Finding a Vanity 800 Number for Your Business
View PDF | Print View
by: Laura Noonan
Total views: 33
Word Count: 590
Let’s face it – times have changed and finding the perfect available phone number for your business is a challenge. Sure you can get any numeric toll-free phone number from your phone company, but who wants that? Business owners and advertisers want something unique, and in today’s economic environment need something unique. A strategy that makes their business stand out from the competition (e.g., 800-FLOWERS, 800-CONTACTS). That something is a toll-free vanity 800 number and unfortunately that something is a scarce resource these days. But it is still possible to join the ranks of the 800-MATTRESS and 1-800-GOT-JUNK marketers. To find the best vanity 800 number for your business here’s what you need to know:
The Dead End…
If you think you know the perfect vanity 800 number for your business it may be possible to determine if it is already in use just by dialing it from your phone. In rare situations, you’ll find that the vanity 800 number is not currently being used by another business or individual and you can go about trying to obtain that number for yourself. However, it’s important to know that according to FCC rules it is illegal to sell a toll-free number, so be wary of anyone who offers to “sell” you the perfect toll-free or vanity 800 phone number. And, if it turns out that the number is taken (i.e., it rings to an existing business), you’re out of luck.
The Last Resort…
You can try looking for a vanity phone number through one of the well-known telecom service providers like AT&T or WorldCom. Alternatively, you can consult a toll-free broker. But again, beware. Most brokers are not operating within the constraints of the FCC rules on buying and selling toll-free numbers. Moreover, brokers do not have access to the best vanity numbers. They will not have the most recognizable toll-free prefix – 800. They may have the 866, 877 or 888 prefix versions of certain numbers, or hybrids (numeric and mnemonic combinations), but who wants to settle for second rate when it comes to a business investment? You should only settle for the best – an unforgettable, full vanity with the 800 prefix (it’s like choosing “.com:” over the other alternatives for your URL).
The ONLY WAY…
Finally, and most recommended, be sure to contact a vanity 800 service provider who operates on a shared-use system. By providing toll-free service using a shared-use system – meaning the toll-free numbers route to a business based on the area code of the calling party – these toll-free service providers are able to supply the same vanity 800 number to multiple businesses simultaneously, which is how they can offer these valuable advertising tools on a wide scale.
So, even though finding the perfect phone number (one that speaks your brand and that people will remember), is a challenge - it is possible. Just remember to go through these three steps:
1. Search for a vanity number with the 800 prefix. The others (888, 877, and 866) are not as recognizable or memorable, nor as credible.
2. Look for a full vanity 800 number and not a hybrid (phone number using a combination of numbers and letters – i.e., 800-NEW-RIDE versus 888-252-RIDE).
3. Expect that your vanity service provider has a tracking system in place so you can monitor your incoming call volumes, analyze advertising results, and capture priceless customer data.
About the Author
Laura Noonan has 15 years of experience in the vanity 800 number and telecommunications services industry. She coaches hundreds of clients each year on using toll-free vanity 800 phone numbers as direct marketing tools to increase advertising response rates. Laura can be reached at lnoonan@800response.com. http://www.800response.com
Rating: Not yet rated