The Ultimate Guide To Business Phone Numbers

Having a business phone number separates your personal and professional life, ensuring that your business communications remain professional.

This separation can help you and others in the business stay on top of customer inquiries, ensuring no call goes unanswered.

This guide covers the importance of answering all customer calls, as well as the further benefits that come with a business phone number.

We will also discuss how to choose the right one, using detailed comparisons between 1300, 1800, Smartnumbers, landlines, and mobile numbers to fully educate you on everything there is to know about professional numbers.

How to choose the right business phone number

Choosing the right business phone number can be daunting.

It depends on several factors, including the size and type of your business, your target audience, and your budget.

1300 Numbers1800NumbersSmartnumbers (Phonewords)Landline NumbersMobile Numbers
Monthly FeeModerateModerate to HighHighLowLow
Call Rates (Landline/Mobile)Shared CostFree for CallerVariesLocal RatesMobile Rates
Included Call CreditsVariesVariesVariesNoneVaries
Call Routing OptionsFlexibleHighly FlexibleHighly FlexibleLimitedLimited
Call AnalyticsComprehensiveComprehensiveComprehensiveBasicBasic
Suitable ForMedium to Large BusinessesLarge EnterprisesBranding & MarketingSmall BusinessesFreelancers & Small Businesses
Geographic ReachNationalNationalNationalLocalNational
Customer Trust & BrandingHighVery HighExtremely HighModerateLow
Online Management PortalAvailableAvailableAvailableNot Typically AvailableAvailable
Voicemail to Email, IVRAvailableAvailableAvailableLimitedLimited

Considerations when choosing the right number for your business

Selecting the right business phone number is a critical decision that can significantly impact your company’s communication efficiency, customer satisfaction, and overall brand image.

The choice depends on various factors, including the size and type of your business, your target audience, and your budget.

Each of these elements plays a pivotal role in determining which type of phone number will best meet your needs and help you achieve your long-term business goals.

Business size and type

The size and type of your business significantly influence the type of phone number you should choose.

Large enterprises with extensive customer support needs might benefit more from a 1300 number or 1800 numbers due to their advanced features like call forwarding.

Furthermore, medium-sized businesses may also find a local virtual number beneficial. This is generally applicable if they require data analytics to enhance customer service efficiency.

Small business phone numbers may best be supported with a local area code (where the numbers begin with a location specific prefix) to receive incoming calls on a fixed line.

Target audience and reach

Understanding your target audience is fundamental for any aspect of business operations and your professional number of choice is no different.

If your business aims to attract a national audience, 1300 and 1800 numbers are ideal as they provide a professional image and are easy for customers to remember.

They also offer a range of call features that make managing a large customer base easier.

For businesses focused on branding, Smartnumbers (aka. a vanity number) or Phonewords offer your clients an excellent opportunity to create memorable contact points.

These numbers can be used in all marketing materials, for a virtual receptionist, national numbers or a call centre.

Budget and long-term goals

While budget is always a consideration for national and local numbers, medium to large businesses can often afford the advanced features and superior branding opportunities offered by 1300, 1800, and Smartnumbers.

These numbers provide unparalleled benefits in terms of customer trust, data analytics, and long-term growth potential.

Types of business phone numbers available

Understanding the different types of business phone numbers available can help you choose the best option for your company’s needs.

1300 numbers

1300 Numbers are shared-cost local numbers where the caller pays a local call rate, and the business incurs the remaining cost of incoming calls. They are suitable for businesses of all sizes looking to establish a national or local presence through local numbers.

Pros:

National reach.
Professional image.
Flexible call routing.

Cons:

Shared costs with the caller.
Higher monthly fees compared to landlines.

1800 numbers

1800 numbers are toll-free numbers for the caller, with the business covering the full cost of the call.

These toll free prefix numbers are excellent for customer service and support, as they encourage customers to call without worrying about call charges.

Thus, they tend to be used by large enterprises that prioritise customer convenience and high customer trust.

Pros:

Toll-free for customers.
National reach.
High customer trust.

Cons:

Higher costs for the business.
Higher monthly fees.

Smartnumbers (Phonewords)

Smartnumbers or Phonewords are customised numbers that spell out a word or company name.

They offer a unique branding opportunity by creating memorable contact points that can be easily integrated into marketing efforts.

Pros:

Highly memorable.
Excellent for marketing.
National reach.

Cons:

Typically higher costs.
Limited availability.

Landline numbers

Landline numbers are traditional phone numbers tied to an area code, existing numbers, or local call numbers in a specific geographic area code or location.

They are suitable for small businesses focused on local markets.

Pros:

Lower cost.
Local presence.

Cons:

Limited geographic reach.
Fewer advanced features.

Mobile numbers

Mobile numbers are flexible and ideal for small businesses and freelancers with clients who need access to stay connected on the go.

They are often synonymous with a personal phone number unless a separate mobile device is used purely for business reasons.

Pros:

Flexibility.
Lower cost.

Cons:

Less professional image.
Limited advanced features.

Benefits of a business phone number for your business

Having a dedicated business phone number offers several significant advantages that can elevate your company’s professional image and operational efficiency.

This allows companies to collect valuable data and analytics on customer interactions, which can be leveraged to improve customer service and streamline communication processes.

Such capabilities not only boosts customer satisfaction but also provides insights into business calls that can drive strategic business decisions.

Overall, investing in a professional business phone number is a cost effective and strategic move that supports both immediate customer needs and long-term business growth.

Branding and professional image

Professional inbound numbers like 1300, 1800, and Smartnumbers significantly enhance your branding efforts. Phonewords, in particular, are memorable and can be used across all marketing platforms, creating a cohesive and professional image for your small business.

Customer convenience and trust

Having a centralised contact point under one professional phone number encourages customers to feel comfortable reaching out about their needs.

It also encourages potential customers to get in contact and begin the conversion journey into becoming a loyal customer.

Each professional number has their own features that highlights the convenience of a main point of contact and promotes trust.

For example, 1800 numbers are toll-free for customers, which can greatly increase customer satisfaction that eventually leads to higher levels of trust.

Additionally, all these numbers project a more professional appearance to phone calls than a standard landline or mobile number.

This professionalism is what attracts more customers and makes them trust in the services provided by the company.

Customer service data and analytics

Utilising the 1300 number or 1800 numbers allows businesses to collect valuable data on business numbers and customer interactions.

This data can be analysed to improve customer service, streamline operations, and enhance overall efficiency.

Interested in a business phone number?

Elevate your business communication with Telcoworks.

As specialists in providing 1300, 1800, and Phonewords for local phone numbers, we understand the importance of choosing the right phone number for your company.

If you’re a small business, startup and ad or a large enterprise, our tailored solutions and add ons can help you enhance your branding, improve customer trust, and streamline operations.

Contact us today to find the perfect solution for your communication needs and take your business to the next level.

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Frequently asked questions

What is a business phone number in Australia?

A business phone number in Australia is a dedicated telephone number used for business communications. They tend to offer professional features for call management and national reach to customers.

Professional Australian phone numbers are essential for establishing a professional presence, enhancing customer trust, and ensuring reliable communication channels for your business operations.

How do I get a number for my business?

You can obtain a business phone number by contacting Telcoworks, a leading provider of 1300, 1800, and Phonewords vanity numbers, who will guide you through the selection and setup process. With Telcoworks, you can choose a phone number that reflects your brand and enhances your professional image.

Can I keep an existing phone number?

Yes, you can usually port your existing local virtual phone numbers to Telcoworks if you prefer to retain it, ensuring continuity for your phone calls and business communications. Porting your existing number is a seamless process that ensures you maintain access to existing contacts and avoid disruptions in communication.

How do I port my number to a new provider?

Porting your virtual phone number involves contacting our expert consultants at Telcoworks and providing them with the necessary details to transfer the number from your current service provider, ensuring a seamless transition. Our team will handle the entire process for you, ensuring minimal downtime for your calls and business operations.

What are the tax implications of a business phone number?

Business phone numbers are typically tax-deductible as a business expense, but it’s advisable to consult with a tax advisor for specific advice tailored to your business situation. By investing in a business phone number, you can enjoy tax benefits while enhancing your communication capabilities with local customers.

How do I track the performance of my business phone number?

You can track the performance of your business phone number through comprehensive call analytics provided by Telcoworks, including call volume, postcode prompting, duration, and other key metrics, enabling you to make data-driven decisions to improve your communication strategy. With our analytics tools, you can gain valuable insights into customer interactions and optimise your marketing efforts for better results.

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What our customers are saying

I called to find out how best to use the services that I had paid for and God blessed me with Ash who picked up... I have in the past found this company to have very good customer support people on the phone, but Ash was just a delight - helpful, ensured I got everything I asked answered and was prompt and professional and knew everything without wasting any time... loved it and 10 stars if they were here
Devin from Telcoworks was super responsive, knowledgeable and problem solved to find and offer solutions that worked for my business. Within a few hours he had set up my international telecommunication needs. I am seriously impressed! Cheers Richard M - The Stylesmiths
Signing up for a 1300 number with Telcoworks for our business was so easy. The value for money is outstanding as we have full control through their easy to use portal. The customer service I received from Kristen to setup what we needed through the portals was also very friendly and easy - thank you

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