Importance of a business phone line
When most people set up their new start-up company or freelance business, they usually use their mobile number as the main phone number to contact. This is OK but, depending on the business it can seem a little un-professional. If your new business is a “mobile” business e.g. a pet sitter or mobile car bodywork sprayer then for sure a mobile phone number is definitely the most practical, although you can still get a proper phone line set up which simply forwards to your mobile number.
But if you work from a home office then you should definitely consider a separate phone line, for the following reasons…
People don’t like ringing mobile phone numbers…
If you put a landline number and a mobile number on a brochure or advert, you can bet your life that 100% of people will choose to ring the landline number first. People know that it’s cheaper to ring a landline number, they also generally trust a landline number more as it feels more established, like the business has roots and a feeling of permanence. Also, landline phones are generally better quality and less likely to break up or lose signal. If someone needs to get some information from you they like to know they will be able to hear what you’re saying!
Good business phone numbers are easy to remember…
If someone sees an advert for your company whilst out and about or whilst browsing at speed, there are two vital snippets of information they should be able to retain – 1. Your website address 2. Your phone number. What’s easier to remember – 0845 202020 or 07968 674398? Granted, having such an easy to remember will cost you a little bit more.
If your business relies on any kind of word of mouth, then giving people the ability to easily tell each other your business name and number is a very powerful marketing tool indeed. If you can afford a business number then it adds even more credibility to your company. People are aware that these things cost money, if you can afford to invest in your company then you must be doing well and making all the right moves. Business is 50% product 50% perception. You have to look good to out shine the competition. Think about it, if you were looking through a magazine and saw two adverts side by side, both advertising the services of a freelance financial accountant, which one would you phone first – 07712 653889 or 0800 100200?
It’s a way to separate work life from home life…
Some people use their home landline number as their business phone number. I think that’s crazy! There is no separation from work and home life. Whilst it’s important to work hard on your new business, you also need to take a break. If the phone rings at 8pm on a Sunday evening whilst you’re relaxing with a nice glass of wine, do you answer the phone? It might be your brother or sister or a long lost friend who you haven’t spoken to in ages, it may also be a cold calling salesman trying to flog you advertising or business insurance! You won’t know until you answer it.
Similarly, if your friends and family know that you work from home, they can (and will) call you in the day for a chat. Because you’re at home they view it like you’re not really working! So they will happily chatter away about nothing for an hour or more. Now this is fine, because working from home can be lonely for some people. But if a customer or client is trying to get through to you on your one and only phone number, after about 2 tries they will give up and try the next person on their list! With two different phone lines, you have the choice and flexibility to handle these situations.
Business phone lines are a good idea!
Using your mobile phone number to get yourself up and running is perfectly fine to begin with. But look around at the competition. Do they offer business phone lines as contact points? If they do then you should too. If they don’t then maybe being the first will give you an advantage over them. A business number can be a really great addition to your business. It will certainly boost the way people perceive your company and help them take you seriously.