5 Mistakes Companies Make When Choosing a Toll-Free Number

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#1 Number Hybrid

Number hybrids are by far the most common mistake business owners make in choosing a toll-free vanity number. 1-800-493-TINT is not nearly as valuable as 1-800-TINTING. People can easily remember words, not numbers. A hybrid quickly becomes 1-800-something-something-something TINT to the potential customer. A hybrid might save a few dollars on the monthly fee, but over time, you'll throw away thousands away on advertising and thousands more in missed business opportunities.

Number Hybrid Example

#2 800 & 888 vs. 877 & 866

Whenever possible, try to establish yourself with an 800 vanity number. It is by far the most recognizable to the general public. When that is impossible, 888 is the second choice. Although not as good as 800, 888 numbers are still better then 877 and 866. Avoid 877 numbers, as you may lose some of your calls to mis-dials. Never use 866 because you could lose up to 1/3 of your calls.

800 & 888 vs. 877 & 866

#3 Vanity Name Choice

Select a vanity number that either spells out your industry (800-FLOWERS, 1-800-EYESIGHT, 1-800-INSURANCE) or describes/reinforces the advertising message you are trying to convey (Fabulous Honeymoon vacations-1-800-FABULOUS). Avoid spelling out your company name unless you are sure everyone knows your company name. Stewart's Roofing is much better off with 1-800-ROOF CARE then 1-800-STEWART, which could be almost any type of business.

#4 Spelling

Your vanity number must to be easy to spell. Never use the letters "Q" or "Z" as they have only recently been added to newer telephone keypads.

Keep It Easy To Spell

#5 Marketing/Branding

Don't be selective where you use your new vanity number. Make it the front door to your business for everything you do that the public sees or hears. Selective use for just radio spots, for instance, will not net the best overall performance. There is a reason why FedEx places the 1-800-Go FedEx number in all of their advertising. The same is true for UPS, 1-800-PICK UPS. These companies recognize the value of vanity numbers in advertising.

By simply avoiding these five mistakes you are well on your way to excellent advertising execution. Now please review our database of vanity numbers either by industry or by perusing the entire list and let's get started making your advertising work as hard as it can.

Also see:
How to Choose an 800 Number: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting a Toll-Free Number, 60secondmarketer.com