How Do I Get a Business Phone Number? A Guide for the Enterprising and the Uncertain!

So you’re ready to take the plunge into the world of entrepreneurship? Maybe you want to create the next viral cat meme business, or perhaps you just want to look super professional when your Aunt Mildred calls to complain about her last order of knitted cat sweaters. Whatever your motive, securing a business phone number is essential. But how do you get your hands on that golden ticket? Let's dive in!

1. Decide What Type of Business Phone Number You Want

Before you start Googling, "how do I get a business phone number?" you need to define what you actually want. Are you looking for a landline (How retro!)? A mobile number? Or perhaps a VoIP service that only your tech-savvy friends will understand? Think about where you want to be reachable and what fits your brand image.
For example, if you're selling pumpkin spice lattes from your home, you might want a cozy landline. If you’re running a tech startup, a VoIP service might just scream, "We’re innovative!"

2. Explore Virtual Phone Services

With technology today, you don’t need to buy a new device to get a business number. Enter virtual phone services. Companies like Google Voice, Grasshopper, or RingCentral let you choose a business number that can ring directly to your mobile phone. It's like having your cake and eating it too!
With these services, you can even sound more professional than your teenage cousin who just learned to make Instagram filters.

3. Contact Your Current Cell Provider

If you’re feeling traditional and want to stick with your current provider, give them a call (no pun intended) and ask about adding a business line. They might have some irresistible offers that will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Plus, who doesn’t love the idea of bundling?

4. Get a Local Business Number

If your goal is to snatch the attention of your local community (think of all the local pumpkin spice latte lovers!), a local business number is the way to go. This can create a sense of familiarity and trust with your potential customers. Plus, they’ll always know exactly where to find you when they need to complain about that one sweater you knitted that was just a little too snug.

5. Look into Toll-Free Numbers

Feeling fancy? A toll-free number can make a business seem larger than life. When customers see that 1-800 number, they’ll think, "Wow, they must be serious!" It’s like wearing a power suit made of silk. Just don’t forget that they come with a cost, so be smart about it.

6. Brand it Right

Once you’ve chosen your number, make sure to promote it everywhere! Include it on your website, social media, and even on your mom's refrigerator (she needs to know how to reach you). A catchy slogan or jingle might also help people remember it. Who wouldn’t call the business with the phone number that rhymes?

7. Evaluate and Adjust

Finally, don’t forget to evaluate your choice. Is it working for you? Are customers reaching out? If Aunt Mildred is your only client, you might need to reconsider your approach.

Remember, a business phone number isn’t just a number; it’s the lifeline to your growing empire! Once you have it, you can take on the world — or at least your local café.

So, whether you’re answering calls about knitted cat sweaters or tech breakthroughs, getting your business phone number doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be ringing in success in no time!

Best of luck, and keep that phone charged!

Written by Lily Murphy,
Blog Writer, antiland Team