Vanity Phone Number: Advantages and Steps To Get One

Senior Writer: Supriya Bajaj

Date: December 5, 2023

Do you want to increase the chances of your prospects and customers contacting you, especially if they have queries? That’s possible if you have a memorable vanity phone number, aka a custom phone number that easily portrays your business’s purpose.

Also, advertisers can expect an improvement of 84% in recall rates with a vanity phone number compared to a random numeric telephone number displayed in advertisements. That means vanity numbers are a strong marketing tool too.

But what is a vanity number and how can you get a vanity phone number for your business? Here’s our elaboration on vanity numbers incorporating their benefits and how to get one. We have also included a list of the top 10 vanity phone number providers with their key features, advantages, and disadvantages (based on reviews) and pricing. Let’s dive in!

What is a Vanity Number?

A vanity phone number, also known as a custom phone number, is a unique number with a number prefix and a custom string of letters unique to your business’s purpose. These vanity phone numbers are of two types- toll free vanity number and local vanity number.

The toll free prefix that most vanity phone numbers or custom phone numbers have is 800, but as these are allotted on a first-come, first-served basis, most are already taken. The ones still available are often costly.

Wondering if you’d be able to claim a vanity phone number? Well, yes, you definitely will. How? The Federal Communications Commission has come up with a number of toll free prefix–888, 844, 877, 833, 855, 866, to meet the increased demand for custom vanity phone number.

Here are two examples of toll free vanity numbers: 1-844-GROCERY or 1-800-LAUNDRY.

These vanity phone numbers/custom phone numbers not only state the business’s purpose clearly but are also easy to remember and recall instantly.

Expert Advice

"It’s a fact that a number with random digits is difficult to memorise. And when customers cannot recall your business contact number, the chances are that they skip contacting you altogether. The good news is that there is a type of number that isn’t random, highlights your business’s purpose, and is easy to remember. It’s none other than vanity phone numbers. So, choose from our list of top 10 vanity number providers to leverage its benefits."

What are the Benefits of Local Vanity Phone Numbers?

Vanity phone numbers follow a particular alphanumeric pattern unique to businesses that portray the business’ core purpose. This feature of a vanity phone number carries a series of benefits. Here are some major ones you’d be excited to know:

1. Simple to remember

Vanity phone numbers are not some random series of numbers that help you reach out to a certain brand/business and are extremely hard to remember. Rather, it is a specific number prefix followed by a word that portrays your business’s purpose that new and existing customers are more likely to remember.

To make it even easier to recall, go for a vanity phone number with repeating digits, such as 222-4343. Such verifiable vanity business numbers increase the answer rate of your outbound/ cold sales calls and boost the chances of customers reaching out to you. How? Because such numbers are unique and make your business look professional and established, enhancing customer trust.

2. Seamless customer service

You can get multiple vanity numbers for different purposes or products your business caters to. This makes it easier for customers to understand which number can connect them to relevant support for quick query resolution and what they can expect when they dial a certain number. For instance, one vanity number can be dedicated to product order queries and the other for payment-related queries.

Now as and when customers have certain queries, they can easily recall and dial the number that matches their query best. This can streamline customer service and help you deliver the best experience.

3. Strong brand recognition and recall

Vanity numbers have certain keywords that briefly portray what your business is all about, driving brand recognition. These numbers establish your business as an industry expert and look catchy when mentioned in advertisements. To make your vanity number more memorable, opt for a number series complemented with your business address or specific service your business offers.

The keyword-number combination of vanity numbers often stays in customers’ minds for a long, boosting brand recall. Also, when such numbers are complemented with advertisement jingles, your brand is bound to be remembered by many. In fact, 72% of customers can easily remember a vanity number they come across in a 30-second ad, but only 5% can recall a standard phone number.

4. Enhanced credibility and security

Vanity numbers are unique to your business, so it is difficult for scammers to pretend to be you and steal customers’ data and money. This increases your brand’s credibility. Also, having a vanity number for your business eliminates the need to use your personal numbers for business-related calls. This safeguards your personal data from landing in the hands of fraudsters.

To take your data security to the next level, opt for a provider with strong security measures to secure your number from scammers and filter them out instantly. In addition, some privacy features like two-factor authentication or real-time SMS/ email monitoring prevent hackers from taking over your vanity phone number.

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How to Get a Vanity Phone Number

Vanity numbers are readily available to purchase from a business phone system provider or a Responsible Organization (RespOrg). A RespOrg is an entity that manages, ports, assigns, and maintains toll-free phone numbers with the help of the Toll-Free Number Registry–a database of all the existing toll-free numbers.

Now RespOrg can only assign numbers; Federal Communications Commission regulates the purchase and use of toll-free numbers.

Getting a vanity phone number can be a hassle if you don’t follow a proper procedure. But don’t worry; we have you covered. Here are 4 steps to get a vanity phone number:

1. Select a suitable vanity number provider

Getting a toll-free number or local vanity number starts with choosing a reliable carrier that sells you unique, unclaimed local or toll free phone numbers and not an existing one. Because in case you buy or sell an existing number (number brokering), you can land in trouble for going against FCC regulations.

Here are your green flags of authentic and trusted vanity number provider:

• Multiple number prefixes options
• Offers a choice between local phone numbers and toll-free vanity numbers
• Holds a RespOrg certification proving its reliability
• Offers various features and pricing options to choose from
• Has its security measures sorted

Check out the best toll-free number service providers.

2. Prepare a list of potential phone numbers 

Sticking to a specific toll-free vanity number you’d like to buy will lead to time drainage as there are more chances for it to be already claimed. So, it’s wise to have a list of toll-free numbers combining different keywords, phrases, and number prefixes so you can choose the available one. If you are a medium or large business, you can consider buying different numbers for different marketing campaigns/departments/services/locations.

Here are some pointers to remember while preparing this list:

• Choose words with zero spelling variations to avoid confusion
• Ensure that the phrases you include are unique and portray your business’s purpose clearly to establish a strong image
• Do not prefer trendy words as they’d go off-market

3. Check your desired number’s availability

Preparing the list of your preferred vanity numbers doesn’t mean you’ll get that number, as it might already be claimed. So, to avoid back and forth, you must check the preferred number’s availability on the number database search tool of your selected provider’s website. When you enter your preferred number, it searches for it in the existing number database and notifies you whether a certain number is available.

It’s great if the number you searched for is available; if not, choose from the similar alternatives the providers suggest automatically.

4. Final step to claim your business vanity number 

Once you have found an available and preferred vanity number, it’s time to make the payment and claim it. After your payment is completed, the vanity number is yours. But you can start using it only after activation.

Note: Activation of Vanity numbers may take 24 to 48 hours or longer; it varies with providers.

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10 Best Vanity Phone Number Providers

Multiple vanity phone number providers are floating in the market, but not all will suit your requirements. So, you must choose the one with high-utility features complementing your business needs and satisfactory customer reviews. Here’s a list of the 10 best vanity phone number providers you can choose from:

1. CallHippo

CallHippo, a business phone system provider, brings you local phone numbers and toll-free numbers for 50+ countries and offers a stack of value-packed features at affordable pricing plans. Regardless of your business’s size, CallHippo puts forth the scalability and low costs that works well for all.

Features

• Smart call forwarding
• On-hold music
• In-depth call analytics
• Virtual voicemails

CallHippo Pros and Cons

CallHippo is known to save significant business communications costs.

The software streamlines customer details so you can retrieve them easily when needed.

It segregates business phone numbers and personal numbers even on the same device. (Learn all about different kinds of business phone numbers.)

Its connection quality lags at times.

CallHippo’s mobile application crashes sometimes.

Pricing

Basic: $0/user/month

Bronze: $16/user/month

Silver: $24/user/month

Platinum: $40/user/month

2. UniTel

UniTel, a vanity phone numbers provider, empowers business owners to establish a professional image, stop missing business calls, and run their companies from anywhere. With UniTel, you can expect high-utility features that require no tech skills.

Features

• Dial-by-name directory
• Call blasting
• Inbound calls forwarding and transferring
• Voicemail and faxing

UniTel Pros and Cons

UniTel is quick to set up and easy to use.

The provider makes it possible to take/make calls from anywhere by using business phone numbers and not personal numbers for business.

It offers highly responsive customer support.

The setup fee is high.

Essential features like voicemail transcription and call blasting are add-ons.

Pricing

Start-Up: $9.99/month

Unlimited: $24.99/month

Office: $29.99/month

Office-Plus: $49.99/month

3. Grasshopper

Grasshopper is the best phone system and a virtual phone number provider for small businesses that lets you stand apart from competitors with memorable phone numbers. With Grasshopper, all you need to do is pick a number and plan to get started with your new vanity number.

Features

• Voicemail transcription and voicemail to email
• Simultaneous call handling and ringing
• Unlimited VoIP/WiFi calling in US and Canada
• Call screening

Grasshopper Pros and Cons

Grasshopper offers free trial with a no credit card required policy.

This provider keeps your personal and business phone number separate.

It is available on both a web browser and mobile phone.

It is difficult to set up.

Voicemails have a 30 days storage limit.

Pricing

Solo: $28/month

Partner: $46/month

Small business plan: $80/month

4. Avoxi

Avoxi, a vanity phone number provider, has a well-equipped infrastructure to provide you with the best call quality and security while giving you access to premium business phone system features. Not just that, it provides custom vanity numbers in 150+ countries.

Features

• Live analytics dashboard
• Automated call routing
• Call journey tracking
• Unlimited call groups with custom ring rules

Avoxi Pros and Cons

It gives $1000 in credit for each number you port to Avoxi.

Avoxi has zero setup costs and cancellation fees.

The voice quality Avoxi provides is exceptional.

The software doesn’t allow you to control the route of calls.

It has new monthly updates, which may prevent you from using the app.

Pricing

Contact: $19.99/user

Engaged Enterprise: $39.99/user

5. RingCentral

RingCentral, a business cloud phone system and vanity number provider, offers premium features to take your business’s messages, video, and phone calls to the next level. The best part is that RingCentral allows you to enjoy the benefits of an 800 toll free numbers by following a straightforward process.

Features

• Real-time and historical analytics
• Call whispering, call recording, call forwarding, and call barging
• Advanced third-party integrations
• Visual voicemail

RingCentral Pros and Cons

RingCentral provides 24*7 phone and chat support.

The software has a 99.99% uptime.

It offers seamless onboarding.

RingCentral is difficult to navigate.

Its features have a steep learning curve.

Pricing

Core: $20/user/month

Advanced: $25/user/month

Ultra: $35/user/month

6. eVoice

eVoice, a vanity number provider, offers a vanity number that clearly states your company’s purpose, builds a strong advertising strategy, and leaves the best first impression. It has no contracts or hidden fees and gives you a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Features

• Caller ID and call blocking
• Auto attendant with live receptionist
• Real-time call notifications
• Advanced international and local call forwarding

eVoice Pros and Cons

eVoice offers vanity numbers that are difficult to find anywhere else.

It is easy to upgrade as needed.

This vanity phone number provider has a high uptime and is known to offer reliable service.

Call recording is available as an add-on and not included in plans.

It offers limited online support in the knowledge base.

Pricing

Elite Monthly: $14/user/month

7. MightyCall

MightyCall is a virtual phone system provider designed for small businesses. It allows you to port your existing vanity number with no extra cost and let you choose a similar vanity number with similar phrases when your desired one is unavailable.

Features

• Hold music and custom greetings
• VIP and block list call routing
• Call waiting
• Performance indicator analytics

MightlyCall Pros and Cons

MightyCall provides high call quality with no connection problems.

It offers world-class security and reliability.

This vanity phone number provider integrates with all your favorite CRM apps like Zoho, HubSpot, and Salesforce

It doesn’t offer skill-based routing.

800 vanity numbers cannot be claimed without contacting customer support.

Pricing

Business: $15/user/month

Enterprise: $150/month

8. GoTo

GoTo, a business phone system provider, offers per minute pay-as-you-go basis with 1000 and 5000 minutes packs that can be used across different accounts. It allows you to create custom dial plans and make international calls effortlessly.

Features

• Password-protected call flows
• Dial plan editor
• Relationship/skill/location-based routing
• Audio conference bridge

GoTo Pros and Cons

GoTo has unlimited extensions included in each plan.

It facilitates unlimited calling in 50+ territories.

This vanity phone number provider allows users to apply discounts for more than two users.

Essential call analytics is only available on the premium plan.

It provides limited call management features.

Pricing

Basic: $27/user/month

Standard: $32/user/month

9. 800.com

800.com is a vanity number service provider providing businesses with 800 vanity numbers and basic calling features. Its easy setup keeps your business number up and running in minutes. With its high utility features, you can expect to increase call volumes and conversion rates.

Features

• Call notes
• Sequential call forwarding
• Call routing
• Auto attendant

800.com Pros and Cons

The platform has high customization capabilities.

The provider offers 1000 sets of toll-free minutes which saves cost.

It has a user-friendly and clean interface.

The application lags sometimes.

It routes calls quite slowly.

Pricing

Pro Yearly: $127/user

Unlimited Yearly: $64/user

Personal Yearly: $25/user

10. Phone.com

Phone.com, the best phone system provider, offers multiple custom numbers for a one-time fee. It has 50+ VoIP features to offer without the complications of popular UCaaS providers. You can access Phone.com with any device–desktop/app/mobile/analog phones.

Features

• Video calling to up to 10 users
• File sharing
• Meeting room branding
• Audio/Video recording and transcription

Phone.com Pros and Cons

Phone.com has strong 24*7 customer support over the phone, chat, and email.

It offers to mix and match different plans for a flexible plan unique to the business’s needs.

The provider has a high uptime and barely drops any calls.

It has very few third-party integrations.

Call recording features are not included in the basic plan.

Pricing

Basic: $11.99/user/month

Plus: $15/user/month

Pro: $23.99/user/month

Expert Advice

It’s a fact that a number with random digits is difficult to memorize. And when customers cannot recall your business contact number, the chances are that they skip contacting you altogether. The good news is that there is a type of number that isn’t random, highlights your business’s purpose, and is easy to remember. It’s none other than vanity phone numbers. So, choose from our list of top 10 vanity number providers to leverage its benefits.

? Don’t Miss: Top 9 Best Virtual Phone Services For Small Businesses

Wrapping Up

It is a great idea to make your contact number memorable for existing and potential customers. A vanity number does that as it is an easy-dial phone number that can include your brand name, purpose, or other words related to your business. These numbers might seem costly, but only if you buy them from standalone service providers. This is not the scenario with business phone system providers. These providers furnish a stack of call management features with a vanity phone number, justifying its cost while making your business calling seamless.

To choose the most suitable business phone number provider, see whether your preferred number and relevant features are available. Don’t forget to gauge whether the provider’s cost justifies the value they provide. Buy a vanity number today and experience its magic!

Frequently Asked Questions

1.  How can vanity phone numbers improve branding?

Vanity numbers either include your business name or a phrase that sums up what your business does. Doing this makes your brand look more established, professional, and memorable, improving branding.

2. Can I get a vanity mobile number?

You can get your vanity number online from vanity number/business phone number providers. Here are simple steps:

• Go to the provider’s website.
• Search for the get vanity number option.
• Enter your basic details.
• Enter the number you’d prefer.
• Finalize it and make payment.

3. How do you write a vanity phone number?

Here’s the outline of a vanity phone number–1-(800)-FLOWERS. Remember, your vanity number must be easy to memorize and spell. You may include an abbreviation, CTA, or a repeating number string.

4. Can you text with a vanity phone number?

Yes, some vanity number providers offer an SMS texting feature that allows you to send and receive texts.

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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