If its the case that you’ve just started a small organization, business or still plan on putting in place yours, one of the first thing you should have in mind is asking your self how do I get a business phone number? Having a business phone number is some thing very necessary, why is it so? This is actually because the world today is expanding into a digital one.
To stand out from the crowd, you must have a personalized business phone number. There are so many alternatives out there when it comes to cloud phone services that it can be overwhelming to get started.
To bring down the aspect that is how to get a phone number for your business in three simple steps:
- Choose a Business Phone System
- Reserve Your Business Phone Numbers
- Select VoIP Phones For Your Business
Before we try to explain the above terms, let's try to see what a business phone number is.
What is a business phone number?
A telephone number is a sequence of digits assigned to a fixed-line telephone subscriber station connected to a telephone line or to a wireless electronic telephony device, such as a radio telephone or a mobile telephone, or to other devices for data transmission via the public switched telephone network (PSTN) or other public and private networks.
A telephone number serves as an address for switching telephone calls using a system of destination code routing. Telephone numbers are entered or dialed by a calling party on the originating telephone set, which transmits the sequence of digits in the process of signaling to a telephone exchange. The exchange completes the call either to another locally connected subscriber or via the PSTN to the called party. Telephone numbers are assigned within the framework of a national or regional telephone numbering plan to subscribers by telephone service operators, which may be commercial entities, state-controlled administrations, or other telecommunication industry associations.
Now when we talk of a Business Telephone number this actually means the number is meant for business purposes that is not joining it with your personal life contact.
1. Choose The Right Business Phone System
Before you can receive incoming calls from customers, you need to select a phone service designed for businesses. Companies often have more significant needs beyond what freebie options like Google Voice can provide.
The service behind your phone number makes all the difference to the bottom line. It’s a very competitive business environment out there.
Characteristics to look for include auto attendants, call forwarding, call recording, and conference calls. These features give entrepreneurs the tools they need to grow their business.
Entrepreneurs or or business organizations need to make every dollar count. Traditional phone plans can cost more than $50 per line. Modern businesses can’t pay this premium for a classic phone system.
Therefore, what should you rather choose?
A cloud phone system powered by Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a much better option. It’s faster and easier to set up for small businesses.
Reason for VoIP Being The Right Choice
If you use a VoIP provider, you can get a new telephone number without any issue. You don’t have to install a new phone line or even have a desk phone at all.
Set up a business number and handle calls from your personal cell phone. You can even receive calls on your laptop or desktop computer device.
VoIP offers many benefits over traditional phone lines or landlines. Lower cost, greater mobility, and better audio quality top the list.
2. Choose Your Business Phone Number
Before you choose a VoIP number, you need to understand the number of alternatives available to you. Many providers, including Nextiva, offer you the choice between local numbers, toll-free or vanity numbers.
If you already have a phone number for your business, you wont have to change it. Through a process known as porting, you can authorize that it moves to your new VoIP provider without interruption. The FCC mandates that old phone providers cannot refuse to port numbers even if you have an outstanding balance.
To help you with your alternative, let’s look at what each type of business phone number has to offer and how it can help your business succeed.
Types of Business Phone Numbers
There are four different business phone numbers you can choose. Below we've brought it down by type and give you insight into what each one might end up suiting you.
Local Phone Number
Anyone can secure a local phone number whether it is or it’s not for a business. You can get your number from a local phone company, or via Google Voice. The setup is fast, tied to a location via area code of your choice, and you can be up and running the very same day.
Typical cost: $0-10/month
Toll-Free Phone Number
A toll-free number is an 800 number that is location-agnostic. The benefit of a toll-free number is that it can appear more professional to your consumer. You sign up via your phone provider, setup is fast, and you can even have it forwarded to an existing line.
Typical cost: $10/month
Vanity Phone Numbers
A vanity number takes a toll-free experience one step to the next level by providing a memorable string of words or numbers.
For instance, the 1-800-GOT-JUNK phone number is a critical element of the company’s brand.
The real thing here is that many desired vanity phone numbers have been claimed. However, they may still be available. You may want to use a trustworthy vanity phone number distributor online to acquire the rights to the number first.
Since Nextiva provides free porting, your best option is to acquire the phone number then port it over to your business phone service.
Typical cost: $10-50/month
Virtual Phone Numbers
The last option available is a virtual number, but it’s not right for everyone. Rather than receiving reliable phone service, they primarily function exclusively as a call forwarding or voicemail service
Check Out: Virtual Phone Numbers: What Are They & How Do They Work?
A virtual phone number is an option if you only want calls to forward to another number without the ability to place calls to another party.
For a business that wants to establish a local presence in a market but not make calls from it would use a virtual phone number with their VoIP phone service.
Typical cost: $0-10/month
What alternative is best for your business?
No matter the alternative you choose, Nextiva has you covered.
Nextiva provides business phone numbers in every state in the U.S. You can use this to set up local phone numbers, even without offices in those locations.
3. Select Phones for Your Business Phone System
Once you’ve obtained a phone number for your business, you’re ready to place phone calls via VoIP. However, to use it, you need an IP-based phone that works with VoIP.
The SIP protocol means your desk phone or softphone works consistently and reliably with your business phone system.
Comfortable with placing calls with an app on your computer, laptop, or cell phone? Download the business phone app and start making calls today.
Level up your office and choose a professional business VoIP phone. Opt for a quality brand with a track record for reliable performance. Poly, Nextiva, Cisco, and Panasonic are IP phone brands you can trust.
Consult with your cloud phone service provider to explore the cost of buying or leasing VoIP hardware. These providers negotiate special pricing and pass the savings onto you.
Optimize Your Business Calls with Extensions
Now that you’ve set up your phone number, you can begin adding extensions. Extensions work well for a small business like a salon or repair shop.
Instead of separate phone numbers, a business uses one central phone number for all its staff. Callers can then dial the extension of individual employees or departments from within the phone system. An example of this would be so a customer could contact the hairstylist of their choice to schedule an appointment.
Many providers make it easy to assign these extensions. You can also forward the extension to a personal number to handle VIP calls.
Companies use phone extensions to trim the costs of their phone bill and increase the appearance of a larger business, even if it has only two employees.
With a business phone number and extensions in place, your customers can easily reach who they want.
Phone extensions are one of many features that business owners appreciate, but there are more VoIP features you’ll be excited to use.
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Conclusion on final thoughts
Behind every business phone number is the phone service that moves the needle for business owners. If you need to increase your company’s appearance or could benefit from an array of new calling and collaboration features, you should invest in phone service to increase your capabilities and business traffic
Are you ready to talk to someone about your company or rather organization phone service needs? We’re ready to answer your questions to help you select the right tools to grow your business.