How to Create a Business Phone Number: 5 Expert Tips

Hone your business phone strategy

Starting a small business comes with a plethora of administrative tasks on your to-do list. While you’re buying new furniture and taking inventory, you should also be considering your business phone strategy—particularly your phone number.

When you create a business phone number, you’re giving customers, clients and vendors a direct way to get in touch, which enhances business relationships. Here’s how to make the most of your business phone number. 

Why create a business phone number?

If you already have social media, email and other forms of digital communication set up, you might be wondering if you even need to create a phone number for your business. According to a 2022 survey,¹ 61% of consumers still prefer to speak to someone over the phone when they require assistance, and 75% believe that they’ll get the quickest responses by calling.

There’s also a case to be made for creating your own “vanity” phone number, rather than having one assigned by a service provider. A 2021 study² found that nearly 85% of people are more likely to remember a vanity number, or one that uses digits to spell out a word or phrase associated with your company.

How to make a business phone number

1. Set your goals

What is the purpose of your phone number? Sales fulfillment? Customer service? Front desk access? That’s the first question you need to answer, as it will determine how you should proceed.

If you’re a community business intending to serve those in your geographical area, it makes sense to have a phone number with a local area code. National companies or those with multiple locations might find it worthwhile to acquire a 1-800 number.

2. Find a provider

Whether you’re going local, VoIP, or the 1-800 route, you’ll need to find a service provider. Make sure this provider’s offerings align with your goals: Does it offer the area code you’re looking for? Can you create a vanity number without exorbitant fees? Explore all of your options before choosing the provider that best suits your needs.

3. Make it memorable

On the other hand, if you choose to go the vanity number route, it could be a good way to distinguish your business. You only have 10 numbers and corresponding letters to work with (seven if you’re using a local or 1-800 area code), so choose something that’s clever and easy to remember while still reflecting the phone line’s purpose. For example, a customer service line might use 438-4357, which spells “GET HELP” on a traditional number keypad.

4. Keep it simple

Don’t worry if your business doesn’t lend itself to a word or phrase you can turn into digits— you can create a business phone number that’s highly memorable just by keeping it simple. Try using repeating numbers or easy sequences, like 555-1234 or 555-9999.

5. Stay on brand

Whether you go with simple number patterns or descriptive letters, it’s important that your phone number reflects your company identity. If your vibe is friendly and casual, a cutesy or humorous phone number would work well. However, prospective customers might think twice about using an enterprise security business or healthcare provider that took a similar approach.

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When it comes to tackling the rest of your to-do list, Walmart Business+ can help. From technology to furniture and beyond, Walmart Business is here to help. And with a Walmart Business+ membership, you’ll enjoy free shipping with no order minimum³ while taking advantage of Walmart’s everyday low prices. Sign up today to get started.

¹“Research suggests phone calls preferred for customer service,” Business Leader

²“Does a Vanity Number Improve Sales?” Numberbarn

³Excludes most Marketplace items, freight & certain location surcharges.