I. Introduction
Starting a business is exciting, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. One of these is finding the right phone number to give for clients or customers to call. Without a dedicated business phone number, communication can be difficult, unprofessional, and crowded. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of getting a phone number for your business. We will also discuss why having a dedicated business phone number is essential and share the top business phone number providers available in the market today.
II. A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Business Phone Number
Businesses can get phone numbers from different providers. Some of these providers are their phone service provider while some are virtual phone number providers. Below we offer a step-by-step guide on how businesses can get a phone number easily.
A. Through a Phone Service Provider
Getting a phone number through a service provider is easy. Here’s a simple guide on how to go about it:
- Contact your phone service provider to inquire about available business phone number options.
- Select a phone number that suits your business needs by reviewing the available options.
- Pay for the phone number and any relevant fees.
- Activate and start using the phone number for your business calls.
B. Through a Virtual Phone Number Provider
Getting a phone number through a virtual phone number provider is equally easy. Here’s how:
- Select a suitable virtual phone number provider and register an account.
- Browse through the available options and select a phone number that meets your business requirements.
- Pay for the phone number and set up your account.
- Activate the phone number and use it for business calls using your mobile or desktop phone.
III. Benefits of Having a Dedicated Business Phone Number
Having a dedicated business phone number offers numerous benefits to businesses irrespective of their size. Some of these benefits include:
A. Professionalism
A dedicated business phone number will make your business look professional by separating business and personal calls.
B. Privacy
A business phone number will keep your personal phone number private and secure.
C. Customer Service
Having a dedicated business phone number means customers can contact you at any time, creating effective customer service.
D. Cost-effectiveness
A dedicated business phone number can eliminate the need for separate business lines and save on phone bills.
IV. Top Business Phone Number Providers in the Market
When choosing a business phone number provider, you need to consider the quality of service, pricing, and support. Below, we review the top business phone number providers in the market based on these criteria:
A. RingCentral
RingCentral offers businesses of all sizes an easy-to-use online phone system with modern features like video and audio conferencing. With their plans starting at $19.99 per month, they provide a competitively priced service.
B. Grasshopper
Grasshopper offers a virtual phone system with no hardware or software installation required. Their plans start at $29 per month, and you can select your business phone number from their extensive list of available numbers.
C. 8×8
8×8 is a virtual phone system ideal for businesses with remote teams. They offer a mobile app that provides access to the service via a cell phone. Their plans start at $12 per user, per month.
D. Nextiva
Nextiva offers a VoIP phone system with a standard phone number, allowing you to take and receive calls on any device. Their plans start at $19.95 per user, per month.
E. VirtualPBX
VirtualPBX is a VoIP phone system that provides auto-attendant services, conference bridge, and a call routing feature. Their plans start at $17.99 per user, per month.
V. How to Choose the Right Business Phone Number Provider
While there are several business phone number providers in the market, not all of them may be suitable for your business needs. Here’s what you need to look for:
A. Reliability and Quality of Service
Ensure the provider offers reliable services, with minimal downtime to make sure you don’t miss important calls from customers.
B. Pricing and Customization Options
Compare the prices of different providers to understand their pricing schemes and find one that suits your budget. It’s important to check for customization options too.
C. Customer Support
Check out the customer support options of different providers. Some offer 24/7 support, while others only provide support during business hours.
VI. The Rise of Virtual Phone Numbers and their Benefits for Small Businesses
Virtual phone numbers are an excellent option for small businesses. Unlike traditional phone systems, virtual phone numbers do not require hardware and software installation fees, set-up costs, or ongoing maintenance costs. Below are some benefits of virtual phone numbers:
A. Flexibility and Mobility
Virtual phone numbers allow business owners to take their business phone line anywhere they go as long as there’s an internet connection.
B. Improved Accessibility and Customer Experience
Virtual phone numbers help businesses look professional and customer-focused. With features like call routing and auto-attendant, customers are less likely to miss a call or encounter busy signals.
C. Affordability and Cost-Effectiveness
Virtual phone numbers help mitigate the start-up costs and ongoing costs associated with traditional phone systems. Businesses can save a substantial amount of money with virtual phone numbers while still enjoying essential features of a traditional phone system.
VII. Conclusion
Having a dedicated business phone number is becoming increasingly essential for businesses globally. It enhances professionalism, customer service, privacy, and separation of business and personal calls. Thankfully, there are several options available for businesses interested in acquiring a business phone number. We highly recommend the top providers listed above. It’s vital to make sure you choose a provider that suits your business needs, fits within your budget, and offers excellent customer support.
