7 Benefits of Having a Free Business Phone Number

Make communication easier

Every business needs a way to communicate with its customers. Many organizations use social media platforms and web pages as free or low-cost communication channels. Even so, many customers still prefer to contact local establishments directly over the phone.

At Walmart Business, we understand that investing in a phone line may appear to be a costly endeavor for small businesses looking to keep costs down. However, free business phone numbers are readily available and easy to set up through the right service. The following are seven potential benefits of setting up a free phone line for business.

7 benefits of free business phone numbers

1. Reach more customers

Many customers still prefer to do business over the phone. In fact, one report shows that over three-quarters of people prefer contacting customer service departments by phone over any other form of communication.¹

It’s easy to see why. A phone call offers a direct connection with the person on the other end of the line, allowing for a more organic and immediate flow of communication than email. 

By setting up a business line, you can improve your availability to current and future customers with minimal lift. Plus, you won’t need to advertise your personal phone line to the public, even if you forward your free business phone line to it.

2. Make your business look more professional

Using a free phone line for business doesn’t just protect your privacy; it supports a more professional appearance. Customers are far more likely to answer the phone if they know the call comes from a legitimate business—one study showed an answer rate of nearly 70%.² Including a business line along with other contact information lets customers know exactly who they’re contacting when they pick up the phone.

3. Save money by only paying for what you need

Even if you plan on doing most of your business digitally, a phone line is still a crucial part of communicating with customers. Getting business phone numbers for free is a perfect way to fill this need. You’ll receive the benefits of expanded communication without paying for additional features you likely won’t need. And if you find that you do need extra features, many free business phone line options offer pay-as-you-go plans or other plans to upgrade your service.

4. Save time with fast setup

Many services make it easy to sign up for a free business number. Provide an email address and a few other personal details and you’ll be able to start making calls in minutes.

5. Remove hassle by working with your existing tech

If you already have an internet connection, cable TV subscription, or even a professional email account, your service provider may offer access to free business phone numbers. Check with your providers to see what options they might have.

6. Device versatility

Virtual phone lines and voice over internet protocol (VoIP) lines offer phone calls via a web browser or mobile app. These helpful service offerings allow you to take and receive calls, no matter where you are or what device you have available.

7. Additional features are often included

Many free business phone numbers offer more than no-frills support for calls. Depending on the service, you may also get free call forwarding, voicemail transcripts, spam filtering and much more. 

Having a free business phone number can save costs and streamline communication, which is especially valuable for small businesses. Read how to combine this smart tip with others with 5 Small Business Budgeting Tools to Try.

Get connected with Walmart Business+

Once you’ve signed up for your free business phone numbers, it’s time to find the right equipment so you can start connecting with customers. Walmart Business+ can help, offering a curated selection of the best laptops, tablets and smartphones, all at everyday low prices. Plus, you can get free shipping right to your door with no order minimum.^* Sign up for Walmart Business+ today and discover the best in tech right at your fingertips. 

^*Excludes most Marketplace items, freight & certain location surcharges

Sources:

¹Contact Center Satisfaction Index, CFI Group

²Americans Now Answer Less Than Half of All Calls They Receive on Their Mobile Phones, BusinessWire