Today, most businesses strive to stand out from their competition in any way possible. Differentiation is key, from branding and marketing to customer service and product offerings. However, one often overlooked strategy is choosing a catchy, vanity phone number that makes an impression.
While we can’t ignore the importance of a business phone number, a custom phone number is a unique, creative, and often memorable way to brand your company and instantly distinguish yourself from the competition. When people hear your phone number, they remember it. It helps solidify your brand identity and gives customers a positive first impression.
Below is how to stand out from the crowd: how vanity phone numbers can differentiate your business.
How vanity phone numbers can differentiate your business
Choose a Number That Fits Your Brand
The most apparent benefit of custom phone numbers is that you can choose one that perfectly complements your brand message. For example, a yoga studio may go with 777-YOGA, while a bakery could select 222-CAKE. The number acts as an extension of your branding and marketing efforts.
Make it Easy to Remember
Customers want phone numbers that are easy to remember. Choosing short, catchy numbers with repeating or rhyming digits helps improve recall and recognition. The simpler the number, the more likely customers will remember and pass it along.
Improve SEO and Search Rankings
Search engines factor phone numbers into their algorithms. A unique, branded phone number can slightly improve your search engine rankings and online visibility. Search engines recognize custom numbers as a sign of a professional, established business.
Stand Out from the Crowd
Let’s face it – most businesses utilize the same standard number formats from their telephone providers. Choosing a custom phone number helps you stand out from competitors who are “just another (555) 555-5555.” A unique number attracts more attention and makes an immediate first impression.
Reduce Misdials and Increase Call Volume
Research has shown that catchy, easy-to-remember numbers increase call volume by reducing misdials and increasing word-of-mouth referrals. Customers find vanity numbers easier to recall and repeat to friends and family. This leads to more incoming calls and potential leads for your business.
Be catchy, NOT cheezy
While trying to be creative and catchy, avoid numbers that seem overly gimmicky or “cheezy.” Simplicity, relevance, and memorability should be prioritized over trying to be too clever. Focus on aligning the number with your core brand values in an understated yet impactful way.
Integrate into all marketing
Once you have a custom number, integrate it prominently into all your marketing materials. List it on your:
• Website
• Business cards
• Flyers, brochures
• Email signatures
• Social media profiles
• Ad campaigns
Make it a central part of your branding strategy by consistently showcasing the vanity phone number across all touchpoints. The more often customers see it, the more likely they’ll remember it.
Create an Icon
Some businesses with highly memorable numbers go a step further by creating an “icon” out of their digits. For example, the number 8 becomes the “infinity symbol.” This increases brand recognition and makes the number even stickier in customers’ minds.
Use tools to monitor performance
Look for telephone providers that offer tools to track the performance of your vanity number. Metrics like call volume, call duration, and area codes of incoming calls can reveal insights into how effectively the number works for your business.
Test, evaluate, and optimize
Like all marketing initiatives, test your custom number, evaluate its performance over time, and be willing to optimize if needed. If the number isn’t driving the desired results after a period, consider tweaking or replacing it with a new option. Remember, getting the choice right is more important than sticking with one number forever.
How to Choose the Perfect Custom Phone Number
When looking for a creative vanity phone number, consider the following tips:
Brand-Aligned Numbers
Choose short, rhythmic number sequences with repeating digits if possible. These are the easiest for people to remember.
Easy Recall Sequences
Think of words, phrases, or combinations of numbers that relate to your brand. Let your business name and values guide you.
Memorable Rhyming Options
Consider rhyming options. Rhyming numbers often stick in people’s minds the longest.
Impactful Number Selection
Test out potential numbers by calling them out loud and having friends/family repeat them. Choose an option that’s the simplest yet most impactful.
Unique and Personalized
Be unique! Avoid numbers that seem generic or “random.” The more personalized, the better.
Instant Availability Check
Do a number search to ensure the vanity phone number you want is available. Services like Phonenumberguy.com offer number availability checks instantly.
Benefits and considerations when choosing vanity phone numbers:
Improved credibility and professionalism
Custom phone numbers give the perception that your business is established and “serious.” It signals a level of investment in your brand.
Enhanced customer interactions
Catchy numbers create a more positive and memorable first impression during customer calls. Customers enjoy interacting with businesses that have put thought into their brand.
Cost considerations
While vanity numbers sometimes cost more, the marketing benefits often outweigh the extra expense. Compare options from different providers to find the best value.
Availability constraints
Make sure to scour all potential number options. Custom numbers with ideal digit combinations tend to be taken quickly. Have alternative options in mind.
Optimizing for changes
Consider how a custom number might need to adapt or evolve as your business and brand change. Shorter, flexible numbers allow for more optimization.
Localization
Choose a number incorporating elements of your local community or region. This improves relevance and recalls for local customers.
Industry relevance
Select a number that resonates within your particular industry or business niche. Numbers with context and meaning perform best.
Screening Capabilities
Some providers offer additional features like call screening and IVR menus with custom phone numbers. Consider if these could benefit your business.
Simplicity above all
At the end of the day, the simplest, easiest-to-remember vanity number will provide the most significant benefit. Focus on brand relevance and memorability over being overly clever.
Conclusion
With creativity and brand alignment, a custom phone number can provide an immediate identity for your business that stands out from all the ordinary options. Consider making the switch – the benefits of increased recognition, memorability, and differentiation could significantly boost your company.