1300 numbers are relatively cheap and can be an extremely useful tool for many business. I have written previously about the benefits of a 1300 number. Â So you don’t have to click away from the page I will outline some of these benefits below.
A 1300 number is fully transferable – If you connect a landline number currently for your business there is no guarantee you will be able to keep this number if you move premises. A 1300 number is a number that will be recognised Australia wide so there are no issues if you move offices. As long as you keep paying your rental costs the number is yours.
A 1300 number gives your business the impression of being larger – In business, perception is everything and a 1300 number does give you the perception of being larger. This can be useful in some businesses if you are targeting corporate clients. The 1300 number destination point may be a mobile phone but your clients do not need to know that. You know you can give your clients the level of service they need and desire but a 1300 number may give them that extra level of assurance.
A 1300 number generally will generate more calls – If you are advertising a 1300 number, as well as the perception value mentioned above they are generally more easily remembered. Â This can lead to more calls as people are more likely to remember your phone number.
A 1300 number is great for tracking marketing activities – A 1300 number does not have to be advertised all of the time and can be great at tracking different marketing activities. You might use different 1300 numbers for split testing different advertisements as with your 1300 number bill you can see exactly how many calls have been made. This is easier than trying to interpret your standard landline or mobile bill. Some people try to use prospect feedback surveys but often forget the “where did you find us” questions so are not sure exactly how successful their ads or flyers have been.
Whilst I have espoused the benefits of a 1300 number above, there are some reasons you may not want to consider a 1300 number. Here are some potential drawbacks from a 1300 number.
You may get missed calls from clients of the previous 1300 number owner – A 1300 number is yours for life but only if you remember to pay your line rental for the number. If a 1300 number is cancelled, it is quarantined for a while but then put back into circulation. You may end up with a 1300 number that has been used by someone else previously. If they have not cleaned up properly after themselves it may be that this 1300 number is still advertised in some places under their name, and you may end up paying for calls meant for them. it’s not likely to be a huge cost impost or drama but it can be annoying.
A perception of a larger business may actually be the perception of a less personal business and decrease the number of calls that you get – I did mention above that perception is everything in business and for some businesses their perception is not of small, it is of personalised service. A 1300 number may, in some circumstances, suggest a more impersonal service. It may suggest if a customer calls in that they are going to get stuck in a call centre queue and be treated like a number. In these circumstances it may be better to actually advertise a mobile number as this can give the perception to a potential client that they will actually reach you.
Above I have touched on the relative advantages and disadvantages of a 1300 number looking at some common points in favour and against. These are only some of the things you need to consider when looking at the right communications solution for your business. With rapidly changing technologies available there may be another solution out there that gives you your desired results at without committing to a 1300 number.
I have a Masters Degree in Public Relations and have been in the telecommunications industry for over a decade. I understand the technology and can help you come up with the RIGHT SOLUTION for YOUR BUSINESS. One such example is maybe you should instead look at a VoIP number? You don’t necessarily need a VoIP handset as with the right software/ app combination this can be answered at your computer if you are at your desk or on your Mobile if you are out and about. Again, this is just one potential solution that may or may not be right for you. If you get in touch with me we can generally work out the best solutions.
If you have been toying with the idea of a 1300 number or want to see if there is a better option for your business, give me a call on the mobile 0407098089 (See what I did there?)
Cheers,
Hamish Jones
Managing Director – Best Business Deals.