Difference Between Toll Free and Local Phone Numbers? What is Best for Your Business in USA

Contrary to what many young entrepreneurs say, the phone number is not dead. The phone number remains the most important communication tool for businesses today. You’ll find it on websites, social media, and in any local marketing materials.

That’s because most consumers still prefer to speak to a real person over the phone. But that brings us to the question: which type of number is best to use, a toll-free number or a local phone number?

What’s the Difference Between Toll Free and Local Numbers?

There are a few differences between these two types of numbers.

First, a toll-free number is completely free for a customer to call. You can spot one of these numbers as they’re formatted differently. They use a toll-free area code, such as 1-888 or the much desired 1-800 area code. You’ll often see businesses using these numbers on TV ads, for example.

A local number is assigned by your landline provider. These are usually not customizable and it’s difficult for businesses to choose a specific number.

It’s common for most companies to stick with whatever number their landline provider gives them.

Why Do People Prefer Calling Toll Free Numbers?

Believe it or not, your choice of phone number can send different messages to your customer.

A toll-free line is better for dealing with a wide customer base. When a customer doesn’t yet trust your brand they don’t want to risk wasting money by calling you. This can convince people to call your number and give you a shot.

Your toll-free line is also an excellent way of branding your company. These are highly customizable and there’s a lot of competition for the best numbers.

The downside is toll free numbers are often expensive to buy. The level of competition means it can be a big investment to get the number you want.

Why a Number Tied to Your Location isn’t Always a Bad Thing
It’s easy to dismiss the local phone number as a thing of the past. But a local number also says something about your business.

These days consumers love to support local businesses. If you’re the kind of business intending to do business primarily on a local level, a local number says to consumers that you’re just down the road from them.

This is especially the case if your business happens to be located in a town or village where everyone knows everybody.

Since local numbers are assigned, you usually don’t need to pay extra for your number. For entrepreneurs who are on a tight budget, the local option can be the better option.

So, What’s the Superior Option for Your Business?

It all depends on whom your business serves and its location. Not every business has a use for a more expensive toll-free line.

Local and small businesses and entrepreneurs with smaller budgets may want to choose the standard local line to begin with. They may have no need for a specialized number if their operations are over a small area.

On the other hand, businesses looking for a highly professional look may want to consider the toll-free option. If you’re primarily driving traffic to your phone lines, the toll-free number will give you much better results.

Either way, once you make a decision, you’re not stuck with it for the rest of your life. Plenty of local businesses have purchased a toll-free line when they decided it was the right investment for them.

What type of business number do you need to take your company to the next level?

Content Source: https://www.cebodtelecom.com/toll-free-or-local-phone-number/

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What to Expect from VoIP Phone Service Provider?

VoIP is the revolution within the telecommunications industry. It beats out traditional telephone lines in every area to such an extent many businesses are no longer using older phone systems at all.

VoIP is the telecommunications system changing the way businesses operate worldwide. All companies need to know what kind of VoIP phone service provider can do for them and why they should consider switching to this technology.

What is VoIP?

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol.

Instead of using a traditional phone line to communicate, data packages are sent over the IP network itself. In other words, you can use your Internet connection alone to make phone calls to both traditional phone outlets, other VoIP users, and mobile devices.

The fact VoIP uses an Internet connection means you can use VoIP from anywhere and your number isn’t tied to a specific location.

Why You Should Be Searching for a VoIP Provider

There are a range of benefits businesses can reap from investing in a brand-new VoIP system.

Lower Prices – It’s often free to make domestic calls and international calls are heavily discounted. You’ll soon make back the money you invested in your VoIP service.

More Flexibility – Make calls from anywhere where there’s an Internet connection. You can use the same number from your desktop or mobile device, so you don’t need to be out of the office when you’re on the go.

Great Features – VoIP comes with features you would need to pay large amounts of money for if you got them from a classic landline provider. These include call forwarding, call transcripts, SMS and automated waiting.

Conference Calling – Conference calling is possible through a traditional landline provider, but it usually costs extra. This isn’t the case with VoIP providers. Conference calling is nearly always included in the base package, so you can make conference calls quickly and easily.

Simple Scaling – Scaling an old-style phone network is costly and time consuming. VoIP can be scaled according to your needs without the need to lay down additional cables or moving to a new location. And it can be scaled both ways.

What the Best VoIP Providers Offer

There are hundreds of VoIP providers operating on both a nationwide and local level. They each offer high-quality services, but you need to know what to look for.

Let’s take a look at what the best VoIP providers offer.

• Complete Telecommunications System in a Single Package- Every business has different needs. VoIP providers are there to give you the complete package, so you can install the features you need without changing systems. You only need to pay for the features you’re actually going to use, which is not the case with conventional telephone lines, where you’re forced into a certain type of package.

• Enhanced Mobility- Whether it’s a call, a text, or a fax, you need a system that can automatically route any incoming communications to your device(s) of choice. Call forwarding is the minimum standard and you should demand it with every type of VoIP package on the market.

• Simplified Setup- Depending on which VoIP provider you use, you may receive on-site installation/training, or you may be responsible for this yourself. Many national providers are unable to offer on-site services, but local providers can. When you purchase a new VoIP system you should expect to be up and running within a matter of hours.

• No Hardware Involved- One of the great advantages of VoIP in the modern era is there’s no hardware involved. You don’t need to wait for any specialized equipment to arrive from a vendor. You won’t have to take into account any type of hardware as installation can be done on the Internet. Many VoIP providers even offer central dashboards, so you can add and remove extensions at the click of a button.

• Exceptional Customer Service- Like with anything in the world of tech, things can and will go wrong. You want to make sure you get the problem resolved as soon as you possibly can. Search for a VoIP provider known for its customer service. They should be available at any hour of the day or night, and you should be speaking to someone who works for the company – not some outsourced agent.

Why You Need an Innovative Communications Hub in the Middle of Your Office

Don’t just look at VoIP as an opportunity to make cheap calls. VoIP is a total communications hub for your business. It can revolutionize the way you communicate with clients.That’s why you should expect an innovative communications hub from any VoIP provider you team up with. You should be able to make alterations to your system at the click of a button. Make sure that when you choose a VoIP provider you observe their dashboard and what you can do from it on the go.

Have you started researching VoIP providers yet?

Content Source: https://www.cebodtelecom.com/what-to-expect-from-voip-phone-service-provider/

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