Why your business should consider a freephone number

Many companies underestimate the power of the business phone number.

Although it’s one of the most important components of communication within your business, it’s often one that’s given very little thought.

In the same way that we spend time debating whether our company email domains are prefixed with info@, hello@, contact@ or any number of other combinations, choosing your phone number should equally not be overlooked.

Particularly for smaller companies, business telephone numbers can have a tremendous impact, never more so than when opting to use a freephone number.

What is a freephone number?

The freephone telephone number (typically an 0800 number) does not charge the caller; the charge is instead picked up by the business that owns the number. Introduced in 1985, freephone numbers quickly grew in popularity amongst the business community due to the fact that it was a more attractive prospect for a customer as opposed to a chargeable number.

Whilst the growing popularity of mobile phones led to a roadblock for these numbers in the early 00s due to the fact mobile phone providers would charge a great deal or block 0800 numbers completely, Ofcom stopped this practice in 2015, leading to a significant resurgence in freephone numbers in recent years.

When it comes to choosing your business phone number, freephone numbers are often a serious contender, for many reasons. So, what can these numbers bring to your business?

65% of people would be more likely to call a freephone number.

The benefits of a freephone 0800 number

Increase in customer calls

According to research, 65% of people have stated that they would be more likely to call a freephone number. This puts your business at a distinct advantage over your competitors. Think about the huge implications that this could mean for the growth of your business!

Non-geographical

As 0800 numbers do not indicate a specific location within the UK, customers may perceive your business to operate on a national scale. This in turn could give prospective customers the impression that your business is larger and more established, whilst strengthening your legitimacy.

Easier to remember

A distinctive telephone number can make a huge difference in your marketing efforts, and 0800 numbers can be particularly easy for your team, customers and even prospective customers to memorise. When your marketing activity involves offline promotion such as print or radio adverts, this can be a crucial component for success.

68% of individuals believe companies with freephone numbers care more about customers.

Improved customer service

Want to let your customers know that they are valued by your business? What better way to do so than offering a free way of communicating with you? In fact, research has shown that 68% of individuals have the perception that companies with freephone numbers care more about customers.

Businesses, both large and small, can find significant benefits in establishing an 0800 freephone number. Here at Moneypenny, this is one of the most popular services that we offer our clients, helping them to raise their profile across the UK, improving sales, and generally helping them to look and feel more customer-oriented.

Furthermore, our clients get to choose their own numbers, ensuring that they pick one that resonates with the business itself and their customers.

Find out more about our Clever Numbers service and discover how a new business number can help your company today – call us on 0333 202 1005 to get started!