A comprehensive guide to virtual business phone numbers

Your business phone number plays a key initial role in the impression you make on potential customers. The right phone number can create a professional image, tell customers where you are, or present a national presence if preferred. Utilising virtual numbers for this purpose allows you to achieve this with less hassle and financial burden than traditional numbering. 

Customers are up to six times more likely to call a landline number than a mobile number for the same service from a business, so utilising landline numbers to present a fixed geographical presence fosters trust and encourages inbound traffic. But what if your business doesn’t have an office, or your employees are mostly on the road? With a virtual number, you no longer need a physical office to make and receive ‘landline’ calls.

What are virtual numbers?  

Virtual numbers are phone numbers that are not tied to a specific location or device, allowing the user to communicate with anyone in the world at any time. They are able to give the appearance of a specific geographical location, but the flexibility of being usable from multiple locations. Virtual numbers offer a multitude of benefits for businesses of all sizes.  

They allow you to seamlessly sync your business phone number across multiple devices, from smartphones and computers to almost any device with an internet connection. This ensures you never miss a call, regardless of where your work takes you.

Furthermore, virtual numbers are often significantly more affordable than traditional landlines, especially for international calls. You can keep your business and personal phone numbers separate, which aids in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. 

Finally, virtual numbers offer ultimate flexibility in how you receive calls. You can easily forward your number to any device you choose, ensuring you're always reachable.  

In essence, virtual numbers provide a cost-effective and adaptable solution to business communication. You can choose from literally millions of virtual numbers, including all local UK regions, non-geographical options, toll-free or memorable options, and even a range of international options, depending on your business’ needs. 

Local numbers

Whether you are a small business requiring a local number for the region you serve, or a larger organisation serving a wide range of regions and wanting a local number for each of these, virtual local numbers can cover over 600 area codes. 

Local numbers also improve  business’ searchability, especially if they are a local business provider. Customers will often include location requirements in online queries, and so having a local number can improve a business’ chances of appearing in local search results. 

No matter where a business operates from, having a local number establishes a presence in a particular place in a variety of markets, and connects with potential customers in a specific region. 

Callers enjoy reduced call-rates of local numbers, which means that businesses can cost-effectively hold a presence anywhere in the UK, without risk of additional charges for customers.

Non-geographical (0330)

On the other hand, non-geographic (0330 numbers in the UK) can provide flexibility and a broader reach. A single, non-geographic number can be used for all areas of your business, eliminating frustration for customers attempting to make contact.

These numbers are particularly effective for businesses that operate remotely or have a national presence as they are not tied to a specific location. This means that there are no complexities for customers trying to call your business, as they do not need to find a number specific to their region, and you don’t need the cost of purchasing and maintaining multiple numbers.

Memorable numbers

Memorable numbers are those whose digits are repeated (111 222), sequential (123 123), or mirrored (123 321), in a pattern that makes it easier for customers to retain. There is much value in customer’s easily recalling your company’s information, and allowing your business to stand out in this way is a worthy investment. 

These numbers can be provided with local or non-geographical prefixes, which makes them ideal for businesses of all sizes, and appropriate if a business is growing or scales down. They’re also ideal for businesses investing in advertising.

Toll free numbers

Toll free numbers mean businesses can provide free inbound calls to their customers, for example to support lines or receptions to book appointments or inquire. This means customers can call into the business and not be charged, while the business absorbs the cost per minute. 

The 0808 or 0800 prefix utilised for these numbers is also a well recognised format. This is beneficial for businesses as it encourages inbound call traffic, and fosters trust and respect with customers.

Mobile numbers

Virtual mobile numbers offer a unique advantage for businesses: they essentially simulate a mobile device, allowing businesses to send and receive SMS messages through a UCaaS platform, for example our apps. This creates a streamlined method of SMS communication, where everything related to business communications and customer support can be managed in one place (and with no need for one separate physical phone).

Businesses can create, schedule and send SMS campaigns in-app which directly reach customer’s mobile phones, which can be used for updates, reminders, and to inform of deals or changes - delivered to individuals or a target audience simultaneously. This therefore automates workflows and minimises the need for manual effort, whilst regulating the B2C flow of communication.

International numbers 

International numbers act as domestic phone numbers for each country that your business operates in, or you want to make your business visible. This is ideal for global and even remote businesses, because brands can build an international presence even if they do not have offices in this region. 

Customers call using the number applicable to their country, and they act and look like regular local numbers, which can be toll free or incur a standard local call rate. Businesses can save money on international call costs, while these calls are redirected to a main call centre phone line, and as many numbers as needed can be purchased in as many countries as a business may want to hold a presence in.

Porting existing numbers

Businesses also have the option to keep existing numbers when migrating to a new phone provider. For example, perhaps your existing phone numbers are already used in advertising materials. 

Switching providers doesn’t have to cause disruption to your business. Existing numbers can be ported easily and without any noticeable downtime, like this:

1. Simple sign-off - Businesses sign a Letter of Authorisation (LoA) to authorise their new provider to handle the transfer. This allows the new provider to communicate directly with the existing one, and facilitate the move.

2. Seamless transfer - The new provider will handle the technical aspects of moving numbers from the old infrastructure to the new. This process will typically happen outside of business hours, so that there is no noticeable disruption to business proceedings or downtime.

By leveraging a number porting service, businesses can maintain familiarity and trust with customers, while enjoying the benefits of a new number provider.

Final thoughts

For a cost-effective, scalable, and practical solution, virtual numbering is a must for businesses. Virtual numbers provide a professional appearance, break down geographical barriers, and are adaptable to any device. 

With so many options available, they suit businesses of all sizes and in all markets, and put the customer’s experience at the forefront of the business’ priorities as well as creating operational ease.

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