRM system or helpdesk software. Integration allows for a more streamlined workflow and ensures that all customer interactions are recorded and tracked accurately.

Don't Neglect Call Management and Tracking:

Once your business phone number is up and running, it's important to have systems in place to manage and track your calls effectively. Your system should come with call-tracking software to monitor call volume, duration, and caller information. This data can provide valuable insights into customer behaviour and help you optimise your communication strategies.

Now that you are equipped with the knowledge of how to buy a business phone number, it's time to take action and enhance your company's professional image and communication capabilities.

Comparing pricing and features

When it comes to buying a business phone number, the first step is to research different providers. Look for reputable companies that offer reliable services and have a track record of customer satisfaction. Reading reviews and testimonials can help you gauge the quality of their service.

Consider the features offered by each provider. Some may offer additional functionalities like call forwarding, voicemail transcription, and auto-attendant services. Think about what features are essential for your business and make sure the provider you choose can meet your requirements.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the coverage area of the phone number provider. If your business operates in multiple locations or you have plans for expansion, you'll want a provider that can offer phone numbers in different area codes.

Managing and tracking calls with your business phone number

To make the most of your business phone number, it's important to integrate it with other communication tools you use. This can streamline your workflow and enhance productivity. Many phone number providers offer integrations with popular business software, such as customer relationship management (CRM) systems and help desk platforms.

By integrating your business phone number with your CRM system, you can automatically log and track customer calls, access call history, and gather valuable insights. This can help you improve customer service, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.

Integrating your business phone number with your help desk platform allows you to create support tickets directly from customer calls. This ensures that no customer inquiries fall through the cracks and helps you provide timely and efficient support.

Conclusion: Maximising the benefits of your business phone number

Once your business phone number is up and running, it's important to have systems in place to manage and track your calls. This will help you stay organised, monitor call quality, and analyse call data to make informed business decisions.

Consider going with a provider that offers call management systems or call tracking software to record and analyse your calls. These tools can provide valuable insights into call volume, peak call times, and caller demographics. By tracking this data, you can identify areas for improvement, optimise your call handling processes, and measure the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns.

If you're looking to buy a business phone number, you can get a quote here