A custom phone number is also known as a custom toll free number or vanity number can be an excellent way to grow awareness for your business and bring in new customers.  However, the effectiveness of a custom number can depend greatly on which number you choose and how well you use it.

Here are a few specific “no-no’s” that every business should avoid:

1. DON’T underestimate the importance of word choice (toll free number).

Toll free number has been proven as an effective business tool because they simplify the way customers contact you. By creating an easy to remember “phrase” or vanity phone number for your custom phone number, your business can increase its accessibility.

Why do custom phrases work? Standard telephone numbers are difficult to remember. Your business number is just a random series of seven digits, and typically, customers can only use the number if they have it stored somewhere, like on a business card. Very few people will actually memorize this type of number. Consider using the name of your company or tagline as your custom toll free number to drive brand recognition.

2. DON’T use “hybrid” custom phone numbers.

You’ve probably seen “hybrid” custom 1-800 numbers (toll free number) that mix letters with numbers, like 1-800-984-DOGS. These are a big no-no when marketing with a custom phone number. It completely defeats the purpose. Don’t make customers remember random numbers and only use letters after the “1-800” part of your custom phone number. One of the most famous real-life examples is 1-800-FLOWERS.

3. DON’T forget to set marketing goals.

When you’re setting up a toll free number for your business, set marketing goals that you want to achieve with the new number. Possible goals may include:

  • Standing out from your competition
  • Increasing phone sales
  • Generating more leads
  • Increasing brand loyalty

Once you’ve identified how your custom phone number will best benefit your business, develop a marketing strategy accordingly. Define measurable KPIs and implement methods for tracking them. This will help you decide how well your marketing efforts are working, and where you can make adjustments to improve your results.

4. DON’T use the custom phone number sparingly.

Plaster your custom local or toll free number everywhere you can. It should become a cornerstone of your brand. From print ads to radio to your website, use your customer phone number in every piece of advertising you have at your disposal:

  • Website
  • Social media profiles
  • Business cards
  • Brochures
  • Custom pens, notepads, etc.
  • Billboards
  • Radio/TV/YouTube ads
  • Magazine or newspaper ads
  • Directories

By including your custom phone number on all marketing collateral, you can ensure a consistent message and generate more leads.

5. DON’T forget to track results.

Upon implementing your strategy for marketing a toll free number, make it a point to regularly check the results. You may experience a boost in sales calls, but without effectively tracking leads and verifying their source, you cannot be sure that your new custom phone number is the cause. Always set aside time to track results.

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