800 phone numbers' key elements - report from RingCentral

1. 800 phone numbers' key elements
The success of utilizing 800 phone numbers in companies just isn't often 100% guaranteed. This greatly
depends on the way you chose your toll-free numbers. Of course, your phone service provider can also
be a factor, however it will all boil down to how accessible your numbers are to customers. Are they
simple enough to remember?
Listed below are five guidelines on selecting your 800 phone numbers:
1. Select 800 or 888 just as much as possible.
Toll-free numbers do not only begin using a 1-800 prefix unlike common understanding. There are other
800 phone numbers, like 888, 877, 866 and 855. However, it is best if you refrain from obtaining numbers
with the last three prefixes (877, 866 and 855). Most callers aren't familiar with them. Probabilities are
they will believe these lines, although toll-free, are regular telephone numbers with call charges. You don't
want your callers to hesitate calling you with this reason.
2. Pick a vanity number that reflects your business.
Examples of vanity numbers are 1-800-ROOFING or 1-800-AUCTION. Callers can effortlessly remember
them because these are toll-free numbers which use letters as an alternative to numbers. In selecting
your vanity numbers, pick 1 that truly reflects your service or product. Do not simply settle for something
vague or inappropriate. For example, in case you are in the line of insurance sales, it is possible to go for
1-800-INSURED. It is possible to also use vanity numbers to advertise a particular promo or message,
like 1-800-GOADOPT to encourage callers to consider pets from your shop.
Do not use your company’s name unless your company is definitely well-known. If you just use 1-800-
STELLAS, for your business “Stella’s Leather Products”, people won't recognize the form of service or
product you are providing. Try utilizing 1-800-LEATHER instead.
3. Consider the spelling.
Vanity numbers should reflect your industry or field. But always remember to consider the word you pick.
Is it simple to spell? Avoid using words and phrases that are difficult to spell like “asthmas” or “le fleur”.
Furthermore, refrain from using words with Q or Z simply because they were just recently included with
phone keypads.
4. Do not use a hybrid number.
800 phone numbers sometimes come in the form of hybrid numbers. These numbers are not vanity
numbers, although they also have words. Examples are 1-800-609-MUGS or 1-800-917-DELI. Be aware
that before the words, there are 3 numbers that may possibly hinder your callers from remembering them
easily. What’s the use of those three numbers? The callers will simply remember your toll-free number as
1-800-number, number, BOTTLE-number. Use an accurate vanity number rather than a hybrid number.
5. Be aligned with regards to your marketing and branding strategies.
Lastly, make certain you know the marketing or branding strategies of your company just before choosing
your toll-free numbers. Some businesses want consistency with their marketing campaigns. Others follow
their own strategies in building their identity or services and products. In any case, you need to be
cautious because once the callers are already familiar with your 800 phone numbers, it could be difficult
for them to remember any other number for your business.