How to Boost Your Business with Vanity Numbers - CallTrack

Vanity numbers are phone numbers that spell out a word or phrase related to your business, such as 1-800-FLOWERS or 1-888-BEST-BUY. They are a powerful marketing tool that can help you attract more customers, increase brand awareness, and improve customer loyalty. In this post, we will explain why vanity numbers are so effective, how to choose the best one for your business, and how to get started with using them.

Why Vanity Numbers Work

Vanity numbers work because they are easy to remember, catchy, and convey a message. According to a study by the University of Illinois, people can recall a vanity number 75% more accurately than a numeric one. This means that when potential customers hear or see your vanity number, they are more likely to remember it and call you later.

Vanity numbers also help you stand out from the competition and create a positive impression. They show that you are professional, creative, and confident in your products or services. They also communicate what you do and how you can help your customers. For example, 1-800-GOT-JUNK tells people that you offer junk removal services, while 1-800-DENTIST tells people that you are a dentist.

Vanity numbers also increase customer loyalty and satisfaction. They make it easy for your customers to reach you, which shows that you care about them and value their time. They also create a sense of familiarity and trust, which can lead to repeat business and referrals. For example, 1-800-FLOWERS has been using its vanity number since 1986, and has built a loyal customer base that associates the number with quality and convenience.

How to Choose a Vanity Number

Choosing a vanity number is not as simple as picking a word or phrase that you like. You need to consider several factors, such as:

• Relevance: Your vanity number should be relevant to your business and your target market. It should clearly indicate what you do and what benefits you offer. For example, 1-800-PIZZA is a good vanity number for a pizza delivery service, but not for a law firm.
• Simplicity: Your vanity number should be simple and easy to spell and pronounce. It should avoid using numbers, letters, or symbols that can be confused with others, such as 0 and O, 1 and I, or 2 and Z. It should also avoid using words that have multiple spellings, such as color and colour, or words that are hard to spell, such as rendezvous or quiche.
• Availability: Your vanity number should be available for you to use. You can check the availability of vanity numbers on websites such as Phone.com or RingBoost.com. You can also contact your phone service provider and ask them if they offer vanity numbers. If your preferred vanity number is already taken, you can try to modify it by adding a prefix, suffix, or area code, or by using a different word or phrase that is similar.
• Cost: Your vanity number should fit your budget. The cost of a vanity number depends on the type, length, and popularity of the number. Generally, toll-free vanity numbers (such as 1-800, 1-888, or 1-877) are more expensive than local vanity numbers (such as 212, 310, or 415). Longer vanity numbers (such as 1-800-FLOWERS) are also more expensive than shorter ones (such as 1-800-FLY). Additionally, some vanity numbers are more in demand than others, which can drive up the price. You can compare the prices of different vanity numbers on websites such as Phone.com or RingBoost.com.

How to Use a Vanity Number

Once you have chosen a vanity number, you need to use it effectively to maximize its benefits. Here are some tips on how to use a vanity number:

• Promote it: You need to promote your vanity number everywhere you can, such as on your website, social media, business cards, flyers, brochures, signs, billboards, radio, TV, or online ads. You need to make sure that your vanity number is visible, clear, and consistent across all your marketing channels.
• Track it: You need to track the performance of your vanity number, such as how many calls you receive, where they come from, how long they last, and what actions they lead to. You can use tools such as CallRail or CallTrackingMetrics to measure and analyze your call data. You can also use surveys, feedback forms, or testimonials to collect customer feedback and satisfaction.
• Optimize it: You need to optimize your vanity number based on the data and feedback you collect. You can test different variations of your vanity number, such as changing the word, the spelling, the prefix, or the suffix, and see which one generates more calls and conversions. You can also optimize your call handling, such as using a professional greeting, a clear menu, a friendly voice, or a call-to-action.

Vanity numbers are a critical tool for your advertising arsenal. They can help you attract more customers, increase brand awareness, and improve customer loyalty. By following the steps above, you can choose, use, and optimize your vanity number to boost your business.