If you are a business owner looking for an edge, vanity phone numbers may be the answer. Vanity phone numbers are easy to remember and stand out from other numbers, making them a great choice for businesses trying to increase brand recognition and customer engagement.
In 2020, Panda Security surveyed 3,000 Americans and found that about 32% of them suffered from digital amnesia, which inhibits the human ability to remember things due to technology dependence. The survey also showed that most people could not remember the phone numbers of their parents, children, or other frequently used phone contacts.
If people don’t remember the phone number of their closest ones, how are they supposed to remember some business phone numbers?
Vanity numbers and their clever use of words and memorable sounds can potentially drive more customers to businesses and help them stand out from the competition.
This article will discuss the true value of vanity phone numbers for businesses and how to use them effectively. From increasing brand recognition to enhancing consumer engagement, vanity phone numbers can be a significant asset for any company’s marketing strategy.
What Is a Vanity Phone Number?
A vanity phone number is a personalized phone number that spells out a certain word or phrase using the letters on the keypad. They have either a local area code or an 800 prefix number. These numbers are intended to be simple to remember and help businesses and individuals establish a memorable brand identity or contact point.
Vanity numbers are frequently used in advertising and marketing initiatives and are a simple yet effective approach to boosting brand awareness. Vanity numbers can also convey an image of professionalism or legitimacy by implying that a company or organization has invested in a distinct point of contact for customers or clients.
Vanity numbers help businesses stand out and will integrate effortlessly with your call tracking systems.
This information may be utilized to understand customer behavior better and make better business decisions. They also provide additional functions like call routing, campaign performance tracking, and other advanced analytics tools.
Types of Vanity Phone Numbers
Businesses can choose between two types of vanity phone numbers: toll-free vanity numbers and local vanity numbers.
- Toll-free vanity phone numbers: The caller can dial these phone numbers for free since the charges are handled by the call’s receiver (typically the company). Toll-free numbers typically start with the prefix 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, or 844. Brands often use these numbers to make it easier for customers to reach them without incurring call charges.
A toll-free vanity phone number typically spells out a memorable word or phrase that is related to the business or its products or services. For example, 1-800-CARS is a toll-free vanity number for car merchants.
- Local vanity phone numbers: These are phone numbers with a local area code, meaning they are tied to a specific geographic location. Local vanity phone numbers can be customized to spell a word or phrase using the corresponding digits on a telephone keypad, just like toll-free vanity numbers.
Small businesses or organizations often use local vanity phone numbers to establish a local presence and make it easy for customers in their area to remember their phone numbers. For example, a plumbing company based in Los Angeles might choose a local vanity phone number like 310-PLUMBER, which spells out the word “plumber” using the digits on a telephone keypad.
Examples of Vanity Phone Numbers
Vanity numbers can consist of a unique combination of letters and numbers or solely of numbers. Here are a few typical examples:
- Spellable numbers: These are the most recognizable vanity phone numbers, as they spell out a company’s name or slogan. For example, a hospital may have 1-800-HEALTHY as its vanity number. This type of phone number is great for brands who want to ensure their names are easy to remember and recognize.
- Repeating numbers: These vanity numbers consist of repeating digits—for example, 1-800-888-8888 or 1-800-111-1111.
- Sequential numbers: These are phone numbers with sequential digits, such as 1-800-123-4567 or 1-888-234-5678.
- Mixed numbers: These are vanity phone numbers that combine letters and numbers to create a memorable business phone number. For example, 1-888-123-4BBQ.
Benefits of Vanity Phone Numbers
Vanity phone numbers have become incredibly popular in recent years and for good reason. Not only do they help businesses stand out from their competition, but vanity phone numbers also offer several other key benefits to businesses looking to maximize their reach and profitability.
Improved Customer Service
Vanity phone numbers can improve customer service by making it easier for customers to remember the contact information for a business. Because vanity numbers are easy to remember, customers can quickly and easily reach out when they need assistance or want more information. Additionally, businesses looking to make their contact information more memorable may find that customers are more likely to stay loyal if they remember the company’s business phone number.
Increased Brand Recognition
Vanity phone numbers also provide an effective way to market a business.
Because vanity phone numbers are frequently displayed on billboards, print advertisements, and other forms of conventional media, firms may simply convey their message without needing costly marketing campaigns.
Professional Touch
A vanity phone number enhances the professional image of your company. It demonstrates that you have put time and effort into developing a strong brand identity, which will offer people trust in your company.
Enhanced Credibility
A vanity number not only shows that a company is committed to its success but also shows that it is committed to providing great customer service. Customers who see a vanity phone number are more likely to trust the company and feel secure doing business with it in the future.
Improved Analytics
Some providers of vanity phone numbers offer analytics that allows you to monitor the success of your advertising campaigns. You can view the number and origin of incoming calls, enabling you to make more informed business decisions.
A cloud-based marketing platform Phonexa offers the option to purchase and use vanity phone numbers as part of its all-in-one marketing automation solution for calls, leads, clicks, email, SMS, accounting, and more. This way, brands can understand customer behavior, tap into real-time call activity, and improve conversions.
Best Vanity Phone Numbers Practices
Businesses must use clever vanity phone number strategies to get the highest return on investment and save money in the long term. They, for example, might avoid spending money on costly marketing initiatives to promote their business phone numbers by picking an acceptable vanity number.
Make it memorable: Use a memorable term or phrase related to your company or industry.
Keep it simple and short: Use a simple number to dial and avoid patterns or letters that may be difficult for consumers to remember.
Make it relevant: Choose an appropriate number for your business or industry. For instance, if you own a sushi restaurant, you could choose a number that spells “SUSHI.”
Consider multiple options: Try various combinations of numerals and letters to discover the optimal solution for your business.
Use it consistently: Once you’ve selected a vanity number, use it consistently across all your marketing materials, such as business cards, pamphlets, and advertisements.
Test it out: Before launching your vanity number, test it out with a small group of customers to ensure it is easy to remember and dial.
Monitor its effectiveness: Track the number of calls and leads generated from your vanity number to determine its effectiveness and adjust as needed.
How To Get a Vanity Phone Number
Importing or leasing a vanity phone number is one of the most effective methods to stand out from the competition and deliver an exceptional experience. Here are the steps you need to take:
| Step | Description |
| 1. Choose a service provider | Research different phone service providers and find the one with the best features for your needs. Look at their rates, coverage area, customer reviews, and any other factors that are important to you. |
| 2. Search for available numbers | Once you’ve chosen a provider, decide which vanity number you want to use. You can search for available phone numbers online. Search for a specific word or phrase; the website will show you all available options. |
| 3. Make sure it’s compatible | Before purchasing your vanity number, ensure it’s compatible with your current phone service. If not, you’ll need to switch providers or make other changes to your account. |
| 4. Set up your phone service | Once you have purchased your vanity phone number, you must set up your phone service with the service provider. Typically, you will be required to provide your personal and billing information. Order processing typically takes a few days, but some providers offer same-day approval. |
| 5. Activate your number | Once your order is approved, it’s time to activate your vanity phone number. Depending on your provider, it usually involves dialing a special code or entering information online. |
Remember that some service providers may charge an additional fee for vanity phone numbers, so check the pricing before purchasing.
Unlock the True Value of Vanity Phone Numbers for Your Business
The true value of vanity phone numbers is enormous. They make it simpler for customers to remember your business, help you stand out from the competition, and establish an immediate brand identity. Additionally, vanity phone numbers can enhance the customer experience by providing a memorable point of contact and prompt customer service.
Vanity phone numbers can increase trust and credibility by demonstrating that your business is reputable and professional. They offer numerous benefits to businesses of any size, making them an invaluable asset in today’s competitive marketplace. Therefore, investing in a vanity phone number will likely pay off for businesses seeking to stand out from the competition and demonstrate to consumers that they are a reliable source.
Schedule a consultation with one of Phonexa’s experts and learn how its call tracking, analytics, and other marketing tools can help you to make smarter optimizations and improve your ROI.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a vanity toll-free number?
A vanity toll-free number is a phone number that spells out some words or your company name rather than just having digits. It makes it simple for clients to remember the phone number and increases brand awareness for your company. Vanity toll-free numbers are typically associated with big businesses, but small businesses can also use them.
How can I get a vanity phone number?
Vanity phone numbers are frequently purchased from a neighborhood service provider. Additionally, businesses that specialize in producing and selling vanity numbers are available online.
How much do vanity phone numbers cost?
The cost of vanity phone numbers can vary depending on the number’s length and complexity and the carrier you use. However, businesses can expect to pay anywhere from a few to several hundred dollars for a vanity phone number. It’s important to research before committing to a particular provider.
How do vanity phone numbers work?
The telephone company typically assigns vanity phone numbers, and they can be easily set up to forward calls to any existing non-vanity number. It allows businesses to have multiple lines with branded vanity numbers while maintaining just one central point of contact.
What are the benefits of vanity phone numbers?
Vanity phone numbers have been proven to help businesses increase recognition, customer loyalty, and customer acquisition. They can also help businesses create a more professional brand image and give customers an easy way to remember their contact information.
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