When running a business, there are several things to take into account. Probably too many to even count; there’s funding, staff, office space, accounts and marketing. Because of this, simple things such as telephone numbers and IP addresses are often overlooked.

How business telephone numbers can help

Adopting a non-geographic phone number for your business helps to present it as professional and trustworthy. But, just what is a non-geographic phone number? Essentially, this is a number that is not assigned to a specific location and could be based anywhere in the UK. They differ from numbers that start with an area code, for example, London’s 020.

Non-geographic numbers help to attach a national presence to your venture, as well as giving the impression that you are well established. Moreover, they are portable and if you are to move office or switch phones, you don’t have to change your phone, meaning you can spend your time better elsewhere. Non-geographic numbers can also be redirected onto different phone lines – very convenient given how mobile the business world and everyday life have become. 

Another option is a vanity number that can help to establish the business’s identity and brand, making it more memorable and professional.

Why get a business telephone number

This is a number that will reflect on your reliability as a brand and, in turn, this can make you more revenue. It also lets your team work from anywhere – the number of people who work from home has increased by 140% since 2005, so this should be imperative. Your reasons for opting for a business telephone number should be dependent on this vision of your business.

Consider your goals; are you looking to go global, to increase your call volume? Such numbers can help to boost revenue from calls, whilst also improving your brand presence. Plus, as they allow you to work remotely from anywhere, you’re able to build a customer database in specific regions, should you wish to do so. This better helps you to aim for your desired target markets.

Using a low-cost or free 0800 number encourages customers to call you. A survey by Henley Research found that 65% of customers were more likely to call a business when it’s free of charge. Customers no longer need to consider the cost when contacting you as they have nothing to lose, it creates a positive experience from the outset and, with many 0800 numbers for sale, what are you waiting for?

Examples of business telephone numbers

Business numbers don’t have to come at a cost to your customers, thus hampering your inbound calls, as many business numbers can be freephone. These are generally national numbers with either an 0800 or 0808 prefix, and are free of charge for calls from landlines and mobile telephones. The caller doesn’t have to pay to call, but rather the business foots the expense; typically, you will pay at least 1.5p per minute per inbound call. 

Such numbers prove to be advantageous for companies with a large customer service department, owing to the ease of use. The majority of utility businesses use 0800 and 0808 numbers as it means it’s easy for customers to contact customer service departments – customer satisfaction is and always will be paramount.