If you're lucky enough to have a vanity phone number for your business, you know how beneficial it is. In addition to being easy to remember for customers and sales leads, it is also a critical part of your business's brand and marketing strategy.
In this blog post, we'll present information on what these numbers are, what advantages they can bring to your business, and how you can go about getting one.
What Is a Vanity Phone Number?
A vanity phone number is a phone number that spells out a specific word(s) or that has a specific sequence of digits in it. Vanity numbers are highly coveted in the business world because they are customized numbers that are simple to remember. Some examples of these numbers include: 1 (800) FLOWERS, 1 (800) CONTACTS, and 1 (888) BEACHES.
Typically a toll-free number, virtually all of the 1 (800) vanity numbers have long been acquired. You can, however, search for vanity numbers in the other 6 toll-free area codes in use: 833, 844, 855, 866, 877, and 888.
While vanity numbers are useful for all businesses, they can be especially helpful for cafes, hotels, law firms, accounting firms, delivery providers, and taxi services.
What Are Some Benefits of Having a Vanity Phone Number?
Data from a recent study illustrates the effectiveness of vanity telephone numbers. One provided statistic states that "advertisers can expect an 84% improvement in recall rates for vanity 800 numbers vs. numeric phone numbers shown in visual media (TV, billboard, print) – and a much more significant 9-times higher recall rate in the case of audio (radio) ads." Vanity numbers can additionally offer these important benefits to your business:
- A catchy vanity number is easy for your customers and leads to remember and recall. For sales and customer service purposes, this type of number will stick in your clients' heads as well as any slogan or sales jingle.
- Vanity numbers can be a main part of your marketing or advertising strategy. Most visual and online ads have limited real estate. A vanity number will communicate many important pieces of info, including your company's name, what you do, and how people can contact you.
- Vanity numbers can help to build your company's brand. Your business's phone system is an integral part of your brand. A good vanity number will help your organization stand out from competitors and convey its main services. Somos declares that "vanity toll-free numbers are a whopping 76% more likely to help your customers remember your brand."
Can I Request a Vanity Number?
Obtaining a vanity number varies by phone provider. Most cloud phone systems enable you to purchase phone numbers through web-based admin portals. For a vanity number, you may have to submit additional paperwork, pay a higher setup fee (when compared to purchasing a toll or toll-free number), and wait a couple of days to have the number provisioned to your account— if the number you're looking for is even available. Check with your specific cloud phone provider for further instructions.
If you're an OnSIP customer, your Account Administrator can request a toll-free vanity number right from the Admin Portal. In the Account tab, there is an option to Request a Vanity Number. Simply fill out the short form there with details of the phone number(s) that you want and submit your request. An OnSIP representative will work with you and let you know if the number is available for purchase.
Tips and Best Practices When Requesting a Vanity Number
- Provide as much detail as you can when requesting a vanity phone number. It's always best to give the numbers and letters of the vanity number to ensure that there are no typos, errors, or misunderstandings.
- If you have multiple vanity options in mind, let the provider know all of them up front in case your first option is not available.
- Inform the provider if you're open to any 8xx area code. While the 1 (800) vanity numbers are likely already taken, your number may be available with one of the other toll-free area codes.
Stay Top of Mind with Your Clients
In addition to business phone numbers with prominent area codes (like 310 for Los Angeles and 212 for New York City), a vanity number can be a significant business asset. Check with your phone provider about how you can acquire your own vanity number: you'll find it will be valuable in more ways than one!