You’re getting ready to launch your own business. You’ve come up with a name. You’ve made a logo. And you’ve created a website. You go to order business cards, and you realize you need a business number.
You can’t just use your personal cell phone. You need to create a unique business number that looks professional and is easy to remember. But most importantly, let’s take company calls on your cell phone so you can run your business from anywhere.
So what do you do? Carry two cell phones around? One for your business and one for personal use?
No need. This isn’t 1995.
Today you can simply create a business number and add it to your cell phone. Having two numbers is much easier, cheaper, and lighter than having two devices.
Ready to get started?
In this quick guide, you’ll learn:
- 7 apps and service providers you can use to create a business number
- 3 critical reasons you need to create a dedicated business number
- Should you use a local business number or a toll free number?
- Why creating a branded business number gives you an advantage
7 apps and service providers you can use to create your own custom business number:
Whether you want to create a local, toll free, or vanity number for your business the following products have you covered.
Here are the top service providers and apps that let you make your own business number and use it on any device:
1. GoDaddy Smartline App
Starting at $19.99/per month.
The SmartLine app gives you a second phone number to separate your business calls from your personal calls. You look professional – and that leads to more business.
How to create a number with Smartline:
- Step 1: Download the Smartline app.
- Step 2: Click create an account.
- Step 3: Search for an area code and choose your number.
2. UniTel Voice
Starting at $9.99/per month.
UniTel Voice is the virtual phone system that lets entrepreneurs run and grow their businesses from anywhere.
How to create a number with UniTel Voice:
Start here.
- Step 1: Pick your plan.
- Step 2: Choose your number.
- Step 3: Create your account.
3. 800.com
Starting at $29/per month.
Creating an 800 number with 800.com couldn’t be easier. Turn the world into your office with your own toll-free number today.
How to create a number with 800.com:
Start here.
- Step 1: Enter a word, number, or pattern.
- Step 2: Select your number.
- Step 3: Choose your plan.
4. Grasshopper
Starting at $26/user per month.
Grasshopper adds a business number and virtual phone system to your personal phone. And they get that you’re a small business owner, not an office manager.
With this app you’ll spend less time managing your phone system and more time doing what you do best, growing your business.
How to create a number with Grasshopper:
Start here.
- Step 1: Click “Try Free”
- Step 2: Select “Which number is right for you”.
- Step 3: Enter a word, number, or pattern.
- Step 4: Select your number.
- Step 5: Create your account.
5. Line2
Starting at $14.99/per month.
Line2 makes it simpler, easier, and more affordable to manage your communications. Call, text, receive voicemail, and more, all from a convenient second line.
Start here.
- Step 1: Download the app “Line2”.
- Step 2: Click “Sign Up”.
- Step 3: Set up your account.
- Step 4: Choose your own number.
- Step 5: Choose a plan.
6. Sideline
Starting at $9.99/per month.
Your phone’s other number. Keep life organized, work flowing, and your
personal number private — all on Sideline.
Start here.
- Step 1: Download the app “Sideline”.
- Step 2: Hit “Phone Number”.
- Step 3: Create an account.
- Step 4: Select a plan.
7. eVoice
Starting at $14.99/per month.
An oldie but a goodie, eVoice’s virtual phone system sets you free from the limitations of expensive hardware. You can customize your online phone number to seamlessly fit your needs, no matter the size of your business.
How to create a number with eVoice:
Start here.
- Step 1: Create your account.
- Step 2: Choose your number.
- Step 3: Complete your order.
3 Things to Consider Before You Create a Number:
#1: Why is it critical to create a dedicated phone number for your business?
There are three main reasons why you need to create a dedicated business number:
- Looking Professional: Having a business number on your marketing material (business cards, website, ads, etc.) makes your business look more polished and professional.
- Staying Connected: Using a separate business number from your personal cell number allows you to answer calls professionally, route callers to other employees, or send them to business voicemail.
- Making Sales: Creating a business number allows you to prioritize customer calls over personal calls or vice versa. As an entrepreneur, you never want to miss an opportunity to make a sale.
#2: Should you create a local number or toll free number for your business?
The first step in creating a business number is deciding if you want a local phone number or a toll free business number. Both types of telephone numbers have their advantages.
Here’s what you need to know in order to choose what type of number is right for your business:
- Toll Free Numbers: A toll free number (numbers with the area code (800, 888, 877, 866, 855. 844, and 833) gives your business a nationwide presence. And toll free numbers have been historically viewed as “official” business phone numbers used by corporations.
- Local Phone Numbers: Local numbers, on the other hand, give your business a local feel. And when you use a virtual local number, it doesn’t matter where your business operates. You can have a virtual number with a local area code of your choice.
#3: Why does creating a branded vanity number give you an advantage?
Do you want to create a business number that’s easy to remember and reinforces your brand and value proposition? Of course, you do. You need a branded number (a.k.a a vanity phone number).
You’ve got a Facebook page, Twitter account, and custom domain name that helps market your business, you can also have a branded vanity phone number.
Vanity numbers (numbers with letters like 1-800-FLOWERS) allow you to put your brand name in more locations. And what’s easier to remember, 1-833-GET-LOANS or 1-833-438-5626?
So, if you want to reach more customers, consider making a vanity number for the following touchpoints:
- Business cards
- Radio ads
- Billboards
- Vehicle decals
- Websites
- Storefronts
- Direct mailings
- Other marketing materials
Editor’s Note: Want more handpicked content that’ll help you build your business? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter.
