A Local Number and A Toll Free Number

One of the many benefits of a 1-800 number is that it provides the image of a large, established company and attracts customers nationwide. Some subscribers fear that if they use a 1-800 number, they will lose local customers—but that is not the case.

Toll free numbers are so widely recognized and utilized (98% of U.S. adults say they use toll free numbers) that losing the local customer base should not be a concern. Some business owners with a solid base of local customers simply post both numbers in ads and on their web sites; others only use the local number in local ads and use the toll free number when marketing everywhere outside of the immediate geographical area. Each individual business owner can decide what is right for them. But the bottom line is that toll free does not jeopardize relationships with local customers.

Area codes aren’t as rigid as they once were. Cell phones have a variety of area codes that are commonly used in any community. Local customers are no longer focused on the idea of only calling businesses within their own area code.

Using your number in local advertising is important if you want to establish your company’s locale and draw a local customer base. The toll free number will simultaneously reach a broader market.

The trick is to obtain a memorable number--perhaps a catchy vanity number—from a carrier like Tollfreenumber.ORG which has one of the largest selections of numbers. Then advertise your number locally as well as nationally. If you really want to aim your marketing toward your local community, sponsor local events or a local sports team and prominently display your 1-800 number on banners, tee-shirts, team uniforms, etc. along with the local number.

Make sure your company presence and all your phone numbers out into the local community. Local customers will begin to recognize your business as a local entity and at the same time your number will be available to a national customer base.