In business, first impressions matter, which is why many customer-facing companies ensure their staff wear smart suits or uniforms. However, the same principle should apply when the first contact is made by phone.
Obviously, we are not talking about the clothes your staff wear when they speak to prospective customers for the first time. But rather, what number was dialled.
This is important because regardless of whether someone is calling to ask about your services, request a quote or book an appointment, your contact digits can shape how the caller views your business.
Indeed, many small business owners rely on a personal mobile number when starting out. While there’s nothing wrong with that, it may not always create the image of an established business. By contrast, a virtual local number offers a simple way to present a more professional appearance while giving customers a familiar local contact point.
Let’s take a deeper look at how it can do this.
What Is a Virtual Local Number?
First things first, it’s worth clarifying exactly what we mean by a virtual local number. Essentially, this is a business phone number linked to a specific Australian area code, rather than a physical phone line. Therefore, instead of being tied to one location, calls can be forwarded to your mobile, office phone or another nominated number.
In practice, this means that a business based in Brisbane could have a Melbourne or Sydney local number that forwards calls directly to the owner’s mobile. From the customer’s perspective, they believe they’re calling a local business number, while the business owner can answer from almost anywhere.
Given the flexibility that virtual local numbers offer, they’re becoming increasingly popular with small businesses, sole traders, consultants, tradespeople, and companies with remote staff who want to compete with bigger players.
If this is something you are interested in, you can see available virtual numbers from Teleca to explore your local number options across Australia.
Why Does a Local Business Number Build More Trust?
As a general rule, customers often feel more comfortable contacting a business that appears connected to their local area. One reason why is that a recognised area code can make a company feel more familiar, particularly when customers are choosing between several providers.
Another is that many people associate local numbers with successful, established businesses rather than with someone’s side projects or temporary operations. Ultimately, the quality of your service is what matters. But presenting your business professionally from the very outset can encourage more people to pick up the phone in the first place.
Additionally, a local business number may also benefit those businesses that operate across multiple regions. That’s because, rather than displaying a single mobile number for every customer, you can offer local numbers that match the locations you serve.
For growing businesses, this can be extremely beneficial because it not only creates the impression that you’re accessible to customers in those communities but also reduces the necessity of leasing office space in each city to otherwise do so.
How Can a Virtual Local Number Help Your Business Grow?
As a business grows, it tends to reach customers beyond its immediate suburb or city. While on the face of it, this is good news, expanding into new areas can be expensive if it requires opening additional premises.
Thankfully, a virtual local number offers an alternative, allowing businesses to establish a local presence across several Australian cities while continuing to operate from a single central location.
Some of the practical advantages of getting this type of number include:
- Having a professional business phone number that isn’t tied to your personal mobile.
- Possessing the ability to answer calls wherever you’re working.
- Making expansion into new markets much easier.
- More flexibility for remote teams and mobile workers.
- A more polished image when advertising in different regions.
Additionally, for businesses that advertise online or are active on socials, listing local numbers can enhance location-specific marketing campaigns. That’s because customers searching for services in their area may feel more confident calling a familiar local number.
Which Small Businesses Benefit Most from Virtual Local Numbers?
The great thing about virtual local numbers is that they can be used in many industries. But especially those where customers prefer speaking with someone before making a purchase or booking a service.
Some notable examples include:
- Trades and home services
- Professional consultants
- Accountants and financial advisers
- Real estate agencies
- Health and wellness providers
- Legal firms
- Marketing agencies
- IT support businesses
- Online retailers with customer service teams
Sole traders can also benefit, as using a dedicated business number can help separate work calls from personal calls, while simultaneously creating a more professional impression.
In fact, even businesses that already have a landline may choose virtual numbers when expanding into additional locations.
What Features Should You Look for in a Virtual Local Number?
You should be aware that most virtual phone services come with a suite of services. But not all of them will offer the same things. That is why it is a good idea to compare what’s available and how it can benefit your business before choosing a provider.
Some features your operation might find useful include:
1. Call forwarding
This means that calls can be directed to your mobile, office phone or another nominated number. So, you never need to miss a call again.
2. Multiple Australian area codes
Some providers allow businesses to choose numbers from different states and cities. You might find this will make it easier to service and support customers across Australia.
3. Easy number management
Having an online portal or account management system can simplify changes if your business grows or your call routing needs change.
4. Reliable call quality
Customers expect professional conversations without poor audio or dropped calls. Virtual numbers go a long way towards guaranteeing reliable call quality.
5. Scalable options
As your business expands, you may want additional numbers, extra users or more advanced call management features. Therefore, it is important to choose a provider that can grow with your business, as this will save you time, money, and the potential disruption later down the line.
