Why You Should Use a Local Phone Number in Your Business

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One of the most important decisions is what kind of phone number to use when starting a business. 

A local phone number will help your business appear more credible and legitimate to potential customers. 

Local phone numbers are also easier for customers to remember. They are less likely to be blocked by spam filters. This article will give you seven great benefits of using a local phone number.

Benefits of Using Local Phone Number for Your Business

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1. Easy to Remember

When someone needs to contact a business, the last thing they want to do is remember a complicated phone number. Additionally, using a local number makes it easy for people to remember how to contact you, leading to more sales and inquiries.

This is because local phone numbers are usually the same as the address of the business. For example, if a business is located at 123 Main Street, their phone number would be (123) 456-7890.

The rationale behind this is that it's easy to remember when people in a community see a number with their area code. It also gives the impression that the business is local, which can be important for customers looking for a trusted source.

Read: Get More Visibility for Your Google My Business Profile

Tip:

• Go for a number that has repeating digits or a pattern
• You can also opt for an even or odd combination (Ex: 1357)

Here’s an example of a phone number that’s easy to remember:

2. Cheaper than Toll-free Number 

It's no secret that businesses are always looking for ways to save money. 

One way to do this is by using a local phone number for your business rather than a toll-free number. You have to pay for the minutes people use to call your business with a toll-free number. This can add up quickly, especially if your business is busy.

However, with a local number, the caller pays the cost of the call, which is cheaper than a toll-free number. It is also more convenient for your customers. Your customers can easily contact you with a local phone number without incurring long-distance charges.

Tips To Reduce Business Phone Bills:

• Carefully calculate your operational needs and disable unwanted features.
• Ask your service provider for promotions/offers.

Here’s an example of AT&T providing offers for businesses:

3. Builds Credibility

Using a local number lends an air of Credibility and trustworthiness to the business. People are more likely to trust a business that has a local phone number. 

When they see a number with a local area code, they know that the business is physically close by and that they can probably get better customer service. 

Having a local phone number gives businesses credibility because it makes them seem more established and legitimate.

They are likely to assume that the business is near them rather than somewhere far away. This can be an important factor in deciding whether to do business with a company or not. 

Additionally, having a local number may make it easier for customers to contact the company if they have any questions or problems.

Read: The Benefits of Ranking Google “Near Me” Searches

Tips For Building Trust:

• Be a good listener over the phone. Pay heed to customer complaints and address them quickly as possible.
• Display your local phone number prominently on your website

Here’s an example of a website’s footer prominently displaying the business’s local phone number:

4. Can Target Multiple Locations

When a business uses a local phone number, it can target multiple locations. 

By doing this, the business can reach as many people in its service areas as possible. This can be especially useful for businesses with multiple locations, as it allows them to connect with customers in each area easily.

Also, by doing so, a business can better focus its marketing and advertising efforts on specific areas and measure the effectiveness of those campaigns more accurately.

Using local phone numbers allows a business to have a local presence in each market. Additionally, they can also help improve customer service and increase the efficiency of operations.

Tip: Many providers offer local numbers, and the rates vary depending on the location. Do some research to find the best provider for your specific needs.

Here’s a screenshot of Verizon’s business plans:

5. Will not Get Blocked by Spam Filters

A nightmare for businesses is getting their calls blocked by spam filters. However, this is not the case with a local phone number. This is due to the increased accuracy of caller ID systems that can determine the caller's location. 

Businesses can ensure that their calls are not inadvertently blocked by spam filters and reach their intended recipients by using a local number.

Ask any business, and they would say spam filters are evil for firms that rely on telephone communications. Using a local number means your calls will not be routed through an offshore call center, and they are much more likely to get through.

Phone etiquette tips:

• Do not interrupt while a customer speaks
• Do not hold them for long
• Converse at a moderate speed

Here’s an example of a caller ID system showing a phone number as spam:

6. Ability to Attract Customers who want to 'Shop Local"

When a business uses a local phone number, it can attract customers who want to support businesses in their community. 

By using a local number, customers can feel like they are doing something good for their town or city, and they may be more likely to visit the business again in the future.

While using a local number, customers will feel confident that they support a business invested in their community. Also, while seeing a phone number with a local area code, they are more likely to think the business is nearby. This can encourage them to visit the store or website and potentially purchase.

Tips:

• Offer discounts for locals
• Join hands with other local businesses
• Do something productive for the community

Here’s an example of a discount valid only in US stores:

7. Improves Customer Satisfaction

When you have a business, you want to ensure that you're doing everything possible to increase customer satisfaction. 

One way to do this is by using a local phone number. This will make it seem like your business is closer to the customer, and they will be more likely to call you back if they need to.

Also, when customers see a local number on your caller ID, it reinforces the feeling that they are supporting a local business. Additionally, having a local number shows that you are invested in the community and are committed to providing good service to your customers.

It also makes it easier for customers to contact you, resulting in shorter wait times and more efficient customer service.

Tips:

• Ask the customer whether you pronounce your name correctly
• Ask for feedback
• Ask a customer if there is anything else they need help with

Here’s a telephonic script for requesting customer feedback:

Effectiveness Of A Local Phone Number On SEO

The effect of a local phone number on SEO is indirect. 

One of the most important factors is that the local phone number can be used as citations on local directories and search engines. This can help improve the business's visibility in local search results.

Top Companies To Get A Local Number For Your Business

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1. RingCentral

Ringcentral is a cloud-based phone system that provides users with a single number that can be used to ring all of their devices, including their cell phones, office phone, and home phone. The company allows you to choose from 200+ available area codes for a virtual local presence.

2. United World

United World Telecom offers local phone numbers across 150+ countries. The company has been in the business for more than 25 years and boasts a 99.999% uptime. It offers IVR, local ringback tones, rollover minutes, etc.

3. Easy Ringer

EasyRinger offers a 7-day money-back guarantee for its service. The platform offers a feature called EasyRinger's powerful number chooser. It also allows users to choose vanity phone numbers that spell your company name.

4. Call Hippo

CallHippo comes with a technology called SDAP for enhanced call quality. The tech is pending for patent. The platform does not charge you any setup fee, and one can track, record, and manage the calls in real-time.

5. GrassHopper

If you want to test the waters with a virtual local phone number, Grasshopper may interest you. The company offers you a 7-day free trial without you having to enter credit card details. You can also send/receive text messages on a local number.

6. Ring over

Ringover is another great company that offers a 7-day free trial. With Ringover, you can instantly use your local number from your mobile phone and laptop. You can also make unlimited calls to 50+ countries, including USA and Canada.

Key Takeaways

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• Using a local phone number will improve customer satisfaction
• Increase the trust in your business by investing in a local phone number
• A local phone number is cheaper than a toll-free one
• Attract those who want to support local businesses with a local phone number
• Expand your business to many locations using local phone numbers
• Avoid getting blocked by spam filters with local phone numbers