Are you thinking about getting a toll-free number for your business but aren’t sure if it’s the right decision?
Now that current telephone numbers and rates have been standardized, many people think that toll-free numbers have no place in the modern business world. However, there are still a lot of benefits to having a toll free number.
Check out this guide to discover the benefits of getting a toll-free number for your business.
What is a Toll-Free Number?
A toll free number is a telephone number that comes with a three-digit code that can be dialed from a cellphone or landline without incurring any additional charges. Common toll-free number codes include 800, 855, 866, and 833.
While the person calling doesn’t have to pay anything, the business that set up the toll-free number will be billed for both incoming and outgoing calls. Typically, someone who calls a toll-free number has already done business with the company they’re calling, or they plan to do business with them in the future.
A toll-free number is a way of saying, “thanks for doing business with us.”
Toll-Free Number vs. Vanity Number
A vanity number is very similar to a toll-free number, with just one key difference. A vanity number contains the name of your business or a catchy word that relates to your business.
1-800-FLOWERS and 1-800-DENTIST are examples of vanity numbers. Vanity numbers make it easy for customers to remember your phone number without having to look it up. While vanity numbers are harder to find than regular toll-free numbers (as most of the good ones have been taken), they don’t cost any more than a randomized toll-free number.
If you can find a vanity number that relates to your business, you should opt for this over a random toll-free number.
The Benefits of a Toll-Free Number
As we mentioned earlier, it’s the business that pays for calls to and from a toll-free number, not the customer. Typically, a toll-free number plan costs anywhere from $10 to $30 per month, plus the price of the call per minute. The price of the call per minute can range anywhere from 5 cents to 30 cents, depending on your plan.
Why should you allot money from your budget for a toll-free number? Here are some of the benefits of a toll-free number:
- Boost Your Image
One of the biggest benefits of a toll-free number is that it looks professional. Although most people don’t know the ins and outs of toll-free numbers, they do know that when they see one, they’re dealing with a legitimate business.
- Boost Engagement and Widen Customer Base
Another major benefit of a toll-free number is that it can help you boost your engagement and widen your customer base. With a toll-free number, a customer doesn’t need to worry about the cost of calling you.
This means that customers will be more likely to engage with your brand. It also means that non-local customers will be more likely to engage with your customer service team, as they won’t see your number and assume you’re a local-only brand.
- Great Marketing Tool
Nowadays, companies need to constantly search for new ways to market to their customer base. Using the same marketing tactics over and over again is boring and predictable.
A toll-free number can help you shake up your marketing game. For example, you could create a jingle that involves your toll-free number and run the advertisement on the radio. Or, you could simply start incorporating your toll-free number into your online ads and promotions.
Even if people don’t call the number right away, knowing the number that’s associated with your business can help boost brand recognition.
- Easy to Memorize
Another great thing about toll-free numbers is that they’re easy to memorize. This is especially the case if you get a vanity number for your business.
Plus, if you’re strategically incorporating your toll-free number into your marketing efforts, more and more people will start to associate your phone number with your brand.
- Flexibility
Toll-free numbers also offer a lot of flexibility. Whenever you wish to update your contact number, you can change it.
Additionally, you can program your toll-free number to direct incoming calls to a different number. Or, you can program it so it routes the call to a separate phone number or sets up a schedule for a call depending on the time of day.
This added flexibility shows efficiency in customer service and brand flexibility.
How to Choose a Toll-Free Number Provider
Now that you know the benefits of a toll-free number, your next step is to choose a toll-free number provider. When choosing a provider, you first need to consider your budget.
Plans vary widely, and while some providers offer very low monthly rates, these rates often don’t include any extra built-in features. Some companies charge higher monthly rates, but they come with more affordable bundled calling plans so you can better predict your monthly costs.
In addition to your budget, you also need to consider what features the provider offers. Available features typically include:
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- Call forwarding
- Call recording
- Interactive voice response
- Time of day routing
- Fax to email
- Voice to email
You also want to look for a provider with a knowledgeable customer service team that’s available around the clock.
Are You Ready to Choose a Toll-Free Number?
As you can see, there are a lot of benefits to purchasing a toll-free number. Now it’s time for you to pick a number and pick a provider.
And, be sure to check back in with our blog for more tips on growing your business.