How to buy a specific phone number online in minutes

Unlike a random phone number, a specific phone number which is unique is a great way to attract customers and boost your brand recognition.

In fact, nearly 58% of customers prefer a vanity number on advertisements. Additionally, 72% of people were able to correctly recall a vanity number after a short advertisement. Why? The easier you make it for your customers to remember, the more likely they’ll reach out to you.

Getting a specific business phone number might sound simple, but it can get a little tricky with all the different types of numbers, area codes and service providers out there.

We’ll explore the various types of phone numbers available, how to check if a specific number is free and tips for choosing the ideal number for your needs.

Okay, now let’s find out how to get a specific phone number.

How to get a specific phone number with iTeleCenter

Not sure if the number you want is available? With iTeleCenter, there’s no need to guess. You can easily search for available US local and toll free numbers with our look up tool.

1. Sign up for an account or try iTeleCenter free for 14 days.
2. During sign up or free trial, you can choose your city or area code in the US or Canada to pick your phone number or go for a toll free number. Our phone number lookup tool is simple to use and helps you check the availability of specific local and toll free numbers. Pick your own phone number with ease.
3. Complete the process, verify your account, download our mobile apps and start using your specific phone number right away.

3 different types of phone numbers

There are three different types of phone numbers for businesses:

Local numbers

Local phone numbers are 10 digit phone numbers that are linked to a specific area. For instance, if your business caters to customers in Los Angeles, you can pick a number with a local area code like 213 or 310.

Using a local number helps you imprint your presence in their community and build trust with customers. Also, they’re more likely to recognize and respond to familiar area codes.

Toll free numbers

Toll free numbers are a little different from local phone numbers. Toll free numbers normally charge the business (and not the caller) for incoming calls. They start with 3-digit prefixes like 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844 or 833.

Toll free numbers are great if you want to advertise or serve customers across the US or Canada.

Vanity numbers

Vanity phone numbers are similar to toll free numbers -> the business pays for the incoming calls. The difference here is that the last few digits spell out a word or phrase, like 1-800-BUY-TACO or 1-800-JOE-PIZZA

These types of numbers are perfect if you want your phone number to stand out and reflect your product or service. Also, these numbers are easy to recall, who can forget a number like 1-800-JOE-PIZZA?

However, vanity numbers can be pricey sometimes. But at iTeleCenter, you can get an easy to recall vanity phone number for just a small price.

How do I choose the right phone number for my business?

Okay, we get it, choosing the right phone number for your business can be a bit confusing. Here’s a simple three-step guide to help you get rid of that confusion:

1. Define your goals with your phone number

What is it that you want to achieve with your phone number? Ask yourself some basic questions:

Are your customers local? A local number can show them that you’re a part of their community. Remember, you don’t have to be located in a specific area to buy that area codes number. For example, even if you’re in Florida, you can get a number with a New York area code.

Are you looking to advertise or target customers nationwide? If that’s the case, then consider getting a toll free number. This allows your customer to call you at no charge.

Do you need a number that’s easy to remember? A vanity number can help. It’s great for advertising and super easy for customers to recall.

2. Try to get a memorable phone number

Having a memorable phone number just makes it easier for customer recall, especially if it features a pattern like 999 or 111. In fact, studies show that people remember vanity 800 numbers almost 80% better than standard ones.

If you’re looking to go with a vanity number, think about using words that resonate with your customers and business. Some vanity number examples,

Realtors -> 1-888-NYC-REALTY or 1-866-BUY-HOMES

Dog spa -> 1-800-WOOF-SPA or 1-888-SPA-DAWGS

Roofing business – > 1-833-ROOF-NOW

3. Choose a provider that works for you

When selecting a phone number provider, look for one that offers features that you need. Here are some things to look at:

Coverage across the US and Canada: This ensures you can support your customer wherever they are.

Transparent plans and pricing: You want to be able to upgrade or downgrade as your business needs change. Also, you don’t want to be signing contracts or paying a bomb in hidden fees.

Option to buy additional numbers: Make sure they offer additional phone numbers (local and toll free) as your business expands.

Best providers offering specific phone numbers

1. iTeleCenter: Best for small businesses and growing teams

iTeleCenter is a modern business phone system specifically built for small businesses and growing teams. The base plan starts at just $19.95 per month.

Best features

• Use the iTeleCenter app on your existing Android or iOS (both mobile and web) device without having to get an additional device.
• Forward calls to your mobile phone, landline, or other devices, so you can take calls anywhere.
• Send and receive text messages with ease. Supports both SMS & MMS texting.
• Comes with advanced features such as call screening, automatic call distribution, and call analytics to ensure that calls are directed to the right person or department seamlessly, and help you monitor important call metrics to maintain your team’s productivity as well as customer satisfaction.
• Too busy to listen to your voicemails? Get all your voicemails easily transcribed and sent to your email in readable text format, allowing you to read them quickly and conveniently.
• Know whether your business phone numbers have been flagged as ‘spam’ or ‘scam likely’ by carriers and get them delisted with our professional remediation service. If your numbers are ever marked as “spam”, we’ll let you know immediately.
• Be it during number porting, app set up, or upgrade, iTeleCenter’s professional concierge is always there to help you through any issues you may face.

Limitations

• Doesn’t integrate with third party applications. Businesses depending on third party applications may not find iTeleCenter to be the best option for them.
• No international calling.

2. Grasshopper: Best for phone number extensions

Grasshopper offers a simple business phone system solution for businesses. Known for its simplicity, Grasshopper helps businesses maintain a professional image without the need for complex systems.

Best features

• Forward your calls to other numbers or devices.
• Set up multiple extensions for different team members and departments.
• Ensure you never miss a message. Transcribe your voicemails into readable texts and get them sent to emails to avoid having to listen to them.
• Send and receive text messages using their app.
• Send and receive faxes online, eliminating the need for a physical fax machine.

Limitations

• Lacks some advanced features found in other VoIP systems, like video conferencing and CRM integration.
• If you’re a businesses with international clients, its higher international calling rates might catch you off guard.
• Offers limited integration with third-party software, which can be a downside for those wanting to connect their phone system with tools like CRMs.

3. Google voice: Best for Google Workspace users

Google Voice is a popular choice among small businesses. There are 2 Google Voice plans: the free personal plan and the paid Google Voice for Business plan.

If toll-free numbers are critical for your business, you’ll maybe want to consider a Google Voice alternative as they only offer local numbers.

Best features

• With this app, you can easily transcribe voicemails and send them to your email, similar to iTeleCenter.
• You get a free business phone number with Google voice’s basic plan. It is a viable option for startups, small businesses, and solopreneurs.
• Forward incoming calls to multiple devices.
• Google Voice integrates with other Google apps like Gmail and Google Calendar.

Limitations

• The biggest problem with Google Voice is that they don’t offer, which means you can’t contact anyone to help solve problems you may have with your number or software.
• Does not offer toll free numbers.
• Lacks some key features like auto replies, call recording, detailed analytics and so on.
• You might have to endure an additional expense of $6 per month, since you cannot use Google Voice without having a Google Workspace subscription.

iTeleCenter: The easiest way to get a specific phone number for your business

Choosing a specific phone number is quite an important step for your business, but selecting the right phone number and service provider is even more crucial.

At iTeleCenter, we make it simple to purchase specific local, toll free and vanity numbers. Why not start with a fourteen-day free trial of iTeleCenter.

Frequently asked questions