| A toll-free number (TFN) is a fantastic way for a | | | | reserved a branded number as described above, |
| company to brand their name, create a level of | | | | you will not risk losing it as long as you're willing to |
| comfort and goodwill with their customer base, | | | | maintain the service. An ancillary benefit to this |
| and encourage people to call. Even as cell phones | | | | portability is that you can split up your local and |
| and national coverage from carriers become | | | | long-distance calls between multiple carriers |
| more prolific, there is a psychological effect to | | | | without needing to use multiple toll-free numbers. |
| attaching a TFN to your company. Studies have | | | | Additional Features |
| shown that even if a person can make interstate | | | | New technology has expanded the list of features |
| calls without charge, he or she will be more | | | | available to small businesses that use toll-free |
| inclined to call a business using a toll-free number. | | | | numbers. For example, you can block incoming |
| It implies a level of stability and reliability. | | | | calls from certain areas. You can also implement |
| In this article, we'll explain a few factors you | | | | tracking in the event your company uses several |
| should consider when incorporating a TFN into | | | | TFNs. That would allow you to measure the |
| your small business. | | | | response from multiple advertising campaigns. |
| Be A Little Vain | | | | Another useful feature is the ability to require |
| Besides supporting a perception of stability, one of | | | | callers to input a code in order to make the call |
| the best uses of a TFN is for branding purposes. | | | | without paying a charge. This might be valuable |
| For example, suppose you operate a nail salon | | | | for companies who want to extend the service |
| that specializes in pedicures. You might brand your | | | | to their traveling employees (for example, so |
| company with 800-TOENAIL. An eyeglass | | | | they can retrieve voicemails) or preferred clients. |
| company might use 888-RETINAS. A small | | | | A toll-free number can be a valuable asset to |
| painting venture could use 877-PAINTER. Once | | | | your small business for several reasons. It gives |
| you reserve your toll-free number, it can become | | | | your audience confidence that your company is |
| an important component of your marketing. You | | | | stable; it encourages them to contact you; and it's |
| can display it proudly on your business cards, | | | | an effective marketing tool that can help brand |
| letterhead, and print advertising campaigns. | | | | your company. Of course, there is an additional |
| A Portable Brand | | | | cost to using a TFN. However, like most business |
| The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) | | | | expenses, you should consider it an investment |
| mandated that TFNs must be portable. That is, | | | | that can help propel your company toward future |
| they will be attached to your company even if | | | | growth. |
| you switch carriers or relocate. If you have | | | | |