How 1800 Numbers Can Help the Marketing Campaign of a Business

While everybody is familiar with the 800 toll free prefix, not everybody knows that there are actually several other toll free prefixes as well like, 888, 877, 866 and 855. Though technically all these numbers look the same, there are some significant difference when these numbers are used for advertising or promotional purposes.  All the numbers work in the same way, but 1800 numbers are significantly more successful for marketing and advertising purposes.

Generating Better Response

1800 numbers, also known as toll free numbers, are important for building the communication system of an organization. But the benefits of using this number are not limited to this. It has greater implications. More than an inexpensive communicative device, toll free numbers are used to make marketing and advertising campaigns a success.  Just by using this number, you can significantly increase the responses of a marketing or advertising campaign.

Lures More Customers

Many research projects and surveys have proved more than once that 1 800 numbers can generate at least 30 per cent more response than a simple numeric phone number. When people know that the number they are dialing is free, they will obviously feel relaxed to call and inquire about products and services. The more number of calls you receive, the higher the chances are of converting them to actual sales. So, toll free numbers help you to attract more calls and often more sales.

Making Phone Numbers Memorable

It is not just enough to attract customers to call you. People must be able to remember your phone number to call you. Vanity 1800 numbers play an important role in making your phone number memorable to people. Vanity numbers are alphanumeric numbers that contains words or phrases related to the product or service or business name, like 1 800 ICECREAM, if you are selling ice cream. This makes both the phone number and the business memorable to all.

Boosts Business Reputation

1800 numbers can boost a business reputation almost instantly. There was a time when using a toll free number was considered a novelty.  As soon as you include a toll free number in your business contact list, you automatically enter the elite group of companies that offer toll free service for their customers and it is an acknowledged fact that people prefer to have business relationship with companies whom they think are big, sophisticated and hence dependable.

Successful in Advertising Campaigns

Research has proved that campaigns that use vanity numbers are more successful than campaigns that do not. This is because vanity numbers are easy to remember and relate to. 1 800 numbers significantly increase the size of your audience because people remember your number and often call you on that to inquire about products/services. When you use this number for an advertising campaign, people remember the number and call you even after the campaign has ended. They are quite sure of not paying for the call and feel comfortable inquiring about products/services.

8 Reasons to Use 1800 Numbers for Your Business

It’s quite an acknowledged fact that 1800 numbers can influence businesses in some incredible ways.  In this article today, let’s do a quick recap of some of the important reasons to use this number for businesses:

Credibility

When you use a toll free number for business contact, it proves almost instantly that you mean business. It shows that you are serious about business and are ready to take up responsibilities and complaints from customers. It makes businesses appear credible and professional almost within minutes.

Portability  

1800 numbers can be used with any telephone connection – cell phone, home phone or the desk phone of the office. Moreover, these numbers can also be ported from one service provider to another. After the FCC passed a regulation, it is possible to change service providers without changing toll free numbers

Customer Satisfaction

Are you thinking of ways to enhance customer satisfaction? Simply include 1800 numbers in your business contact list. Customers understand that you care for them and that their calls are important for your business. This is one important message that you would like customers to know. They feel assured about customer service because they know how to reach you.

More Calls – More Sales

A toll free number also encourages people across the country to call you and inquire about your products/services. This is because people are pretty sure that they do not have to pay anything for calling you. They feel comfortable in calling you and inquiring about products/services because the rising telephone bill could no longer bother them. These are your chances to convert an interested caller to a customer. Use your 1 800 number to bring in more sales.

Marketing

1800 numbers are also an important tool for marketing products.  Research has proved that when you use a toll free number in marketing and promotional campaigns, it can generate 30% more responses. This is because people are sure of not paying the telephone bill, even when they are calling from far. It is also advised to use toll free numbers on the corporate website and on all marketing materials like brochures, flyers, business cards, billboards, social networking sites and on every form and mode of public interaction.

Makes Phone Numbers Memorable

When it comes to remembering a 10 digit phone number, all number are the same – a generic phone number or a toll free number. How can you make phone numbers memorable to people?  The easiest answer is to associate it with your business. So people remember both – the business and the way to reach it, for example 1 800 ICECREAM, if you sell ice cream. These numbers are known as vanity numbers and are highly successful in advertising and promotional campaigns.

Multiple Plans for Every Entrepreneur

1800 numbers are quite affordable and even a small business or a start-up business can use it to get maximum benefits. Usually the service providers of 800 numbers offer multiple plans to meet the needs of every entrepreneur. Again, most of these plans include free minutes.

Creating Separate Extensions

1800 numbers with virtual phone systems allow you to create extensions. So you can create separate extensions for employees and departments. It also portrays an image of a big business with multiple departments and extensions, even if all the calls are routed to the same person.

1800 Numbers – Are They Relevant for Every Business?

When you are starting a new business and are searching the web or reading books to gather tips in order to make it successful, one of the common suggestions that you will come across everywhere is to use 1800 numbers. Every business needs a contact number for its customers and using a number specific for business instead of a generic number can definitely prove to be more beneficial for businesses. But what is so compelling about 1800 numbers that businesses of every size are opting for it? Below I have compiled some of the most commonly perceived benefits of using this number. Comparing these benefits with your business goals can help to decide whether you need one or not.

Credibility

Traditionally, toll free numbers have been associated with big and large corporations. So when you include one such number in your business contact information as well, it instantly makes your business look big and professional. This also enhances your credibility because people understand you as big and they believe only big corporations are reliable.

More Sales

The most obvious implication of using 1800 numbers is that your callers do not pay for calling you, even when they are calling from far away. This attracts new customers to call you and inquire about products/services because they do not have to bother about the rising telephone bill. There also have been quite a few research reports that show a toll free number can increase sales by at least 30%.

More Calls

If you have an online store or want to encourage customers to order over the phone, your need for 1800 numbers is greater. When customers order over the phone they might take a little longer inquiring about prices, options, etc. If you want your customers to relax and feel comfortable while they are giving you business, you should use a toll free number. Moreover, customers will also feel more confident to give you their business over the phone the next time.

Better Return

Though 1800 numbers might need a minimum initial investment, they are sure to give a good return. It will compel customers to actually dial your business number and inquire about your product/service. These calls are opportunities to make more business. You need to apply all your sales techniques to convert an inquisitive caller to a dedicated customer.

Advanced Features

1 800 numbers allow the creation of extensions that makes your small business look big. You can re-direct all the calls to you and yet it will give customers an impression that they are calling a big enterprise that has separate extensions for every department.  This call redirect feature is call forwarding and can be of great benefit to your business.

The next step is to analyze whether these numbers are in line with your business goals. These numbers are quite inexpensive and will not charge you a hefty amount every month but the point is: does your business need this number? Try to match each of the above stated advantages with your business objective. Does the business need to look big and credible? Do you need to get more calls from customers in order to have more business? Does your business need to use advanced features of a modern phone system? The nature of the business actually decides if 1800 numbers are relevant or not.

Let Your Small Business Prosper with 1 800 Number

There was a time when a 1 800 number was reserved only for big companies. It was very rare for a small or mid-sized company to use this number for their business needs. But things have undergone a huge change in the recent years. There are many small companies that opt for toll free numbers in order to maintain a professional look, track calls and allow customers to call them without caring about long distance charges. This article will discuss the various advantages of using 1 800 number and also how to find the best toll free service for you.

New Toll Free Prefixes are Also Popular

Though a toll free number is still popularly known as 1 800 number, there has appeared a set of new toll free prefixes like 888, 877, 866 and 855. Technically all these prefixes work in the same way and they have the same advantage. But in cases of marketing, advertising or promotion, “800” is often found to be more effective because it is the most popular toll free prefix. Other prefixes are also gaining popularity as toll free because it’s been quite some time that they are in use.

Business Benefit of Using This Number

The most important business benefit of using this number is that the caller does not have to pay for the call. Even if your callers are calling from far away, they do not need to pay anything for the call. Your customers and partners actually feel comfortable to call you and discuss your products/services or any new offer or new scheme because they are not worried about the mounting telephone bill.  1 800 number can also help you save money. When you are out of town because of any business or for some other reason, you can simply call your colleagues for free.  If you are using a 1 800 number with a virtual phone you can also benefit from voicemail and auto attendant that will help you save time, enhance your productivity and efficiency.

Makes You Credible

Since initially toll free 1800 numbers were associated only with big companies, there is an idea that this number is not suitable for small businesses. But in reality, it is just the opposite.  1 800 number is more relevant for a small business than a big one. This is because it makes a small business look big, professional and credible. This is necessary to attract new customers because people want to do business only with companies that are big, because they feel only such companies to be credible and professional.

Choose a Number That is Memorable

1 800 number can also be used in the advertising and promotional efforts of your company. When you use a toll free number instead of a normal phone number, you receive more calls from your customers. But it is even better to use vanity numbers. Numeric phone numbers, whether toll free or not, is nothing more than a string of ten digits.  A vanity number, on the other hand is always closely associated with your business and it contains either the name of your business or your service or product. So when your customers come across your vanity number, it is quite possible that they will remember it and this is exactly your mission.

The Regulations of 1800 Numbers and the Role of the FCC

In 1967, AT&T rolled out the first 1800 numbers. In the U.S, these numbers are known as toll free numbers whereas the rest of the world may refer to them as “Freephone numbers”.  Since the introduction of the toll free numbers, their demand has been constantly soaring. In 1996, 1800 numbers were exhausted and so new toll free prefixes were introduced. First, the 888 prefix was introduced and then gradually 877, 866 were introduced. 855 were introduced most recently – in 2010.

Assigning Toll Free Numbers

All 1800 numbers are stored in a centralized database, which is known as the Service Management System (SMS/800). In order to reserve a toll free number, you need to contact a Responsible Organization. Toll free numbers are usually assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis. Responsible Organizations or RespOrgs may or may not be telephone companies. They can either be telephone companies, other companies or individuals. They must have the certification and privilege to access SMS/800 database. RespOrgs check the availability of a number and reserve it for its customers. There are many RespOrg across the U.S. and you can find one by visiting http://www.sms800.com or by calling their Help Desk at 1 888 SMS 3300.

Role of the FCC in Assigning Toll Free Numbers

The FCC governs the rules regarding 1800 numbers for your business. It is neither involved in the day-to-day assignment of toll free numbers nor does it have access to the centralized database. It acts as a governing body that regulates the rules for these numbers.

The FCC prohibits warehousing or hoarding of toll free numbers, which means that a service provider cannot own a large block of toll free numbers without assigning them to actual subscribers. Hoarding of these numbers even by RespOrgs are subject to a penalty. Hoarding also constitutes “number brokering”. So it is also illegal for a subscriber to sell his toll free number for a fee. If you have any problem with your service provider, you can issue a complaint with the FCC.

Portability of Toll Free Numbers

Until 1991, RespOrgs were the only providers of 1 800 numbers, until FCC ordered for the full portability of toll free numbers in that same year. Portability of these numbers ensured that users could change their service provider without changing their number. The portability of 1800 numbers opened up the market. Now once you buy a toll free number, it does not expire. RespOrgs also started their own businesses. They started their own websites to attract new customers to their business.

Advent of Vanity Numbers

Since then there has been a change in the characteristics of 1800 numbers as well.  Soon after toll free numbers became portable, there emerged a special type of toll free numbers, known as vanity numbers. Vanity numbers, in reality are mnemonics that easily sticks to the mind of people. A research report by 800response.com shows that vanity numbers can provide an almost 84% recall rate as compared to a numeric toll free number shown in visual media.  Vanity numbers are especially successful in marketing and promotional efforts. They help to build brand awareness and also work as a way of communication.

Improve Your Corporate Image with 1 800 Numbers

If you wish to strengthen the communication system of your business, then you must try using 1 800 numbers. These numbers are also known as toll free numbers and it helps you to develop the communication structure of your company. It works as an effective communicative device that connects your friends and customers and also acts as a cutting edge marketing tool that can help you achieve your marketing goals. 1 800 numbers are in fact an important business tool that helps you to succeed in today’s business world. It makes you more efficient and productive.

Satisfied Customers

Using 1 800 numbers you can answer multiple calls simultaneously and your customers will never hear a busy tone. Since you are able to answer multiple calls at the same time, it helps you to make your business operation smoother and keeps your customers satisfied and happy. In this age, when the success of your business depends on your customer satisfaction, a toll free number can take your business a longer way. You can better address the needs of your customers using 1 800 numbers because it makes you available to your customers 24/7. Moreover, your customers can reach your business from across the U.S and Canada without spending a cent for the call. They do not need to pay anything even when they are calling from somewhere far. Just by including a toll free number in your business contact list you can assure your customers that they will get best quality product/service from you 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. All they need to do is just call you, for free, and you will be available. This is definitely going to boost your sales and your revenue in turn.

Enhanced Business Profit

It is important that you keep your customers happy because that will help you get more sales and more revenue. It not only helps you in customer retention but also in adding new customers because you get reference only from happy customers. This is one of the prime reasons why many companies are switching to 1 800 numbers. It improves your productivity, sales, revenue and is an important tool for your marketing and advertising campaigns. Vanity numbers are a special type of toll free numbers that helps you in your branding and is crucial for the success of your marketing and advertising campaigns.

Better Corporate Image

Another important thing about using 1800 numbers is that it helps you improve your corporate image. When you use toll free numbers, your customers are assured of your service/product, they understand that you are interested in business and also value your clients – that’s why you have provided a toll free number for them. So, simply by using a 10 digit phone number you can make your business look bigger, professional and credible. It can make a big impact on your customers and they understand that your business is quite well worth their trust.

There was a time when toll free numbers were used as a token service – to show your gratitude to your customers and there were only few big companies who could afford this service for their customers. Just by using 1 800 numbers you enter the realm of big companies who can offer free telephone service for their customers.

Why You Should Consider Using 1800 Numbers for Your Business

Investing in 1800 numbers might seem to be expensive for a small business. But if you want your business to have a competitive edge over your competitors, a toll free number is the best tool. Though it might seem like a big investment for a small business, nevertheless it is sure to reap good returns for your business. A toll free number attracts new customers and help you to increase the revenue of your business. So why should you use such a number for your business:

Improve Your Corporate Image

Traditionally, 1800 numbers were a part of big corporations that can afford to offer toll free services for their customers. Using toll free numbers in their business contact list was a premium service that they offered for their customers. You can also elevate your business to this elite group simply by including 1800 numbers in your contact details.  Additionally, it also makes your customers confident about the product/service that you are offering.

Better Customer Service

When you are using 1800 numbers in your contact information, your customer understands that you are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Your personal cell phone number or your residence number cannot communicate this to your customers so easily. Hence, it is wise that you use toll free numbers in your business contact information. Your customers are assured that they will get superior customer service because they can reach you anytime and anywhere without spending a cent for the call – even when they are calling from far away.

Entice New Customers

Toll free phone numbers also entices new customers to call you. Vanity toll free numbers intrigue new customers to call you and inquire about your product or service. Vanity 1 800 numbers show your customers who you are, what you do and also the easiest way to reach you. Since a vanity number is also toll free, your customers will not be hesitant to call you any time and from anywhere. Moreover, they are comfortable inquiring about all the features of your product/service, since they do not have to bother about the rising telephone bill. This is your opportunity to convert an inquisitive prospect to a dedicated customer.

Marketing Your Product/Service

Vanity toll free numbers are increasingly getting indispensable for any business. This is because of the sheer advantage that any business has by using it. Vanity 1800 numbers act both as a communicative device and as a marketing tool. Since it contains a word or a phrase related to your business, your customers understand your product or service just by looking at a glance. For example, 1 800 CAR LOANS clearly shows that you are a car loan broker. These numbers also work as a brand for your business.

Building Your Brand

Many of the established brands have become synonymous with their vanity numbers, for example, 1 800 GO FEDEX. Vanity numbers makes you business a popular brand among your customers and prospects. It shows them that their queries are most welcome and you will be happy to answer them.  The influence of a brand on any business does not need any explanation. A good brand can make or break a business.  A vanity number helps you to build your brand within few months.

1 800 Numbers Can Be an Effective Tool for Your Sales

1 800 numbers get your intrigued customers to call you and the good thing is your customers can call as many times as they want to without spending anything for the call. A toll free number actually helps you to get more business because it makes your customers pick up their phone and dial your business contact number. This is like a bonus that your business enjoys when you choose to use a toll free number instead of a normal phone number. More than an effective communication tool, 1 800 numbers are an important tool that increases your sales and makes your marketing and promotional campaigns a success.

Be Prepared To Be Overwhelmed By Calls

Once you have started using 1 800 numbers for your business, you are sure to be overwhelmed by the number of calls you receive every day. This is because your customers do not worry about getting charged for calling you. So if they are happy with your product or service you can very well assume that they are going to share this with their friends and families near and far and you can expect a call from each of them because your phone number is – toll free. Your customer need not pay anything for calling you, even when he is calling from far away. Hence it is most essential that you answer your customers all the time and try to keep them happy. For you get reference only from happy customers.  Using a virtual phone system with your toll free number can help you provide better services to your customers.

Recognize Your Business Easily

A toll free number helps your company stand out from the rest. But this is not quite possible just by using any 1 800 numbers. You must publish your number in newspapers, magazines, billboards and the like to make it popular. Remembering your 10 digit phone number is quite difficult and often impossible. So to make it easily memorable, you better relate it with your business. This is like hitting two birds with one stone. It works as branding for your business and at the same time it shows your customers the easiest route to reach you. These types of numbers that contain alphanumeric combinations are called vanity numbers. For example, if you are car loan broker, you vanity number could be possibly 1 800 CAR LOAN.

Your Product/Service Becomes Famous

If you are using 1-800 numbers for your business, it becomes more popular than that of your competitors.  A vanity number helps a business achieve greater degree of reputation among people. This is definitely an extra edge for your business and a matter for your rivals to envy about.  Greater popularity obviously indicates that you will receive more calls from your customers. These calls are your business opportunities. You should answer all your business calls to make your customers happy.

Now this can be a little difficult. You can use a virtual phone system to manage your calls. With a virtual phone system, your customers will never hear a busy tone. You can also set the phone system to forward calls to more than one phone number. So if you are busy on one of the numbers, it will try forwarding your calls to other numbers. You will obviously include your mobile number, office number but it’s better to also include your employees’ extensions and phone numbers so that you can answer more than one customer simultaneously.

Why Your Business Needs 1800 Number Services

1800 number services or toll free numbers allow your callers to call you without spending anything for the call. Traditionally, it has been one of the hallmark services of big companies. But there has been a change in the way toll free numbers are conceived and used these days. A toll free number is no longer restricted to a medium of communication. It now does a whole lot of jobs for you, other than seamlessly connecting you with your customers and prospects. 1800 number services form an essential part of your marketing and advertising strategies. They are also an important component in any of your promotional activities.

Following are a few of the advantages that your company may have using 1800 number services:

• Perhaps, the most important of the benefits a company may have by employing such a number is that it attracts more queries from your customers. When your customers know that they are not going to pay for the call, they are sure to call you with their slightest query.

• By incorporating this number in your banners and brochures you immediately give an impression that your business belongs to that elite group of companies that offers toll free services for their customers.

• Using 1800 number services is a way of showing gratitude to your customers and thanking them for giving you an opportunity.

• As soon as you incorporate a toll free number in your business contact information, your customers understand that you are available 24 hours 7 days a week, which a cell phone number or a residential phone number may not indicate.

• Using a toll free number service with a virtual phone system equips your business with some of the most advanced telecommunication features that help your business grow.

• It helps you to maintain the privacy of your number. When you publish your toll free number on your business communications your cell phone number or residential number remains private, though you can forward calls to these numbers.

• Custom-made 1 800 numbers service are more effective in generating leads and attracting new customers than a simple numeric toll free number service.

• A vanity number is a special type of toll free number that is tailor-made for a business. These numbers have reputations for bringing success to your marketing, advertising and promotional campaigns.

• A vanity number is an alpha-numeric number that contains a word or a phrase related to the business. For example, 1 800 CAR REPAIR, if you have a car repair business. These numbers are generally linked to the keypad of your phone. So in reality 1 800 CAR REPAIR translates to: 1 800 227 737257. Now, which is easy to remember?.

• If you could not find the right vanity number for your business, you could also use a sequential vanity number. This contains catch number sequence like, “999” or “1234” that is easy to remember. In this case, your number will look like: 1 800 123 1234. Now, this is also quite easy to remember.

• Once you get a toll free number for your business, you actually own it. You can change your service provider or even your business but you still carry the number and use it.

9 Important Facts about 1800 Numbers

Big corporations acknowledge the importance of an efficient communication system to their business. They realize that allowing customers to call them at no cost can promote more phoned-in questions. The more frequently a customer calls the probability of closing a sale with him increases greatly. This is actually the idea behind using 1800 numbers, also known as toll free numbers. These are business contact numbers that begins with 800, 888, 877, 866 and 855. When your customer calls you on this number, it is absolutely free for him.

Though it might seem that 1800 numbers are relevant only for big companies, even small companies can also benefit by using these numbers. A toll free number opens any small business to a greater market causing them to be as aggressive as any other big enterprise. RespOrgs are responsible for allocating these toll free numbers.

There are certain things about 1800 numbers that you should understand thoroughly before you get one for your business.  The purpose of a toll free number is to provide your customers with a number that is easy, not confusing and at the same time is a means to call your company at no cost to them. Your customers now can reach you easily from anywhere. They will not incur any charge even if they are calling from far away, which is definitely a great advantage for customers who are not located in your geography.

Following are a few significant details to give thought to:

• A toll free number is not just a communication tool. It is also utilized as a marketing tool to stimulate calls from people. So in a way it entertains possible sales of a company.

• You have to sign up for a number before you start using it. There are many service providers to choose from – look for one that offers a virtual phone system.

• Your business enterprise should have an existing phone connection. You can use this special type of number with a virtual phone system with your existing telephone connection.

• Any phone number from any service provider can be modified to make it compatible with your structure and it works efficiently.

• An innovative phone system that benefits not only people but also sales are the best help that your company may get just by using a phone number.

• When compared to that old fashioned telephone system, it is innovate, quicker, more efficient and more affordable. You pay significantly less as compared to your old phone bills.

• It is also quite easy to manage. Since 1800 numbers are generally used with a virtual phone system, it becomes quite easy to use and manage. It needs no expensive hardware, software or installation. Moreover, you do not need a whole army of men for maintaining this phone system. It is quite unlike a traditional phone system in this respect.

•  You should always advertise your 1 800 number on your marketing materials and collateral. This gives you a better exposure to your customers. The more you become popular with people the better for your business.

• The primary reason for using a toll free number is to strengthen your communication system, to make it more effective and efficient. So you must be careful that all the calls on this number are properly answered. Then only it can make a significant difference in the revenue of your company.