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How to Get Virtual Phone Numbers for a Small Business

Krutant Iyer
February 8, 2024
8
min read

Nowadays, even for small businesses, having a virtual phone number is no longer just an option—it's a necessity. A dedicated business number helps establish credibility, enhances customer trust, and enables seamless communication, whether you're operating locally or looking to expand into new markets. However, traditional phone systems often come with high setup costs, complex installations, and rigid contracts that don't accommodate the evolving needs of a growing business. 

Small businesses require a flexible, cost-effective communication solution that scales with their growth, offering professional-grade features without unnecessary expenses. Virtual phone numbers provide that agility—eliminating hardware costs, reducing operational overhead, and ensuring that businesses of any size can maintain a strong, accessible presence for their customers. Whether you're a startup, freelancer, or expanding enterprise, a virtual phone number empowers you to stay connected anytime, anywhere, without the constraints of traditional telephony. 

With CINNOX, you can easily get a virtual phone number online in a cost-efficient, prepaid way—no contracts, no hidden fees, just flexibility with bundled features designed for seamless business communication.

 


Why Businesses Need a Virtual Number?

Standing out and staying connected with your customers is everything. You might be wondering, "Why add a virtual number to your communication mix? Isn't my current setup good enough?"  

Let's peel back the layers on this and really get to the heart of why a virtual number isn't just a nice-to-have—it's a strategic powerhouse for your business communication.

1. Stay Flexible

Take business calls from anywhere without being tied to a desk.

2. Build Credibility

A local or toll-free number fosters trust with customers.

3. Reduce Costs

Avoid high setup fees and ongoing charges of traditional phone systems.

4. Streamline Communication

Features like call forwarding, IVR, and voicemail ensure smooth customer interactions.

5. Business Continuity

Stay operational during disruptions with a cloud-based number.

In essence, a virtual phone number is more than just a communication tool; it's a strategic asset that empowers your business to operate more flexibly, project a professional image, save on costs, and simplify customer interactions. It's not just about keeping up; it's about staying ahead.


Types of Virtual Numbers

Virtual numbers come in different types to suit various business needs:

1. International Toll-Free (ITFS)  

A toll-free number that allows international customers to call your business without incurring charges.

2. Universal International Freephone Number (UIFN)

A single toll-free number accessible in multiple countries, enhancing global customer reach.

3. Local Numbers (aka Direct Inward Dialing or DID)

Establish a presence in specific cities or regions, making it easier for local customers to reach you.

4. International Direct Dial (IDD)

A number that allows direct international dialing for seamless global communication.

5. National Direct Dial (NDD)

A nationwide number that isn't tied to a specific city but provides national accessibility.

6. Vanity Numbers

Customizable numbers that spell out words or phrases (e.g., like 1-800-3569377 spells out to 1-800-FLOWERS), making them memorable for brand name recognition.


Localizing on a Global Scale

1. Bridging Distances without the Miles

Virtual numbers help you serve customers in China, Tokyo, London, and New York—without a physical branch—building trust and expanding globally.

2. International Toll-Free Numbers – Your Global Welcome Mat

Offering an international toll-free number is like rolling out a welcome mat for your global customers. It says, "We're here for you, and it won't cost you a dime to reach us", removing barriers and encouraging engagement.

3. Local Numbers (DID) – Personalized Service-at-Scale

DID numbers connect customers directly to departments or agents, speeding up service and improving satisfaction.

4. Enhancing Credibility and Recognition

A business phone number boosts your credibility, making your business feel more familiar and trustworthy to customers.

5. The Power of Choice

Offering toll-free or DID numbers gives customers the flexibility to reach you however they prefer.


Virtual Numbers vs. Traditional Numbers: A Comparative Look

Features

Virtual Numbers

Traditional Numbers

Location Flexibility

Untethered - Operate from anywhere in the world.

Geographically tied to a specific location.

Setup and Maintenance Costs

Low upfront costs and minimal maintenance.

High setup costs with ongoing maintenance expenses.

Scalability

Easily scalable to accommodate business growth or contraction without physical limitations.

Scaling up often requires additional hardware and can often prove very costly.

Business Continuity

Operations can continue unaffected by any local disruptions.

Vulnerable to local outages or disruptions.

Customer Reach

Global reach with local presence, using international and local numbers to cater to diverse markets.

Limited primarily to the local market or requires investment in international call forwarding services.

Innovation and Features

Packed with features like call forwarding, IVR, voicemail-to-email, and more for a seamless experience.

Often limited to basic functions unless integrated with costly PBX systems.

Mobility

Perfect for remote teams and mobile businesses, allowing calls to be taken on any device, anywhere.

Tied to physical office locations or specific devices.

Customer Experience

Can be tailored to offer a local, personalized experience globally, enhancing satisfaction.

May lack the personal touch for global customers or incur higher costs for international callers.

Adopting virtual numbers is akin to embracing the concept of a virtual office. It's about understanding the advantages of being unshackled from physical locations—enabling business mobility, ensuring 24/7 customer service, facilitating multilingual teams, and allowing close monitoring and adaptability in real-time. This digital transition represents a shift towards a more resilient, flexible, and customer-centric business model.


Getting a Virtual Phone Number with CINNOX

Step 1: Choose Your Country and Number Type

Select your number country and number type based on your business needs.

Step 2: Set Your Call Preference

Choose where incoming calls should be routed—mobile, landline, or business phone system.

Step 3: Submit Business Details for Verification

Complete the online form and upload the necessary verification documents.

Step 4: Make a Secure Payment

Experience a clear, secure, pay-as-you-go system with no hidden charges.

Step 5: Add Funds to Your Account

Recharge your account to cover call charges.

Step 6: Start Connecting

Begin making and receiving calls instantly.

Ready to begin? Get your Virtual Phone Number today!

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Get Your Virtual Numbers Today!

Setup is quick and straightforward with CINNOX. Talk to our experts to explore the full suite of features on our platform.