How Can Businesses Use Toll-Free Numbers to Increase ROI?
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Like the name suggests, toll-free numbers are such numbers where callers do not have to worry about costs while calling as the businesses handle it. Whether startups or well-established firms, a toll-free number is a great business asset.
Furthermore, sources state that almost 75% and 25% of billboard and high-cost TV advertisements have toll-free numbers, ultimately increasing the chance of getting more calls from consumers. Formerly, acquiring such numbers was a hassle, considering their limited availability and high price. However, many VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) providers now offer virtual toll-free numbers at a reasonable price.
So today, let’s learn how firms can use such toll-free numbers and increase their ROI (Return on Investment).
Types of Toll-Free Numbers
There are basically three types of toll-free numbers. The first is a typical phone number starting with specific 800 prefixes, mostly 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, or 833. Even if all of them are toll-free codes, none are interchangeable.
The second one is a vanity number. Though it begins with 800 prefixes rather than your normal numeric digits, it contains specific alphabetical words, for example, 800-PIZZA, 855-FLOWER, etc.
Last but not least is Universal International Freephone Numbers, or UIFN in short. While a toll-free number is restricted by geographical location and is limited to only a country, people from more than 60 nations can contact a UIFN.
Ways to Use Toll-Free Numbers to Increase ROI
From placing a toll-free number on pamphlets and advertisements during marketing to having a vanity phone number that matches a company’s product/service, there are many ways of using them to grow a company’s return on investment.
1. Marketing
When firms use their toll-free number while running marketing campaigns, they can expect a higher number of call responses. The main reason is that users do not have to pay a penny. It not only encourages customers to call, but enterprises can also track how their strategy is panning out with the dashboard or application that comes along with the virtual toll-free numbers.
2. Efficient Call Routing
Most toll-free numbers use geographic routing features to route calls to specific areas or agents. These features allow users to connect with the nearest support center, reducing long-distance calling fees and improving service speed.
Similarly, toll-free number services also use mechanisms like Least-Cost Routing (LCR) and Time-Based Routing (TBR) to enhance cost efficiency further.
- LCR: Identifies the cheapest available paths for calls based on carrier rates, helping businesses save on telecommunication expenses.
- TBR: Directs calls to locations with more available agents during peak hours, reducing hold times and improving call-handling efficiency.
3. Discount on High Volume Calls
Many carrier providers offer multiple offers, one of which is heavy discounts on high-volume calls. This means that the more calls made/received, the heavier the reduction in calling prices.
Furthermore, since toll-free numbers do not charge calling costs, they promptly encourage consumers to reach out more, increasing call volumes. While you not only get a deducted bill, the business profit will also ultimately increase.
4. Advanced Features
Virtual toll-free numbers use VoIP and have many features, including automatic call distribution, interactive voice response, and voicemail-to-email.
ACD and IVR reduce long waiting times and help clients speak directly with their desired agents, eventually decreasing talk time and saving a certain cost during a toll-free call. Furthermore, all the audio messages can be received in inboxes with voicemail-to-email. After listening to them, you can decide whether to call or just handle the matter via text, depending on their urgency.
5. Create a National/International Presence
A local number mostly begins with an area code, tying the organization to a specific geographical location. It is also bound to a certain region. However, a toll-free number starts with 800 prefixes and projects that an institution is nationally available. Even more, a UIFN helps create a global presence reflecting international status and attracting additional customers worldwide.
6. Easy To Recall/Memorize
It is always the best choice to get a business phone number that is easy to recall in time of need, like with the same digits (123-444-5555) or number sequence (123-456-7890). Unfortunately, such numbers are already in use. Do not worry, as you can have a customized vanity number depending on the business type.
For instance, a repairing shop can have an 800-REPAIR number, or a flower shop can have an 888-FLOWER number. Additionally, reports suggest vanity numbers are easier to memorize as well, and consumers prefer to dial such numbers.
7. Convenient for Customer
One main reason how toll-free numbers help increase ROI is because they were created keeping customers’ convenience in mind. They provide a medium for clients to call whenever they need to, that too without being charged. So, compared to firms without a toll-free number, it is convenient for users to call a company with one, offering firms a competitive edge.
Conclusion
A business can use a toll-free number for advertisements and marketing since it is easy to remember/recall and grows call volume, ultimately increasing return on investment. Moreover, it provides a competitive edge, helping the firm to create a strong presence nationally or even globally.
So, if you are looking to acquire a toll-free number, sign up with Calilio, subscribe to one of its plans, and purchase your desired digits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do businesses need a toll-free number?
Businesses need a toll-free number to offer clients a medium to contact them without worrying about calling costs.
What is the difference between toll-free and local rates?
While toll-free means free of cost, local rates mean a certain amount of money for calls.
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