Things you should consider in selecting 800 phone numbers
The accomplishment of employing 800 phone numbers in companies just isn't often 100% guaranteed.
This significantly depends on the way you chose your toll-free numbers. Of course, your phone service
provider can also be one factor, nevertheless it will all boil down to how accessible your numbers are to
customers. Are they easy enough to keep in mind?
Listed below are five guidelines on selecting your 800 phone numbers:
1. Choose a vanity number that reflects your business.
Examples of vanity numbers are 1-800-ROOFING or 1-800-AUCTION. Callers can easily remember them
because these are toll-free numbers that use letters as an alternative to numbers. In choosing your vanity
numbers, choose 1 that really reflects your service or product. Do not simply be satisfied with something
vague or inappropriate. As an example, you can go for 1-800-INSURED if you are in the line of insurance
sales. It is possible to also use vanity numbers to advertise a certain promo or message, like 1-800-
GOADOPT to encourage callers to consider pets from your shop.
Avoid using your company’s name unless your business is definitely well-known. If you just use 1-800-
STELLAS, for your business “Stella’s Leather Products”, people will not likely recognize the type of
product or service you are providing. Try employing 1-800-LEATHER as an alternative.
2. Do not use a hybrid number.
800 phone numbers sometimes come in the form of hybrid numbers. These numbers are not vanity
numbers, though they also have words. Examples are 1-800-609-MUGS or 1-800-917-DELI. Be aware
that prior to the words, you will find three numbers that may hinder your callers from remembering them
easily. What’s the use of those three numbers? The callers will only remember your toll-free number as 1-
800-number, number, BOTTLE-number. Use an accurate vanity number as opposed to a hybrid number.
3. Choose 800 or 888 as much as possible.
Contrary to common understanding, toll-free numbers do not only start using a 1-800 prefix. You will find
other 800 phone numbers, like 888, 877, 866 and 855. However, it's advisable if you avoid getting
numbers with the last three prefixes (877, 866 and 855). Most callers aren't familiar with them.
Possibilities are they are going to feel these lines, even though toll-free, are typical phone numbers with
call charges. You do not want your callers to hesitate calling you with this purpose.
4. Consider the spelling.
Vanity numbers should reflect your industry or field. But always take into consideration the word you
select. Is it simple to spell? Avoid the use of phrases and words which are hard to spell like “asthmas” or
“le fleur”. In addition, refrain from utilizing words with Q or Z because they were recently added to
telephone keypads.
5. Be aligned with regards to your marketing and branding techniques.
Lastly, make sure you know the marketing or branding strategies of your business just before selecting
your toll-free numbers. Some businesses want consistency with their advertising campaigns. Other
people follow their own techniques in constructing their identity or services and products. Either way, you
have to be cautious simply because once the callers are already familiar with your 800 phone numbers, it
will be challenging for them to remember any other number for your business.