Get a Vanity Phone Number For Your Business
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Vanity phone numbers are custom numbers that contain words or phrases representing your brand. These numbers are easy to remember for customers and can significantly boost your brand recognition.
Both traditional telecom providers and modern VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) phone service providers offer vanity phone numbers.
What is A Vanity Number?
A vanity number is a phone number that spells out specific words instead of a random string of numbers. For example, your business number could be 1-800-BOOKNOW or 1-888-CLEANUP, making it easier for customers to memorize and dial.
There are two main types of vanity phone numbers: Toll-Free Vanity Numbers and Local Vanity Numbers.
Toll-Free Vanity Numbers: These numbers begin with prefixes like 800, 888, or 877, and they allow customers to call your business without being charged.
Local Vanity Numbers: These numbers use a local area code, making them ideal for businesses that want to build a local presence while still being memorable.
Why Do You Need Vanity Phone Numbers?
A vanity phone number creates a unique identity for your business. Customers can recall your number easily and reach out without searching for your contact information.
Boost Brand Recognition
Custom phone numbers like 1-800-FLOWERS or 1-800-CONTACTS instantly connect the customer with the brand. The easier it is for your customers to remember your number, the more likely they are to contact you.
Improve Marketing Efforts
Increase Customer Trust
Vanity telephone numbers look professional. When customers see your number, they feel more confident reaching you. These numbers give the impression that your business is established and reliable.
Convenient for Customers
Your customers no longer need to go here and there to search your customer’s details. They can easily recall just looking at your brand name. This convenience ultimately increases the chances of customers dialing your number.
How to Get a Vanity Phone Number?
You can get a vanity phone number from traditional phone number carriers AT&T and T-Mobile or VoIP services like Calilio.
1. Choose a Vanity Number Provider
Start by selecting a service provider that offers vanity telephone numbers. Look for providers according to your needs, whether you’re looking for a local or toll-free number. Also, consider their price against the offered features for the best deal.
2. Decide Your Number
Think about what you want your vanity number to look like. Do you want it to spell out a specific word related to your business (e.g., 1-800-PLUMBER), or would you prefer a sequence of easy-to-remember numbers?
3. Check for Availability
Once you've decided on the ideal vanity number, use the provider's search tool to check if it's available. If your desired number is already in use, you may need to try a few variations.
4. Set Up and Purchase Your Number
After finding an available number, follow the provider’s setup process. This typically involves registering your number and paying for it. Some providers offer subscription-based plans, while others may charge a one-time setup fee.
Top 5 Vanity Phone Number Providers
Obtaining the vanity number is easy. Once you find the right provider, you just need to purchase your number. Below are five top providers that can help you secure the perfect custom phone number for your business.
AT&T
AT&T offers both traditional SIM-based and VoIP vanity phone numbers. To secure a Vanity 800 number, you simply need to log in to AT&T’s Office@Hand portal, where you can search for available numbers. The setup process typically takes up to 5 business days to complete.
AT&T charges a one-time setup fee of $30 and a monthly fee of $4.99 for maintaining the vanity number. The price may be a bit higer compared to other smaller provider. However, AT&T’s strong network reliability and excellent customer support make it worth the investment.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile also offers both traditional phone numbers and virtual phone numbers. T-Mobile’s focus is on mobile-first services, and its VoIP service integrates well with mobile devices. This makes it an attractive choice for businesses that value accessibility. However, one potential limitation is that T-Mobile may not have as many advanced VoIP features as some dedicated VoIP providers. However, it’s a solid option for small to medium-sized businesses looking for reliable service.
eVoice
United Voice
Unitel Voice specializes in providing vanity virtual numbers. Their platform offers a free search tool that allows you to explore available vanity numbers from the FCC’s national database. This efficient search feature lets you quickly see which numbers are available and which have already been claimed by other companies.
Once you’ve found the right vanity number, Unitel Voice charges a one-time fee for registration. In addition to the vanity number, their service comes with a range of business communication features, such as call routing, voicemail-to-email, custom greetings, and more.
Grasshopper
Grasshopper provides a VoIP vanity number online. Before signing up, you can check the availability of your desired vanity number directly on their platform. Also, after getting the number, you can forward your existing phone number to your new number.
What makes Grasshopper different is that it does not require any one-time activation fee, unlike most of the other providers. However, you do have to pay the monthly fee. The service costs $14 per month.
Below is a quick comparison of the top 5 vanity phone number providers, highlighting their pros, cons, key features, and pricing.
Provider | Pros | Cons | Key Features | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
AT&T |
| Higher prices than smaller providers | SIM-based and VoIP options | $30 setup fee $4.99/month |
T-Mobile |
| Limited advanced VoIP features |
| The monthly plan starts at $14 |
eVoice |
| Slower setup process |
| The monthly plan starts at $14 |
United Voice |
| Fewer advanced features for large businesses |
| The monthly plan starts at $ 9.99 |
Grasshopper |
| Limited customization options |
| $14/month for one number |
How to Choose the Perfect Vanity Telephone Number for Your Business
When selecting a vanity number for your business, select the number that is easy to remember, aligns with your brand identity, and is accessible to your target audience.
1. Make It Memorable
Choose a number that sticks to the customer’s mind. Having said so, your number must also relate to your business. For example, if you’re in the cleaning industry, pick a number like 1-800-CLEANUP. It’s easy to remember and relates to your business.
2. Check Availability
Use your provider’s search tool to see if the number is in use or available for purchase. You may also need to consider alternative combinations or variations if your first choice isn’t available.
3. Consider the Cost
Vanity numbers can vary in price depending on the provider. Make sure to review the costs associated with setting up and maintaining the vanity number, as well as any extra features like call forwarding or voicemail. Consider whether the potential ROI justifies the investment.
4. Choose Between Local or Toll-Free
Decide if you need a local vanity number or a toll-free number. Choose a local number if you want to establish a strong presence in a specific geographic area. On the contrary, pick a toll-free number (like 1-800) if you’re running the business nationally or internationally.
Wrapping Up
Vanity phone numbers can improve your brand recognition, call volumes, and marketing effectiveness. You can easily get a vanity number from a variety of sources, including VoIP providers or traditional telecom companies. Get a SIM-based vanity number if your business relies on physical networks. However, if you’re looking for added business communication or VoIP features in your number, then virtual vanity numbers are the perfect option.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set up a vanity phone number?
To set up a vanity number, contact the service provider and purchase the number first. Then, follow the provider’s instructions to configure the number on your device.
How to get a vanity phone number free?
VoIP services like eVoice and Grasshopper may offer limited-time trials for vanity numbers. However, for long-term use, these numbers typically come with a fee.
Is it possible to get a custom phone number?
Yes, it’s possible to get a custom phone number. Many VoIP and telecom providers allow you to request specific numbers or words that align with your brand.
Can I get a vanity number on Google Voice?
Google Voice does not currently offer vanity numbers. Google Voice assigns numbers from its available pool, which means you cannot customize or request a specific vanity number.
How long does it take to get a vanity 800 Number?
The time to get a vanity 800 number varies depending on the provider. Typically, it can take anywhere from a few minutes to 5 business days.
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