How to choose the right local phone number for your business

One of the most effective ways to create that connection is by having a local phone number for your business. While it may seem like a small detail, the right local number can enhance your business's credibility and foster customer trust.

A local number signals to customers that you are part of their community, invested in their needs, and readily available to assist them. This simple yet impactful choice can make all the difference in turning casual inquiries into loyal relationships.

In this blog, we will explore the importance of having a local phone number for your business and how selecting the right one can help your credibility and build lasting trust with your customers.

What is an alternate phone number?

An alternate phone number is a secondary contact number and your primary phone number. It is another way for others to reach you if your main number is unavailable or unreachable. People might use an alternate number for various reasons, such as:

1. Backup communication: If your primary number is busy, disconnected, or unavailable.
2. Separation of personal and work life: To keep work-related calls on one number and personal calls on another.
3. Privacy: Some people provide an alternate number to protect their primary number from being widely shared.

Alternate numbers can be mobile numbers, landlines, or VoIP services, and they are commonly used in settings like job applications, service registrations, or forms requiring contact information.

Alternate phone numbers can come in several forms:

• Mobile Numbers: Standard mobile numbers that function like regular phone numbers.
• Landline Numbers: Traditional fixed-line numbers that are ideal for office settings.
• VoIP Numbers: Internet-based numbers that allow flexibility and often come with advanced features like call forwarding and voicemail transcription.

Factors to consider when choosing a local phone number.

1. Geographical relevance.

Choosing a number with an area code that matches your physical location helps your business align with the local community. Customers often prefer dealing with local businesses, and having a local number reinforces that sense of connection.

A phone number that reflects your geographic location gives customers confidence that your business is nearby and accessible, which is especially important for service-based businesses (e.g., restaurants, plumbers, or retail stores).

Customers are more likely to trust and answer calls from numbers that have familiar area codes, especially in an era when many people ignore unfamiliar or distant numbers due to the rise of spam and robocalls. A local number helps reduce scepticism and increases the likelihood of your calls being answered.

If you're running a business, having a local number that matches your location can improve your visibility on search engines. Local search algorithms often prioritise businesses with verified, local contact information.

2. Memorability.

The simpler the number, the easier it is to remember. Avoid long sequences of numbers and opt for shorter, straightforward combinations. Numbers that follow a pattern or contain repeated digits are often more memorable.

For example, numbers like 555-1212 or 4444 are easier for customers to recall due to their rhythmic nature. These patterns leverage our cognitive ability to recognise sequences, making memorising them easier.

You can use a "vanity number" where the digits spell out a relevant word or brand name (e.g., 1-800-FLOWERS). This is particularly useful for businesses as it reinforces branding and is much easier for customers to remember than a random string of numbers.

3. Cost savings.

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone systems typically offer lower rates than traditional landline services. They often include various features like call forwarding, voicemail, and conferencing at no extra cost.

Many telecommunications providers offer bundled packages that include phone service alongside internet or other utilities. Bundling can significantly reduce the cost compared to purchasing services separately.

As your business grows, your communication needs may change. Choose a provider with scalable plans to start with a lower-cost option and upgrade as your business and call volume increase. This helps avoid paying more than you need initially while keeping future costs predictable.

4. Regulations.

Many countries have specific documentation requirements for obtaining local phone numbers. These regulations aim to identify the end-user of the phone number, as phone numbers are often considered scarce national resources.  To mitigate risks, businesses should ensure that they acquire and use phone numbers legally and following local regulations.

Before a local phone number can be activated, it may undergo a compliance review process. This review ensures that all provided documentation meets local regulatory requirements. Failure to comply can result in service interruptions or revocation of the number.

5. Availability.

Popular area codes may be in high demand in some regions, especially in large cities or economically important areas. This can make finding an available number with the desired area code difficult or more expensive. For example, area codes in cities like New York (212) or Los Angeles (310) are often in short supply.

Regulatory bodies sometimes introduce new area codes (often called "overlay" area codes) to manage high demand. These new codes cover the same geographic region as the original area code, allowing for more available numbers but potentially creating some confusion for customers who may be unfamiliar with the new code.

Types of local phone numbers.

1. Standard local numbers.

A standard local phone number is a traditional landline or mobile number tied to a specific geographic area, indicated by its area code. These numbers are assigned based on the region or city where the phone line is physically located.

Standard local numbers are provided by traditional telecom companies and VoIP services alike, and they are recognized as "local" within their corresponding area code region.

Typical use cases are personal communication, small and local businesses, customer service lines, international companies, and government and public services. Standard local numbers are commonly used by individuals for personal communication. People often prefer having a number with a local area code to communicate with family, friends, or local businesses.

Many small and local businesses use standard local numbers to establish a connection with their community. For example, a local restaurant or service provider would have a number with the same area code as its customer base, which reinforces its local presence and can boost customer trust.

2. Vanity numbers.

A vanity number is a customized phone number that spells out a word, phrase, or easy-to-remember sequence of numbers, often related to a company’s name, product, or service. The letters on a phone's keypad correspond to specific digits (e.g., 1-800-FLOWERS = 1-800-356-9377), making it simpler for customers to recall the number. Vanity numbers are commonly toll-free (beginning with 800, 888, 877, etc.), but local vanity numbers are also available.

A well-chosen vanity number can become synonymous with the brand, instantly recognizable across various marketing channels. For instance, using 1-800-GET-OATS makes the number easy to remember and communicates the service offered.

Vanity numbers are powerful marketing and advertising tools. Whether used in TV, radio, print, or digital ads, a memorable vanity number can drive more traffic to a business and ensure higher engagement with marketing efforts.

3. Porting existing numbers.

Porting refers to transferring an existing phone number from one service provider to another. This allows individuals or businesses to keep their current number rather than adopt a new one when switching to a new telecom provider or VoIP service.

Before initiating the porting process, confirm that your number is eligible. Most personal and business numbers, including landlines and mobile numbers, can be ported without a specific geographic area restriction.

Reach out to your new service provider to start the porting process. You must provide them with essential information, such as your current phone number, account details, and possibly a port-out PIN.

Once you submit your request, the new provider will coordinate with your current provider to complete the transfer. The process can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the type of number and the providers involved.

Porting an existing number ensures continuity in personal and business relationships, maintains brand identity, and avoids the potential confusion and costs associated with changing phone numbers. It also allows users to switch to more cost-effective or feature-rich services without losing the phone number they’ve built a reputation or connections around.

How to obtain a local phone number.

1. Through traditional phone providers.

Acquiring a local phone number through traditional phone providers involves determining your needs, researching available options, selecting a number, and completing the setup process. This approach ensures reliability and supports effective communication for both personal and business use.

Assess whether you need the local number for personal use or business purposes. Consider any additional features you require, such as voicemail, call forwarding or caller ID. Look for telecommunications providers in your area that offer local phone services.

Compare their plans, pricing, and features to find the best fit for your needs. Providers may include major carriers like AT&T and Verizon or smaller regional companies.

Once you've selected a provider, you can choose a local number from their available options. Many providers allow you to select numbers that are easy to remember or have specific area codes that align with your business location.

After selecting your number and plan, you must schedule an installation appointment if you opt for a landline service. A technician will come to set up the necessary equipment at your location. If you're using a mobile service, you may receive a SIM card to insert into your device.

When the installation is complete, or the SIM card is in your phone, activate your service according to the provider's instructions. This may involve calling a specific number or visiting their website. After activation, test your new local number by calling it from another phone to confirm it works correctly.

2. Via VoIP services.

VoIP typically reduces overall communication costs compared to traditional landline services. Businesses can benefit from lower call rates, especially for long-distance and international calls, making it a cost-effective solution for maintaining a local presence.

Numbers can be accessed from various devices (smartphones, tablets, computers), allowing employees to make and receive calls from anywhere with an internet connection. This flexibility supports remote work and enhances employee productivity.

3. Using online services and apps.

Many online services and mobile apps now offer local phone numbers without the need for traditional phone lines or hardware. These services, often called "virtual numbers" or "digital numbers," allow individuals and businesses to obtain local numbers that can be managed through an internet connection.

Examples of such platforms include Google Voice, Grasshopper, and Simpu. These digital solutions are available through web interfaces and mobile apps, making it easy to set up and manage a local phone number from anywhere.

Setting up a local phone number through Simpu involves several straightforward steps;

• Sign up using your Google account or another email address. 
• After signing up, follow the onboarding process to set up your inbox, where you will receive and send messages using your new number. 
• Once your inbox is created, go to settings and edit the inbox channels. You'll see an option to buy a phone number for $10. 
• Click on it and follow the steps to connect your new phone number.

One of the primary advantages of using online services to obtain local numbers is their flexibility. Users can choose local numbers from various regions regardless of their physical location. This capability allows businesses to establish a presence in multiple markets without needing a physical office in each area. For instance, a company based in New York can acquire a local number with a Los Angeles area code to cater to customers on the West Coast.

A well-chosen local number is a strategic asset that enhances customer satisfaction by making communication easy and familiar and drives business growth by building trust, establishing a local presence, and supporting scalable operations.

It is a simple yet powerful tool for improving brand recognition, customer loyalty, and creating a professional image, making it an important element in any company’s communication strategy.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs).

1. How do I choose my phone number?

When selecting a local number, consider your target audience and the geographic areas you wish to serve. Opt for a number that is easy to remember, possibly incorporating a vanity element or a simple sequence of digits. Ensure the area code aligns with your business location or the market you want to penetrate.

2. What phone number is best for business?

The best phone number for your business depends on your specific needs, target audience, and branding strategy. Local numbers are excellent for community engagement, toll-free numbers enhance national reach, vanity numbers boost brand recall, and VoIP solutions offer flexibility and advanced features.

3. How to get a business phone number

Start by selecting a provider that meets your business needs.  In the Simpu app, you can navigate to the "Numbers" section and select your number. You can then connect it to your team inbox, allowing all authorized members to access and respond to calls and messages.

4. What are some common challenges when using local numbers?

Challenges may include regulatory compliance regarding number usage in different regions, potential confusion if customers are unaware of your physical location, and the need for consistent branding across multiple numbers. Addressing these challenges involves clear communication strategies and ensuring all marketing materials accurately reflect your contact information.

5. How can I obtain a local phone number for my business?

You can obtain a local phone number through traditional phone providers (landline or mobile carriers), VoIP services, and online services or apps (Simpu). The process typically involves selecting a plan, choosing a local area code, and setting up the number on your preferred devices.