5 Things to Know About Free Business Phone Numbers

Staying professional and frugal

As your small business grows, you may begin to think about using a business phone number service. The phone lines they provide help you project professionalism and separate your personal life from your work life. 

But is that right for your business? What useful features do the best business phone lines have? And how do these lines even work?

At Walmart Business, we know there’s a lot to learn about business phone line providers. This list can help you choose the right free service for you.

How does a business phone number service work?

The American consumer has more ways than ever to communicate with a business, but voice remains their preferred method.¹ Companies would be wise to keep the phone lines open, especially as they’re growing. A business phone line provider helps you do just that.

Once upon a time, that meant an entirely separate phone line, but smartphones let one device receive calls for more than one phone number. 

Smartphones also allow you to use business phone line services from sources other than major phone companies—and often at better rates.

Toll-free and vanity numbers

Traditional businesses can have a toll-free number, which automatically charges the cost of the call to the business. 

They can also customize the actual digits customers dial by getting what’s known as a “vanity” number. Businesses often use this to make numbers that spell out words, such as 1-800-WALMART.

These features can be helpful, but business phone number services typically charge for them. If that’s a deal-breaker for now, remember that appearing as a local number can inspire trust from local customers.

Features to look for in a free business phone number service

Free business phone line services tend not to offer the same set of features as a paid plan. For example, you may not get access to call recordings, software integrations or additional users on the same line.

Here are the features that can set one free service apart from its competitors:

• Mobile calling: Most free line providers let you use a smartphone, tablet or computer.

• Texting: Text messages are a great way to provide rapid responses, solve simple problems and assure customers you’re working on their requests.

• Voicemail: You can’t catch every call you receive. Voicemail lets you keep a record of who called you when, what they need your help with and how you can reach them.

• Secure communications: Business calls routinely include confidential information. Look for a service that encrypts your calls, protecting them from hackers trying to gain access.

• Voicemail transcripts: Automatic voicemail transcripts let you quickly scan your messages to prioritize what matters most.

Keep saving with Walmart Business

Using a free business phone line service is a great way to save money as you grow your business. If you’re looking for another, look no further than Walmart Business. Whether you need a phone for your new line or a laptop bag for working on the go, Walmart Business can help you out—all at an everyday low price. Click here to learn more.

Sources:

1. Hiya, State of the Call 2023