The two most popular types of business numbers

Level: Beginner

The two most popular types of business phone numbers are geographical (provincial) numbers and 900 numbers. Both have their strengths and it will be more appropriate to use one or the other depending on your focus: customer service? Local image? Corporate image?

We’ll explain in detail when to use a 900 number and when to use a geographical number, or when it makes sense to combine the two.

900 NUMBERS FOR BUSINESSES

900 numbers are special rate numbers that have the great advantage of being free to the caller.

The cost is borne by the company and the caller pays nothing, making them a great incentive for customers to contact the company.

ADVANTAGES

• Accessibility for the customer as it is free for the caller
• Projection of corporate image

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

The most common use is in service companies that want to retain customers and where customer service is essential.

Offering a 900 number is an invitation to customers to call customer service, encouraging more contacts and improving users’ access to the company’s support departments.

They are also often used in sales by companies wishing to project a corporate image. Traditionally, only large companies have used this type of number, and this perception persists despite the fact that 900 numbers are available to companies of all sizes.

GEOGRAPHICAL NUMBERS (PROVINCIAL)

Geographical numbers, or provincial numbers, are the numbers of each province that can be identified by the prefix. Madrid has 91, Barcelona 93, Valencia 96, Bilbao 944, etc.

ADVANTAGES

• Conveys trust through local presence

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

Their great advantage is that they create the perception of a local company, which for certain companies can be a key advantage in attracting customers.

There are products, and especially services, where a local presence builds consumer confidence. In these cases, even if you are a national company, it is advisable to use local numbers in the provinces where you operate.

They are often used by service companies that want a close and frequent relationship, such as accountancy firms, law firms, marketing agencies and many other types of business.

COMBINED USE OF 900 AND GEOGRAPHICAL NUMBERS

It is also very common to use both types of numbers together in companies where a local presence is very important to build trust and at the same time provide the best possible customer service.

In these cases, geographical numbers from the provinces where the company operates are used to receive more commercial calls from potential customers. At the same time, a 900 number is used to support existing customers and thus increase their loyalty.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Choosing the right type of numbering can play a crucial role in the success of the business, as it will influence how customers and potential customers communicate with the business.

It is therefore important to consider the image you want to project and the use you will make of the numbers when choosing them.

The current cost of renting 900 and geographical numbers is accessible to companies of all sizes. Incorporating them into a company’s strategy should be a fundamental part of doing business.

Do you want to know the prices of the different types of numbers? Fill in the form below to receive more information.