Difficulty: Very Easy
Cost: $1-$50

Most small business owners would agree that they want their businesses to grow. In order to achieve this desired growth, the small business must become recognizable; it must brand itself. There are literally millions of other organizations trying to steal your customers away from you on any given day. One simple method for enhancing your recognition is to obtain a toll free 800 number. Having an 800 number can benefit your business in many ways. Let’s examine a few of them now:

  1. Trust. Perhaps most importantly, having a toll free number helps your business to establish the trust of potential consumers. Research has shown that consumers are 30 times more likely to offer their personal information when calling an 800 number. It makes them feel that they are dealing with a trustworthy organization that will be there for the long run.
  2. Appreciation. Customer satisfaction makes and breaks small businesses every day. The failure rates for small businesses are staggering. When you show your customers that you care enough to provide them an 800 number to call toll free, they feel appreciated. Studies show that consumers complain heavily of being made to pay long distance charges for customer service. Even in this modern age, where phone calls are literally a dime a dozen, they expect a business of quality to provide this service.
  3. Recognition. There’s a lot of competition in the world for all businesses – small or large. You need to stand out. A toll free 800 number helps you to do that. Ask yourself if this is true. Which type of number stands out to you?
  4. Professional image. The consumer’s perception of your business’s professionalism means everything. Don’t make them feel like they’re dealing with a newcomer – an organization that is just trying to establish itself. Let them know that your organization is based on professionalism and customer service. Assuming your desire to grow your small business, you need to recognize that every single Fortune 500 company has a toll free 800 number. Learn from the success of the successful.
  5. Memory. Fact: An 800 number is far easier for people to remember. They may not want to call or be able to call immediately upon hearing or seeing your number. The better that they can remember your number, the more likely they will be to call it. Do not make the mistake of placing too much faith in the memory of the general public. Burn your number into their minds.
  6. Branding. In addition to the 800 prefix, it is good to use a vanity/custom phone number. This will be more easily embedded into their long-term memories, which enhances your branding. Think about 1-800-FLOWERS. Enough said.
  7. Reach. Having a toll free 800 number allows you the ability to communicate with your customers from anywhere. It broadens your reach.
  8. Stability. 800 numbers are not affected by changes in area codes. Besides being free to call, they are not location dependent. You will never have to change your business cards or the information on your other advertising mediums again.

If you are the owner of a small business and desire to increase your profits, recognition, professional image and branding, then you should consider obtaining a toll free 800 number. The benefits are many and the price is negligible.

Average rating:

Comments

Great article. I've used an 800 number for my business for about a year now. I wish I would have had this resource when I was searching for an 800 number service provider.

Hi

In the UK we use an 0800 number prefix for toll free calls - and these are a very effective business tool here too.
UK users feel free to contact me for a cheap option in getting this easy contact system

regards
rik