4 Helpful Tips on Securing a Free Business Phone Number

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When it comes to communication, the more options, the better. Even as businesses shift to an online-first approach to customer service and sales, phone lines remain vital for fostering positive customer relationships at a local level.

Luckily, signing up for a phone line doesn’t have to break the bank, as many small businesses can take advantage of free business phone numbers to expand their communication options.

At Walmart Business, we understand the importance of finding a phone line that suits your organization’s needs. Here, we’ve compiled a list of helpful tips to help you choose a free business phone number without sacrificing features or call quality.

1. Local, toll-free or vanity? Know your numbers.

Before you choose a free business phone number, you need to understand what options are available. There are several varieties of phone numbers, and only some are offered for free. 

• Local business line: Local business numbers are randomly generated with your local area code. They’re the easiest way to get set up with a phone line and make your business appear more professional to customers.

• Vanity phone number: If you want to add some personality to your phone number, you’ll want a vanity number. This option allows you to create a “phoneword” using your business’s name or brand-adjacent words you want to associate with it. Because of the personalized nature of these numbers, they often cost more than randomly generated business phone numbers and are rarely (if ever) offered for free. They are also contingent on the availability of your chosen number.

• Toll-free phone number: If you plan to do business outside your state, consider a toll-free phone number. These numbers start with a prefix such as 1-800 or 1-888, allowing customers to contact your business for free, no matter where they’re located within the country. Because of this offset cost, these numbers tend to cost more than local business lines. 
  

Still deciding? Read 7 Things to Consider Before Getting a Free Business Phone Number for more information on whether a free phone line will meet your business needs.

2. Find low- or no-cost phone line options

Picking a phone number is only half the battle. Your business also needs a way to use that number. The following options offer physical or digital voice connections. However, only some have made their business phone number free for users. Keep the following options in mind when searching for a telephone provider:

• Landline: This is the most traditional form of phone line and requires a physical connection from your office to the telephone grid. Landlines can be expensive and often require service installation at your location before you can make calls. However, they are incredibly reliable, and may even offer stable connections during power outages.

• Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP): VoIP lines operate very similarly to landlines, except they use the internet instead of a phone line to enable communication. This connection unlocks a wealth of additional features in addition to making calls, including video conferencing, call forwarding to computers or mobile devices and even integration with email and other crucial systems. 

• Virtual line: Like VoIP lines, virtual lines use the internet to connect but function more like an email service. Simply sign up for an account on a website or mobile app and start making calls without additional hardware or installation. Virtual lines tend to be more limited than VoIP but are also more likely to be available for free.

• Cellphone: Cellphone lines are highly flexible, allowing users to make calls anywhere in the world with their smartphones. They are also costly, and while connection quality has improved over the last few decades, they remain less reliable than other options.
  

Need more tips on how to keep communication costs low? Read Cut Costs, Not Quality: How to Find a Cheap Business Phone Number for more information.

3. Crucial features to look for in a free business phone number

Just because your phone is free, that doesn’t mean it has to be a no-frills experience. Look for services that provide at least some of these vital features:

• Mobile calling: You don’t have to be tied to a computer. Many free business phone numbers offer mobile apps for making calls, no matter where you are or your available device.

• Texting: Send quick messages to current or prospective customers, ask follow-up questions and more with convenient SMS text capabilities.

• Voice mail: Automatically capture incoming messages when you’re unavailable so you can return calls at your convenience.
  

Discover other features you shouldn’t live without by reading 5 Things to Know About Free Business Phone Numbers.

4. The many benefits of signing up for a free business phone number

In addition to unlocking the ability to make and receive phone calls, you’ll access perks like:

• Enhancing your professional appearance: Customers are more likely to trust a business with an established communications network. And while having email and social media channels is helpful, many people still prefer to reach out over the phone to contact local businesses. A separate business line will also help put distance between your personal contact information and the general public.

• Only paying for what you need: If you plan on doing most of your business over the internet, you shouldn’t have to pay for phone line features you don’t need. Choosing a free phone plan ensures a contact option is available without overspending on physical installation or call minutes.

• The ability to make calls on a variety of devices: You shouldn’t have to feel stuck at your desk just because you need to answer the phone. Many free business phone numbers offer a wide degree of flexibility, allowing users to make calls through a web page or mobile app.
  

Read 7 Benefits of Having a Free Business Phone Number to discover more about why adding a phone line can enhance your business.

Get in touch with Walmart Business+

Once you’ve picked out your free business phone number, Walmart Business+ can help you get the most out of it. With a curated selection of the best in tech, office supplies, furniture and more, Walmart Business+ has all the essentials at everyday low prices. Plus, you’ll get free delivery right to your doorstep on orders over $35.¹

Sign up for Walmart Business+ today and discover how to save on what your business needs to get the job done right.

¹Restrictions apply. Additional fee applies for Express delivery.