Virtual phone numbers give you the flexibility to communicate with anyone around the globe at any moment, through almost any device that has internet connectivity. Hence, it’s not surprising that online phone numbers are gaining widespread popularity. This provides you with unparalleled flexibility and privacy, which is a key concern for businesses across the globe.

In India, one can avail four different types of virtual numbers which include virtual mobile numbers, landline numbers, toll-free numbers, and local numbers. In this article, we delve into the details of these business phone numbers and highlight the differences between local and toll-free virtual numbers. We also guide you on how to get virtual numbers for your business.

What is a Virtual Number?

A virtual phone number is a phone number that operates independently of a physical network and has the capacity to handle multiple concurrent calls. It helps you keep track of and evaluate the performance of calls that come in. This means that you can communicate without the need for a physical telephone line in your office. You can make and receive calls using the virtual number in the same manner as a regular phone number. This also means that your inbound teams and remote/field agents can use the same virtual number to engage with customers and prospects.

Local vs Toll-free Virtual Numbers

Local virtual numbers are phone numbers that are assigned to a specific geographic location. They are usually formatted with an area code, which makes it easy for customers to identify the location of the business. For example, if your business is based in New York, you could choose a local virtual number with a 212 area code. This type of number is ideal for businesses that operate in a specific region or target a local audience. For example, a small business that only operates within a single city or state can benefit from a local virtual number.

Toll-free virtual numbers, on the other hand, are numbers that allow customers to call your business for free. These numbers are usually formatted with an 800, 888, 877 or other toll-free code, making it easy for customers to identify them as a toll-free number. Toll-free numbers are perfect for businesses that operate nationally or cater to a large customer base. For example, if your business operates across multiple states, you could choose a toll-free virtual number, which would make it easy for customers to reach you no matter where they are located.

Now that we understand the difference between local and toll-free virtual numbers, let’s look at how to get a virtual number for your business.

How to Get Virtual Numbers?

Despite the fact that major cloud communication providers offer similar features with their virtual numbers, businesses should carefully consider several key points of differentiation when choosing a number provider, in addition to evaluating the exact feature set needed to address their communication challenges. Here is how you can get a virtual number for your business:

1. Determine the type of virtual number you need: Before you start looking for a virtual number provider, you need to determine which type of virtual number you need. As we have discussed earlier, local virtual numbers are best for businesses that target a local audience, while toll-free numbers are ideal for businesses that operate nationally or cater to a large customer base.
2. Research and compare virtual number providers: Once you know what type of virtual number you need, you need to start researching virtual number providers. There are many providers out there, so it’s important to compare the services and costs of different providers to find the one that meets your needs and budget.
3. Choose a provider: Once you have compared the different virtual number providers, choose the one that best meets your needs and budget. You should consider factors such as cost, features, and customer support when making your decision.
4. Sign up for the service: Once you have chosen a provider, sign up for their service. Most virtual number providers like Knowlarity offer online sign-up, which makes it easy and convenient to get started.
5. Choose a virtual number: Once you have signed up for the service, you need to choose a virtual number. You can usually choose from a variety of local and toll-free numbers, so take your time to select the one that is right for your business.
6. Start using your virtual number: Once you have chosen your virtual number, you can start using it to enhance your customer service efforts, increase brand visibility, and streamline communication.

In conclusion, virtual numbers are a valuable tool for businesses looking to enhance their communication and customer service efforts. Local and toll-free virtual numbers each have their own unique advantages, so it is important to choose the type of virtual number that is best for your business. With the help of this guide, you can easily get a virtual number and start using it to boost your business.

With Knowlarity, you can benefit from unlimited channels, top-quality voice, regular analytics reports, multi-level security, and more for your potential virtual number. Get in touch with us today to get your own virtual phone number.