Dialing phone numbers is one of the primary sources of contact between a customer and a business. When customers look for your business online, in a directory, or even through recommendations, they instinctively contact you via telephone. So, the type of number a company or startup opts for influences how the business is perceived by its customers.
Businesses usually have to choose between A local number and a free phone number. The simple difference is that a local number uses a specific area code, while a free phone number uses a standard code for every region.
Believe it or not, businesses spend a lot of time figuring out which one suits their needs the best, as well as the audience they are catering to. This is because the type of phone number they opt for will play a vital role in determining their reach and customer base.
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What is a local phone number?
The name is pretty self-explanatory. Local phone numbers are contact numbers specific to a geographical location or region. These start with an area code specific to a particular city, region, or state.
For instance, if a branch of your business is in Los Angeles, the business’s local phone number will have the Los Angeles area code, and so on. A local number will permit you to promote your business within the community without spending much money.
Moreover, these numbers are cost-effective, easy to set up, and also have low maintenance costs. Some businesses opt for such numbers as a part of their sales strategy.
On the other hand, ventures use local numbers when starting their business and must establish themselves. Either way, geographic numbers are a source of contact between the customer and the business.
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Here’s how a local phone number will help you build a local customer base
1. Easily connect with customers
Customers will instinctively understand the proximity of your business when they see a local number and will contact your helpline for inquiries and concerns at any time of the day. A local number will also help your business appear in a search engine, which will increase your company’s reach locally and globally, thus increasing your customer base.
2. Increase your customer appeal
It is a new market trend: Customers support local businesses over large-scale enterprises. So a local phone number will help your business achieve precisely that. Potential customers will see such a number in directories, phone books, local newspapers, etc. This will expand your reach and help you increase your customer base.
3. Be successful at advertising your business
When your business launches an advertising campaign, a local number publicized along with it can do wonders. It domesticates your campaign by telling the audience your business is local, making it accessible. This will attract any customer who is curious or planning to see what your business has to offer.
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4. Build trust
Problem-solving bots are becoming increasingly prominent in large organizations. However, many customers still prefer a human to answer their questions and listen to their concerns. A local number is very likely to be operated by a trained agent, which enables customers to have a fruitful interaction.
Easy follow-ups and feedback build trust between the business and the customers, thus inducing a positive brand image that attracts more customers.
5. Promise personalized customer service
When customers contact a business that has a local number, they expect personalized service. This means that the customer expects the business to be aware of people’s tastes, preferences, and demographics and provide products and services that cater to the same.
For instance, if your business is in a place that has multiple regional languages, you can give the customer a choice of language preference to enrich their experience. Similarly, your business may offer a specific product associated with a region.
Customers are satisfied when an organization achieves such personalization, and the business garners local publicity. Eventually, this results in a more extensive customer base.
6. Acquire customized contact numbers
Contrary to popular belief, a business can customize its local number as an easy-to-remember sequence. This will create a good impression on the customer and increase their chances of contacting you.
These numbers are easy to share and dial, which provides all-around convenience and is quickly publicized.
It gives the business a professional look.
When customers see that businesses have listed a local number, they will judge your firm as a professional and compatible one that is aware of its customers’ needs.
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Summing up
Choosing a local number for your business has its benefits, but not always. For example, some services may charge customers to call a local number. So, your business must weigh the pros and cons of choosing a particular number for its goals and ambitions.
It is highly recommended that you choose a local number for your firm to give your business a professional look and enjoy the other benefits.
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