How to Get a Custom Phone Number? [Top 10 Providers]

Senior Writer: Supriya Bajaj

Date: January 28, 2024

In a world where communication is key, having a memorable and distinctive phone number can make a significant difference for your business. Custom phone numbers, also known as vanity numbers, have become a popular choice for businesses looking to enhance their brand image and increase their reach.

In this blog post, we’ll explore what custom phone numbers are, how they work, the advantages they offer, and the best ways to search for them.

What Are Custom Phone Numbers?

Custom phone numbers are phone numbers that are specifically chosen or designed to spell out a word, phrase, or acronym when translated into the letters on a telephone keypad. This alphanumeric representation of a phone number can make it easier for people to remember and dial, serving as a marketing tool for businesses to increase brand recognition and customer engagement.

For example, the number 1-800-FLOWERS is a custom phone number used by a flower delivery service. Instead of relying on a random string of numbers, this custom phone number makes the company’s services instantly recognizable.

How Custom Phone Numbers Work?

Custom phone numbers work by associating a unique combination of letters with a phone number. Each letter on a telephone keypad corresponds to a particular digit. Here’s a quick reference:

• 2: ABC
• 3: DEF
• 4: GHI
• 5: JKL
• 6: MNO
• 7: PQRS
• 8: TUV
• 9: WXYZ

For example, the number 1-800-FLOWERS translates to 1-800-356-9377. When customers dial the custom number, they are actually calling the numeric equivalent. The call routing system recognizes the digits and connects the call to the intended destination.

Expert Advice

"When choosing a custom phone number provider, carefully evaluate your business's unique communication needs, the level of customization required, and the pricing structure. Ensure the provider offers features that align with your brand and supports your growth. Remember that seamless integration with your existing systems can significantly improve efficiency and productivity in your business operations."

Advantages of Custom Business Phone Numbers

Custom business phone numbers can work wonders for your business as they help you stand out from the rest. Below are the main benefits of custom business phone numbers.

• Memorability – Custom telephone numbers are much easier for customers to remember. This memorability can lead to increased brand recognition and repeat business.
• Credibility – Having a custom phone number can enhance your business’s credibility. It gives the impression that your company is well-established and professional.
• Brand Consistency – Custom phone numbers can be designed to reflect your brand, whether it’s your business name, slogan, or a keyword related to your industry. This consistency reinforces your brand identity.
• Increased Response Rates – Marketing campaigns that feature custom phone numbers often see higher response rates. They’re easier for potential customers to recall and dial.
• Geographic Flexibility – Custom numbers are not tied to a specific location, making it easier for businesses to expand and serve customers in different regions.
• Analytics – Custom numbers can be used to track the effectiveness of different marketing campaigns. By using unique numbers for each campaign, you can measure which ones generate the most leads or sales.

What Are the Best Ways to Search for Custom Phone Numbers?

Searching for the perfect custom phone number for your business requires some creativity and research. Here are some steps to guide you –

1. Brainstorm Relevant Words and Phrases

Consider words or phrases that are related to your business, industry, or services. Think about what your customers are looking for and what keywords they might use.

2. Check Availability

Use online tools or contact phone service providers to check if the custom phone numbers you’ve brainstormed are available. Be prepared with a list of alternatives in case your first choice is already taken.

3. Consider Spelling Variations

Depending on the availability of custom numbers, you may need to consider variations or abbreviations that maintain your brand identity.

4. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Ensure that the custom phone number you choose complies with legal and regulatory requirements in your region or industry.

You May Also Read : How to Get a Business Phone Number Free

5. Evaluate Costs

Different providers may offer custom phone numbers at varying costs. Consider your budget and choose a provider that fits your financial constraints.

6. Integration and Features

Evaluate whether the chosen custom phone number can be integrated with your existing communication systems and offers the features your business requires.

Custom phone numbers can be a game-changer for businesses looking to stand out in a crowded marketplace. By making your phone number more memorable and aligned with your brand, you can enhance your marketing efforts and build stronger customer relationships.

Top 10 Custom Phone Number Providers

Selecting the right customer phone number provider is crucial. To answer the most common query of how to get a custom phone number for business, below, we have provided the list of the 7 best custom phone number providers.

1. CallHippo 

CallHippo is an advanced and user-friendly cloud-based phone system designed to cater to businesses of all sizes. It offers a variety of communication features, including custom phone numbers, call forwarding, and an interactive voice response (IVR) system. Businesses can make calls to any part of the world using CallHippo’s virtual phone system.

Features

• Virtual phone numbers with custom options
• Call forwarding and routing
• Power dialer 
• Call recording
• Interactive voice response (IVR) system
• Integration with multiple tools

Pricing 

• Basic – $0
• Bronze – $16
• Silver – $24
• Platinum – $40 

2. RingCentral 

RingCentral is a comprehensive cloud communications platform offering an array of services, including custom phone numbers. This platform is a one-stop solution for voice, video, and messaging needs, along with customizable phone numbers.

Features

• Custom phone numbers with keyword choices
• Video and audio conferencing
• Team messaging
• Integrations with popular business apps
• Mobile and desktop apps

Pricing 

• Core – $20 per user per month
• Advanced – $25 per user per month
• Ultra – $30 per user per month 

3. Phone.com 

Phone.com is a virtual phone system primarily designed for small and medium-sized businesses. It offers customizable phone numbers, call routing, and voicemail transcription. This is one of the most preferred phone systems for getting custom phone numbers for their businesses.

Features

• Customizable local or toll-free numbers
• Call routing and forwarding
• Auto-attendant with IVR
• CRM integrations
• Mobile and desktop apps

Pricing 

• Pro users – $27.19 per user per month
• Plus users – $18.69 per user per month
• Basic users – $12.74 per user per month 

4. Grasshopper 

Grasshopper is a virtual phone system tailored to entrepreneurs and small businesses. It offers customizable phone numbers, call forwarding, voicemail, and text messaging services. With its robust features, Grasshopper offers seamless calling experiences for growing businesses.

Features 

• Call forwarding and routing
• Voicemail and transcription
• Custom local or toll-free numbers
• Text messaging capabilities
• Mobile app for on-the-go access

Pricing

Custom pricing.

You May Also Read : 13 Best Second Phone Number Apps in 2023

5. MightyCall 

MightyCall is a leading cloud-based virtual phone system in the market, primarily designed for small businesses and entrepreneurs. It offers custom phone numbers, call tracking, call routing, voicemail, and other collaboration functionalities. MightyCall is an ideal choice for startups and small businesses. 

Features 

• Local and toll-free numbers
• Vanity numbers 
• Caller ID 
• Number porting
• Webphone 
• Call waiting
• SMS

Pricing

• Core – $15 per user per month
• Pro – $20 per user per month 
• Enterprise – custom quote  

6. Dialpad 

Dialpad is a cloud-based unified communications platform designed to empower businesses of all sizes with a comprehensive set of voice, video, and messaging tools. It offers advanced communication features, including custom phone numbers, video and voice conferencing, AI-powered voice transcription, team messaging, and seamless integration with a variety of business applications.

Features 

• Virtual phone number 
• Number porting 
• Local presence 
• Business phone number 
• Text messaging

Pricing 

• Standard – $15 per month per user 
• Prod – $25 per month per user 
• Enterprise – contact sales. 

7. JustCall 

JustCall is a cloud-based vanity phone number provider offering custom phone numbers and international numbers for businesses. It also provides features like call tracking, call recording, and integrations with CRM and helpdesk tools.

Features

• Virtual phone system 
• Auto dialer 
• Toll-free numbers 
• Custom numbers
• Call recording 
• automation

Pricing

• Essentials – $19 per user per month
• Team – $29 per user per month 
• Pro – $49 per user per month 

8. Avoxi

Avoxi is a cloud-based VoIP phone system and is used by all types of businesses. Users can effortlessly make and receive calls on their mobile devices. It is available for all license holders at no additional cost and is developed as software to give remote workers flexibility while ensuring they never miss a call.

Features 

• Automatic call distribution
• Call monitoring 
• Call disposition
• Call routing
• Queue callback

Pricing

• Launch: $0 per user/month
• Contact: $19.99per user/month
• Engaged Enterprise: $39.99 per user/month

9. Nextiva

Nextiva is a cloud-based business communication and collaboration software that provides business phone numbers to call, text, and manage contacts easily. Nextiva app is accessible on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices. Provides unlimited voice calling (US and Canada) so, that one can communicate with their business partners.

Features 

• Call recording & rating
• Call forwarding
• Three-way calling
• Call queuing
• Anonymous call rejection

Pricing

• Essential: $18.95 per user/month
• Professional: $22.95 per user/month
• Enterprise: $32.95 per user/month

10. Burner

Burner is a comprehensive phone system software enabling users to generate temporary phone numbers. It aids users in signing up for different services without compromising their privacy. With Burner, one can make and receive calls through an internet connection as well as cellular data or wifi.

Features 

• Custom voicemail greeting
• In-app calling (VoIP)
• Passcode/pin ock
• Auto-reply to texts
• Untraceable number

Pricing

• $4.99/Monthly
• $47.99/Yearly
• For more information, contact their sales team.

How to Choose the Right Custom Phone Number Provider?

Selecting the right custom phone number provider is a crucial decision for any business aiming to enhance its brand identity and customer communication. Custom vanity phone numbers not only make your contact information more memorable but also align with your brand. To ensure you choose the best provider for your specific needs, consider the following factors:

1. Identify Your Business Needs

Before embarking on your search for a custom phone number provider, it’s essential to clarify your business’s specific communication needs. Consider the following questions:

• What are your goals for using a custom phone number? Is it for branding, marketing campaigns, or customer service?
• How many phone lines or extensions do you require?
• Do you need advanced features like call recording, voicemail transcription, or integration with other tools?
• Are you a small business, a growing startup, or a large enterprise? Your scale will influence the type of provider and features you need.
• Understanding your business needs will help you choose a provider that offers the right solutions to meet those needs effectively.

2. Customization Options

The level of customization offered by a provider is crucial. Some providers offer only basic custom vanity numbers, while others provide more advanced options like vanity numbers. Vanity numbers are phone numbers that spell out a word or phrase on the keypad, making them highly memorable. Consider the level of customization you require and ensure the provider can meet those requirements.

3. Pricing and Plans

Custom phone number providers offer a range of pricing plans, often based on the features and number of phone lines you need. When evaluating pricing, consider the following:

• Initial setup costs: Some providers may charge for setting up custom phone numbers.
• Monthly fees: Determine the monthly cost per user or phone line.
• Additional features: Understand if certain features, such as voicemail transcription or call recording, come at an extra cost.
• Contract terms: Some providers require long-term contracts, while others offer month-to-month flexibility.

It’s essential to align your budget with the provider’s pricing structure to ensure it’s a sustainable choice for your business.

You May Also Read : What are Cloud Phone Numbers

4. Features and Integration

The features offered by the provider can greatly impact your business operations. Some essential features to look for include:

• Call forwarding and routing to ensure calls reach the right recipients.
• Voicemail with transcription for efficient message management.
• Integration with CRM tools to streamline customer interactions.
• Mobile and desktop apps for accessibility and flexibility.
• Video and voice conferencing capabilities for meetings and collaboration.

The availability of these features should align with your business’s communication needs and tools you currently use. Seamless integration with your existing systems can significantly improve your workflow.

5. Scalability

Consider your business’s growth potential. The right provider should offer scalability to accommodate your evolving communication requirements. This means being able to add more phone lines or users as your business expands. Make sure the provider can grow with you.

6. Customer Support

Reliable customer support is essential for addressing any issues or questions that may arise during your usage of custom phone numbers. Look for providers that offer responsive and accessible customer support, whether through phone, email, or live chat.

7. Reviews and Reputation

Research the provider’s reputation and read reviews from other businesses that have used their services. This can give you valuable insights into the provider’s reliability, customer satisfaction, and potential issues you may encounter.

8. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Ensure that the custom phone numbers provided adhere to all relevant legal and regulatory requirements in your region or industry. Violating regulations can lead to penalties and disruptions in your business operations.

9. Trial Period

Many providers offer trial periods during which you can test their services. Take advantage of these trial periods to evaluate how the provider’s services meet your needs and expectations.

10. Evaluate Multiple Providers

Finally, don’t rush your decision. Take the time to evaluate multiple providers, comparing their offerings, pricing, and features. Request demos or consultations to get a firsthand look at their services and how they can benefit your business.

By considering these factors, you can choose the right custom phone number provider that aligns with your business goals, budget, and communication requirements. Making an informed choice will help you create a memorable brand identity and provide exceptional customer experiences.

Conclusion

When selecting a custom phone number provider, consider your business’s unique needs, the scale of your operations, and your budget constraints. Each of these providers has distinct strengths and limitations, so a thorough evaluation will help you choose the one that aligns best with your communication requirements. Custom phone numbers can be a potent branding tool when combined with the right service provider.

FAQs:

1. Are custom phone numbers only for large businesses?

No, custom phone numbers can benefit businesses of all sizes. They’re not limited to large enterprises and can be used effectively by small businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs to enhance their brand identity and customer communication.

2. Are custom phone numbers more expensive than regular numbers?

The cost of custom phone numbers varies depending on the provider and the level of customization. While there may be initial setup costs and monthly fees, custom numbers don’t have to be significantly more expensive than regular numbers. It’s essential to choose a provider and plan that aligns with your budget.

3. Can I change my custom phone number in the future?

Yes, it’s usually possible to change your custom phone number in the future. Many providers offer flexibility in this regard. However, changing your number may involve some administrative steps, so it’s essential to check with your provider for the specific process.

4. Can I transfer my existing business phone number to a custom number?

Yes, you can often transfer your existing business phone number to a custom number. Many providers offer number porting services, allowing you to retain your current phone number while customizing it to align with your branding or marketing goals. It’s advisable to check with your chosen provider for details on number porting.

Supriya Bajaj

Supriya is a highly skilled content writer with over 8 years of experience in the SaaS domain. She believes in curating engaging, informative, and SEO-friendly content to simplify highly technical concepts. With an expansive portfolio of long-format blogs, newsletters, whitepapers, and case studies, Supriya is dedicated to staying in touch with emerging SaaS trends to produce relevant and reliable content.

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