You May Be Losing Clients WITHOUT a Toll-Free Number

According to the FCC, over 25 million toll-free numbers are in operation in North America. And there’s a good reason for that: when it comes to running a small business, having a toll-free number can have a tangible effect on your bottom line.

When introduced in 1967, toll-free numbers were something of a novelty and a way for businesses to eliminate long distance charges for their customers. Now, toll-free numbers have come to be expected by customers seeking to make purchases and ask questions about products or services.

Here are some signs that your business could benefit from a toll-free number:

You Promote Your Business Online

The advent of the Internet created a boon for the toll-free industry. When shoppers search the Internet to find services, they want to have a sense of security and familiarity. In this context, the toll-free call that the customer can make to inquire about services plays a more strategic role than when the 800 call did when first used to build recognition in the late 1980s.

Providing a toll-free number for customers lends credibility to your brand and reduces barriers to contacting your business.

A Phone Number Is A Key Part of Your Marketing Campaigns

If leads from your marketing and advertising efforts come in primary through a phone number, having a toll-free number can significantly increase your conversion rates. Not only does a toll-free number establish trust with your potential customers, it also reduces their calling costs.

This is particularly important if your campaigns span multiple geographic areas; even nearby area codes. A toll-free number doesn’t have an association to one particular state or city, so customers won’t be driven off by the fact that your contact number isn’t local.

You Plan to Expand Your Business

If you’re planning to expand your business to serve multiple area codes, zip codes, counties, or nationwide, it’s best to start with a toll-free number to begin with. Having a toll-free number won’t hurt your branding locally, and it makes expansion into other areas easy. Toll-free numbers are also portable, meaning you can bring your number with you should you choose to switch providers.

Our Toll Free Recommendation

Choosing the right Toll Free number is easy. We recommend Grasshopper.com. They make it simple to create and manage your toll free number. Starting at just $9.95, your investment in this strategic marketing tool will attract more clients than a basic local number for your business.