From voice calls to text messaging to live chats, consumers these days can choose from different customer service channels to suit their needs. And while calling might not seem as common as before, studies show that the telephone is very much here to stay.

According to CM.com, 69% of consumers prefer getting on the phone for customer service as they appreciate speaking directly to someone to solve their issues. This aligns with the finding that 88% of respondents want it to be as easy as possible to reach a company by phone.

For your business to satisfy different audiences and preferences, you’ll need not just a business phone number, but ideally a modern business phone solution and messaging system that allows you to put your best voice forward — at all times.

What is a business phone number?

A business phone number is simply a dedicated phone number for a business that ensures customers can contact the organization directly. As phone support continues to be a popular choice for immediate and personalized customer service, a business phone number is essential for brand credibility and business growth.

This blog will explore:

What are the benefits of a business phone number?

1. Professionalism

Knowing upfront whether it’s a business call allows you to look and sound professional — always. With the right business phone solution, you can turn your smartphone into a professional business phone system with versatile features that make you look and sound big while operating small.

2. Privacy

Keep work and life separate with a dedicated business line on your cell phone. Instead of getting a second mobile device, keep it simple with one phone, two numbers. This keeps your personal number private, and you’ll always know when business is calling.

3. Call management

Handle your incoming calls with effortless efficiency. From welcoming your customers with personalized business greetings to call forwarding to business voicemail for after-hours calls, you won’t miss another business call again.

What are the different types of business phone numbers?

1. Local numbers

A local number has a pre-designated area code specific to a particular region, city, or state. Local numbers allow customers to easily identify the location of a business — ideal if you’re looking to establish your business within the community.

2. Toll-free numbers

If national business presence is a priority, toll-free numbers might be what you need. Starting with a toll-free prefix — 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, or 833 — toll-free numbers are free of charge for the caller within the country. These special numbers project a professional image, signaling your availability to customers nationwide.

3. Vanity numbers

For marketing purposes, some companies use phone numbers that are memorable and unique. These are vanity numbers — toll-free numbers that spell out a word or phrase, such as 1-800-FLOWERS or 1-800-GoFedEx.

4. Porting your number

What if you already have a phone number you love? Simply transfer your number to the new business phone provider (otherwise known as porting your number).

Instead of having to notify customers about the new number, just keep your existing number and turn it into a professional business phone system!

What are the steps to get a business phone number on a cell phone?

Step 1: Choose a business phone number provider

There are many options available for different business sizes and needs. If you’re a solopreneur, entrepreneur or small business owner, Grasshopper’s virtual business phone solution is custom-built to help you sound big and grow bigger.

Step 2: Pick your business phone number

Decide which option works best for you: local number, toll-free number, vanity number, or port your current number. Grasshopper supports all number types and offers an inventory of numbers for you to choose from.

Step 3: Use your new business number across all your devices

With Grasshopper, you can download our convenient desktop and mobile apps to make sure you receive and respond to business calls and messages on all your devices — whether at the office, at home or on the go.

The recommended business phone solution for entrepreneurs

Just because you’re a small operation doesn’t mean you can’t sound impressive. Grasshopper gives entrepreneurs the tools to look and sound professional at all times, even when you’re on the go.

3 reasons to choose Grasshopper:

Besides keeping your work and personal life separate, Grasshopper lets you run your business from an affordable and simple-to-use virtual phone system in your pocket. If that’s not compelling enough, here are three ways Grasshopper gives small businesses a leg up.

  1. Designed for entrepreneurs on the go, with phone and texting capabilities via desktop and mobile apps.

  2. A feature-rich platform that’s customizable to your needs, from custom greetings to business texting to voicemail transcriptions to call reporting, and more.

  3. 24/7 support any time you need us, by phone or chat.

Experience the benefits of one phone, two numbers today, with a commitment-free trial of Grasshopper.