Large, well-known companies are more trusted. Customers like to see a brand audience and happy reviews to ease any worries before potentially spending money on a product or service and 81 % say, ‘Trust in brands is an important part of [their] purchase behaviour’. Some smaller or new companies may find this difficult as it's hard to compete with established competitors, but there are ways around this that will be outlined below.
Brand
A strong brand name and image helps to keep your company in the mind of your potential customers but contact details are a bit different.
77% of respondents to a survey believe a phone call is the most effective way to answer any queries (New Voice Media) and a survey done by Henley research shows that 65% of customers are more likely to call if it's free of charge.
Phone calls are vital to a business as they are a way to get leads and carry out customer service and therefore is invaluable to a growing business. Something to keep in mind when deciding what your brand image should communicate and who you are aiming to reach.
0330 Numbers
Although not as popular as 0800 numbers, 0330 phone numbers are also used for large businesses however they are not always free to phone and this can put customers off.
0330 numbers are great for alternative business numbers e.g. a customer service line for a large Brand but not ideal for your main contact numbers, again it is dependant on your desired brand identity. More information on 0330 numbers can be found here.
London Numbers
One option, depending on your desired brand identity, is a London Area code for your main contact number. This can be beneficial when working in certain sectors e.g. High-end furniture. Linking your brand to the capital compared to your mobile from your home office in the midlands will make it look more professional and could encourage larger businesses to match your larger appearance.
0800 Numbers
Alternatively, an 0800 number for business could benefit you. The caller does not have to pay to call – the business does and this can be helpful to the reputation/image of your company as using an 0800 number not only gives the impression of a large and established business, but also a caring one which chooses this option over others.
Another upside of toll-free numbers is one singular number can give a company a unified image even if your team members are spread out in different countries or around the world (OR in different home offices). By using a single number with multiple extensions, you can easily present yourself as one big organization and this can be done using our multi-user service.
“800, 888, or 877 numbers imply an established business. Back your 800 number with a virtual phone system (not an answering machine), where people can navigate the phone system to get hold of you.” -American Express
Generally, big companies take on an 0800 number and they take a lot of calls, seeing a big return on their investment as well as customer retention. If you are wondering how to get an 0800 phone number when you are already set up, don't worry! Virtual Landline allows you to buy an 0800 contact number that can be directed to a mobile or landline number of your choosing. Continue business as normal with more professional and formal looking contact details for only £6.50 a month.
Secure your virtual phone number today!
Transitioning from a single business phone number to a fully integrated phone system was a significant step, and Virtual Landline made the process seamless. Their platform offers a robust set of features—call routing, voicemail-to-email, multi-user support, and more—that were clearly explained and easy to implement. The onboarding process was smooth, and within just a few days, we began seeing improved efficiency and communication across the team. For any business seeking a scalable, cloud-based phone solution, Virtual Landline is a solid choice.
Kieran handled our recent transition to the new Virtual Landline call management system. The migration process of our business VoIP was smooth, and the onboarding video call to explain the system’s features and benefits was clear and informative. For anyone considering Virtual Landline as their VOIP service provider, rest assured—you’re making a reliable choice.
Virtual Landline made the setup process refreshingly simple. Their range of plans offers excellent flexibility and affordability, making it easy to find the right fit for your needs. What really stands out is the scalability of the service—it's reassuring to know that as my business grows, Virtual Landline has the features and support in place to grow alongside it. A smart choice for any business looking for reliable VOIP solutions.
Great to speak to a UK based call centre on the phone, Dan couldn't have been more helpful and friendly! Everything was explained clearly, and the switch over to Virtual Landline from my old copper landline went really smoothly. It did exactly what it promised. Really happy with how easy it all was.