Local phone numbers are growing increasingly popular for their ability to help businesses expand without tremendously increasing expenses. Here are 5 ways you can use a local phone number to increase business visibility and awareness.
How to Improve Business Visibility Locally?
Local phone numbers or local access numbers are telephone numbers assigned to specific areas or regions. These numbers come with designated area codes that separate cities, states, or areas from other locations. For example, in the United States, almost every state and city has at least one area code. In Florida, some area codes include the Orlando 407 area code, Miami 786 area code, Jacksonville 904 area code, etc.
So, what are the benefits of using local numbers? Local phone numbers can increase your business visibility in the following ways.
1. Create a Local Presence in Target Markets
The main reason businesses choose to get local numbers for different locations (nationally and internationally) is because it allows them to connect with customers from those areas by creating a local presence. And so, if you have a list of countries to expand your business to, local numbers can create communication channels between your business and those markets.
With an outbound calling service, you can display a custom caller ID instead of unknown and unrecognizable numbers. Since recipients receive the call from a “local number,” they are more likely to answer the call. A survey by Software Advice concluded that people are four times more likely to answer calls from local numbers than area codes they do not recognize. More specifically, 27.5% said they would answer an unknown number with a local area code while 7% would answer an unknown caller with a recognizable toll free area code.
This is because local calls incur local calling charges and make the business or caller seem local instead of long-distance or international.
2. Offer Local Customers a Convenient Way to Connect Your Business
Besides giving customers a reason to answer your calls, you will also be giving customers a reason to call you back. Customers are more likely to return calls of numbers with area codes they recognize. This is because a local call may be someone they know, a business they have done business with, or another familiar party trying to get in touch. And so, by getting a local phone number, your business makes it easier for new and returning clients to stay in communication.
3. Gain Local Customers in Different Regions
Virtual phone number providers offer various local and toll free numbers from countries across the globe. United World Telecom, for example, can help you get a local or toll free number in more than 160 countries across the world. And so, you can enter your market in various geographical locations and global markets. All without relocating or opening new field offices. This makes local phone numbers a cost-effective expansion tool.
4. Advertise Locally
By entering your business in various local markets and creating a local presence, you can start advertising your services locally. For instance, you can use location-marketing to target customers in these areas. Furthermore, you can advertise on billboards, local directories, local exhibitions, conferences, and more. And you can promote your local number on your website, social media accounts, etc. This increases the chances of local prospects seeing and learning about your business.
5. Provide Customer Service that is Accessible
Finally, you can offer customer service and sales in multiple locations throughout the world. Doing so makes your business reachable and accessible from anywhere in the world. This is a key component to building a business that is trustworthy and credible.
Which Local Markets Do You Want to Target?
Local phone numbers can help you not only expand communications to different cities, states, and countries, but also increase visibility and credibility. A business that is accessible and easy to call is more trustworthy than one that is hard to get a hold of. Improve your professional reputation and watch your sales increase. Get a local phone number today!