800 Vanity Numbers | How-to Guides for running your business from Business.com

An 800 "vanity number" that spells something — maybe your business name or special keywords — is a great way to help brand and market your business. Vanity numbers are easy to remember ("an instant recall toll-free trigger," in one company's words) and send a message to customers that you're a "player."

True 800 numbers that spell something business related are rare; most were taken long ago. But catchy numbers for the newer toll-free prefixes 888, 877 and 866 can still be found if you know where and how to look. The right vanity number can give you an instant edge over the competition.

Three things to keep in mind:

1) Unlike vanity license plates that cost a lot more in most states, toll-free "vanity" phone numbers don't cost any more. You pay the same whether it spells something or not. You can also "bank" several numbers now that you might want to use in the future, and pay only a small fee to hold them indefinitely.

2) Sometimes an easy-to-remember number trumps a number that spells a word, name or phrase, so don't automatically assume the "vanity" feature is better.

3) Think beyond 7-letter words. While the number is only 7-digits (i.e., 800-123-4567), the word or phrase you advertise could be longer (but not too much longer). When a caller finishes dialing the first 7 digits, the number will connect. Any additional numbers they might continue to punch in won't matter. Many businesses use vanity numbers that contain an extra letter or two.

Business.com's "What Works for Business" blog is a great way to keep up with the latest solutions, trends and strategies for small and medium business — including marketing ideas for small business.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use a toll-free search tool to find your perfect number

Online toll-free number search tools are terrifically helpful. All phone companies draw numbers from the same pool, so you can check availability anywhere, but sign up with a different company if you want.

I recommend: A search tool lets you quickly try out different letter and number combinations to see if anything is available in 800, 888, 877 or 866 all at the same time. AT&T's Toll-Free Lookup Tool is one of the easiest to use and most helpful available.

Use special tools and "wildcards" to make your search easier

Using "wildcards" in a number search tool in place of letters or numbers will make your search easier.

I recommend: For example, if you want the word "food" in your toll-free number, you could search for "***-FOOD" which would return all available toll-free numbers spelling the word FOOD as the last four digits. The AT&T lookup tool offers this capabililty. AT&T also offers a very handy toll-free recommendation tool that you can use to get a list of vanity number possibilities. Insert keywords or special terms, your business name, trademark or something else and the tool brings back number variations that might work.

Need help? Hire a vanity number specialist

Toll-free specialty firms help small companies find and set up the perfect vanity number.

I recommend: Dial 800 will assign a "Vanity Number Brand Task Force" to help your business find just the right number, using a keyword phrase that resonates with your target customers. They'll help identify your brand, select keywords, and set up your entire toll-free marketing program.

Can't find the right number? Try 3rd party providers.

A variety of firms have snapped up batches of toll-free numbers that they make available to small businesses.

I recommend: Firms such as Gotvmail, OurTollFreeNumber.com, Ring Central, TollFreeMax and Kall8 provide instant toll-free number activation for as little as $2 per month. One advantage of using these third-party providers is the additional features you get, such as online tools to track and manage your toll free numbers in real time, activate and forward 800 numbers and analyze results. Ring Central, for one, lets you pick a number before you proceed so you get what you want.

Consider "shared use" toll-free vanity numbers

Shared-use services offer vanity numbers for dozens of specific types of businesses, from accountants, attorneys and antique dealers, to veterinarians, welders and window companies.

I recommend: Telename provides shared-used vanity numbers used by hundreds of businesses. You can search for something that works by category or check the entire list that includes numbers such as 800-Apt-Rent, 800-Framing, 800-Music Store, 800-Roof-Care and hundreds more.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

Once you have your vanity number, put it to work. Make it part of your regular branding. Splash it across your website, ads and marketing materials. Incorporate it into every promotion that your business does.
Keep track of your toll-free activity, including calls from current customers as well as leads and prospects.

The official source of 800 Vanity Numbers is the 800 Vanity Numbers page at Business.com

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